8 Holiday Party Ideas for a Sustainable (yet Elevated) Gathering

One of the BEST parts of the holiday season is gathering with loved ones. But with all the craziness this time of year, it can be hard to plan something thoughtful. That’s why I’m sharing 8 holiday party ideas to help you create a memorable and eco-conscious gathering. There are so many easy swaps you can make to elevate your party and make it more sustainable at the same time. These are just a few to get you started!

Purchase wine for your gathering at local wine stores

While grocery stores are convenient, there are so many amazing smaller wine shops that are worth exploring and supporting. These local shops are typically better equipped to offer a more personal shopping experience and can provide excellent recommendations for your gathering based on your budget and menu. Plus, many of these shops do regular tastings! You’ll also be able to find options for more unique wines, including natural and sustainably made wines. If you’re in the greater Seattle area, here are a few options to get you started:

• Molly’s Bottle Shop (West Seattle and Ballard)
• Imperfetta (Fremont)
• fatcork (Queen Anne)
• Iola Wines (online)
• Fruit Wine Co. (Bellevue)
• Field Bar & Bottle Shop (Tacoma)
• Left Bank (South Park)

Consider renting place settings

If you want to create a memorable holiday table this year, consider renting place settings from a local rental provider. This is a great option for hosts who don’t have their own inventory of tableware or just want something more upscale this year. We will never advocate for buying new “stuff” that you don’t need – renting is the perfect solution to create something beautiful and unique in an environmentally-conscious way. Celebrations for Every Season, one of our favorite local rental companies, is offering a holiday bundle that includes everything you need for an elevated holiday table featuring high-quality vintage pieces. Pedersen’s Event Rentals is another local fav with a huge inventory and no minimum spending requirement.

Change up your holiday gift swap

Holiday gift swaps are always popular this time of year. Unfortunately, if you’re not intentional about them, they can become just another means of buying and receiving more “stuff” from big-name retailers.

If hosting a gift exchange is an important holiday party tradition, there are ways you can switch things up to make it more thoughtful and sustainable! For example, you can ask that gifts be purchased from a favorite local small business. Or, depending on the crowd, make the gift swap part of the gathering by having guests bring a favorite wine and cheese to share. If doing a silly gift exchange, have everyone buy their item at a local thrift store.

Build a menu full of plant-based options

We don’t always like to hear it, but reducing our intake of meat and animal products is a BIG way to lower our environmental impact. As a vegetarian who’s hosted many gatherings, I can attest to how delicious and effective party menus can be with limited (or no) meat options. This is an easy step that anyone can make towards hosting a more sustainable holiday gathering. And, more often than not, it can actually save you money. Luckily, there’s a ton of inspiration for vegetarian and plant-based menus out there online to get you started!

Incorporate natural materials into your decor

If you’re someone who doesn’t have a collection of decor on hand (and doesn’t want to accumulate more,) natural elements are a great option. Try placing evergreen boughs (or other local greenery) in vases and jars. Or, to create a natural table runner, scatter them down the center of your table. You can also take advantage of the amazing citrus fruits winter has to offer! Oranges decorated with cloves add a pop of color (and smell amazing.) Unwanted citrus fruits can also be dried to create ornaments or additions to your table decor.

Use candles to create an elegant, yet cozy ambiance

There’s something magical about soft, flickering candlelight. If you don’t have the energy to get creative with decor, simply adding candles to your celebration can help set the mood. Look for candles made of natural waxes like soy or coconut wax for a healthier alternative to paraffin. Or, if real flames aren’t an option, there are some really lovely flameless alternatives these days. Try checking out local thrift stores to find votives and candle holders. If you can’t find traditional holders, get creative and utilize different jars, glassware, and dishes instead!

Fill your home with holiday scents (naturally)

If you want to make your home smell like the holidays, try using a natural recipe versus artificially scented candles or air fresheners. Here’s one idea for a homemade potpourri, and there are lots of others available online.

Source local and seasonal goods for your menu

Let your region’s food scene inspire you! You can create a truly special holiday menu by incorporating locally produced and seasonal food and beverages. Using items that are grown and made locally will also have a lower environmental footprint than items that are imported from afar. Research what produce is in season in your area and look for recipes that feature those items. Fill your cheeseboard with locally-made cheeses, nuts, and dried fruits. Or, just buy bread or dessert from your local bakery instead of big-name grocery store!

There are so many ways to get creative with your holiday party, and to do so in a sustainable way. These are just a few holiday party ideas to get you started. If you’re feeling overwhelmed about hosting or are just running out of time, we can help! From creative consulting to grocery shopping and party prep – we’ve got you covered. Click here to schedule a FREE event concept call to get started, or learn more about our services.