Cheap, Smart New Year's Eve Party Ideas
Want to live greener on less green in 2011? Start with your New Year's Eve party.
By Gloria Dawson
Setting the Table
The easiest and cheapest way to get enough seating for your guests is to borrow from your neighbors (this might mean you'll need to invite them to your party, so be prepared). If you still need more supplies, try renting them from a party supply store. You can get glasses, china and tablecloths as well. If you're going the disposable route, try some eco-disposable options. BiodegradableStore.com has a plate made from sugarcane, an annually renewable resource. At $6.95 for a pack of 50, the price is pretty sweet too. Green Party Goods has great options for festive napkins, or take a look at Plum Party's eco-supply section.
Invites
Keep it simple and free with an e-vite or e-card. Find "cards" at Evite or MyPunchbowl. Try Someecards if you want to get hilarious responses.
BYOB
Tell guests to "Bring Your Own Bubbly" (or box of wine) to share the cost of the shindig. Try a bottle of from our list of organic sparklers, and boxed wine .Tell your guests it's a green theme; they'll be surprised how many drink options are available.
Decor
To spice up your place on the (green) cheap, try biodegradable crepe paper streamers, recycled rubber star coasters and soy candles to set the mood. Empty wine or champagne bottles can be used as candlestick holders or vases. Try DIY confetti with scrap paper, newspapers or used holiday gift wrap: Just grab some scissors or a hole punch and cut away. For another option — and one that is easier on your fingers — try these awesome shredder scissors by uncommongoods.
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