Posts Labeled ‘eco-chic’

June 29th, 2010

Put a Cork in it!

I have a pretty serious obsession with serving trays — something I’ve confessed to in an earlier post. Perfect for entertaining and incorporating into one’s decor, they really are very versatile. One tray with books sits atop my coffee table, another hems in my toiletries in the bathroom, one is for a grouping of candles on a table, another is used for meals in bed when one of us is sick, there are two we use every-so-often for dinner on the couch… and the list goes on!

There are so many fabulous options for trays in stores, but I am very fond of these recent DIY trays that I spotted — both using cork. Cork is a sustainably-produced, natural material with a very organic feel. It is easy to work with, readily available, and fairly impermeable, making it a great material to use on a tray.

The first project I spotted came from  Design*Sponge, one of my favorite sites for inspiration. The basket-weave pattern of the cork provides texture to an otherwise drab tray (I know because I own that tray!) from IKEA. The process looks fairly simple and the instructions are easy to follow.

an IKEA tray transformed by cork

the weaving process

This Martha Stewart-inspired tray also features cork but in a completely different way. The punched cork adds a bit of whimsy to the tray and will also help to keep things from slipping.

Martha Stewart-inspired Punched Cork Serving Tray

"How to" for the Punched Cork Tray

 

March 22nd, 2010

Super Sips: Reusable Straws

When I work a wedding, one of the things I always bring with me in my emergency kit is a pack of drinking straws. The straws are helpful in making sure the bride and bridesmaids don’t smudge or wear off their lipstick after they’ve had their makeup done.

I recently came across these fantastic reusable straws. While they may not work for my kit, I couldn’t help but think how helpful they would be at home — especially for families with children. Cool looking AND eco-friendly — sipping has never been so fashionable!

stainless steel straws from Always Brilliant

stainless steel straws from Always Brilliant

Festive Family set of straws, from Strawesome

Festive Family set of straws, from Strawesome

beautiful bend straw from Glass Dharma

beautiful bend straw from Glass Dharma

pink glass straw from Strawesome

pink glass straw from Strawesome

October 29th, 2009

Just Coasting Along: Fabuluxe coasters for at-home entertaining

A great hostess thinks of everything — including ways to ensure that her brand new coffee table doesn’t end up with rings on it at the end of the night. Setting coasters out in stacks or groups near occasional tables at a party not only protects your furniture, but it also makes it more comfortable for guests who may be searching for a good place to set their drink.

In her tome, Etiquette, Emily Post declares that, “plenty of coasters are a necessity if you wish to preserve the finish on your tables. Disposable paper ones are fine — just be sure they are in view at every conceivable resting place for a glass.”

I couldn’t agree more, Mrs Post, except I would also encourage using reusable coasters — just another small way to be eco-chic when entertaining.

Here’s a roundup of some of my favorite coasters this season:

"Red Flourish" coasters from Williams-Sonoma Home

"Red Flourish" coasters from Williams-Sonoma Home

Recycled Cardboard Coasters from Bambeco

Recycled Cardboard Coasters from Bambeco

Glass coasters from Geary's

Glass coasters from Geary's

Silver Lake Map Coaster from A+R Store

Silver Lake Map Coaster from A+R Store

Reclaimed Slate Coasters from Uncommon Goods

Reclaimed Slate Coasters from Uncommon Goods

Beaded Zebra Coasters from Z Gallerie

Beaded Zebra Coasters from Z Gallerie

While these aren’t reusable, they are 100% recyclable — and they were too cute to leave off of the list!

"Hello My Name Is..." Recyclable Placecard Coasters from Perpetual Kid

"Hello My Name Is..." Recyclable Placecard Coasters from Perpetual Kid

 

August 10th, 2009

Hostess Gift: Eco-Chic Napkin Set

I’m always looking for great hostess gifts — something unique to bring when visiting a friend or attending a party.

These numbered napkins from Heather Lins make a perfect gift for so many reasons!

When each guest or family member is assigned a number, there is no question of whose napkin is whose. No more wondering, “Is this my napkin?” And using linen napkins for everyday dining is so eco-chic! (For more on using linen napkins for everyday, check out this previous post.)

Heather Lins has chosen a fabulous font which makes the design so appealing. It’s fresh and modern and the neutral palette can work with any decor.

In my opinion, a home can never have too large a linen napkin collection, making these a near foolproof gift!

Heather Lins Home Numbered Napkins 1-6

Heather Lins Home Numbered Napkins 1-6

May 12th, 2009

Eco-Chic Entertaining with… Napkins (Part 2)

I love using cloth cocktail napkins when I throw a party. Set alongside appetizer plates and glasses on the bar, the small napkins are a great way to tie in the color or motif of one’s party. Cloth cocktail napkins are not only a nice touch for guests (who wouldn’t prefer cloth to paper when dabbing one’s lips?!), but they are also a small way to show care for our environment. Instead of throwing paper napkins away into the trash after a party, all the host has to do is toss the cloth cocktail napkins in the washer to be cleaned for the next use.

A standard cocktail or tea napkin is 12″ x 12″ before folding. There are some lovely choices for a host to consider, all available through a variety of stores. Here are a few that I like:

Leontine Linens RIley Cocktail Napkins

Leontine Linens RIley Cocktail Napkins

Williams-Sonoma White Monogrammed Hotel Cocktail Napkins

Williams-Sonoma White Monogrammed Hotel Cocktail Napkins

Set of Six Toasts Cocktail Napkins from Geary's

Set of Six Toasts Cocktail Napkins from Geary's

Crochet tea napkins available at Neiman Marcus

Crochet tea napkins available at Neiman Marcus

Roxie Print Cocktail Napkins from Crate & Barrel

Roxie Print Cocktail Napkins from Crate & Barrel

As a general practice, using cloth napkins at home not just when entertaining is an important way to limit trash/waste generated in the house. Be sure to check out part one of this post that discussed using napkin rings and cloth napkins as one eco-chic way to entertain.

April 22nd, 2009

Eco-chic shopping

Today is Earth Day. Over the past few years, I have become more interested in small ways that I can help, and not hurt, our environment. Afterall, the planet is God’s creation and it seems only right that we should be good stewards of it.

One practice I’ve taken up is being conscious of how many shopping bags I use.

At stores, I try to not have my merchandise bagged unless I really need one. The shopping bags I do get I store at home and reuse for other purposes.

When at the grocery store, I never bag my produce separately in the produce department (it seems such a waste when I will just get home, take the produce out of the bags to store it, and throw the bags away).

Also, I make it a practice to bring reusable shopping bags to the grocery store. I try to leave some in my car so I never arrive at the store without one.

Reusable bags are easy to find these days and almost all of the grocery stores sell their own branded styles.

But why not be chic when shopping? I love the shopper bags by See by Chloe. There are several styles available at Bloomingdale’s and other department stores, but I love this particular one.

See by Chloe Best Ever Big Shopping Bag - available at Bloomingdale's

See by Chloe Best Ever Big Shopping Bag - available at Bloomingdale's

So celebrate this Earth Day by going shopping in style — eco-chic style!