Resist, Reduce, and Reuse!
Are you craving gatherings that are meaningful, memorable, beautiful and sustainable? Your Celebration Fairy Godmother has some tips to help you out!
Tip #1 is all about the new 3 R’s: Resist, Reduce, and Reuse.
News Flash! Fast fashion isn’t just about new clothes. Constant marketing and social media can make us feel like we have to have new “stuff” all the time and it’s simply not true. Resist the temptation to buy new décor every year.
Reducing the amount of stuff we buy is also a way to protest against big corporations who wants to keep us in FOMO mode. If you really want to buy new, definitely support local small businesses or creators on Etsy instead of shopping at places like Target and Amazon because they do not care about us, our neighbors, or our planet.
Buying local is no small thing. According to an article in Business.com written by Mark Fairlie, small businesses empower local communities by: creating jobs and revenue that stays in their local communities, sparking innovation, creating opportunities for women, minorities, and immigrants and contributing to local charities and initiatives all while adding to the character of the neighborhood. Not only that, small businesses help minimize carbon emissions and contribute to your community’s sustainability goals through the common practice of sourcing materials locally which reduces transportation emissions and requiring less infrastructure.
Getting back to your holiday table, reusing the same tablecloth, napkins, or centerpiece can not only protect your peace and your pocketbook, it can become a cherished tradition. Even I, an event professional who has way more dishes and décor than any normal person, have my own favorites that I enjoy pulling out year after year. It’s comforting, nostalgic, and honestly, a delight.
Do you have a favorite tablecloth or special dishes that you look forward to using at the holidays? Here are a few pics of my favorites.
Tip #2:
Get comfy with your color palette
Who says you have to go with traditional fall colors for autumn holiday gatherings? I, for one, don’t really like the color orange. I’ll use it, but I really love all the pretty pumpkins in pastel shades of cream and pink. Maybe you prefer a rich green, soft blue, or gentle neutrals?
My sister has a hydrangea that turns the most gorgeous shades of burgundy and plum. It makes me want to design an entire tablescape around these tones and, in fact, I have!
You absolutely don’t need to worry about following “trends” or traditions. Just use whatever colors make you happy!
Tip #3: Shop your home/garden/neighborhood.
Chances are you already have some items you could re-purpose for holiday table décor. How about a pretty scarf for a table runner with some autumn leave and branches sprinkled on top? Maybe even some sage leaves or other herbs or greenery from your garden? Dig out that candle lantern you used last summer, put it in the center of the table with votives scattered amongst some leave and pinecones and you have a stunning, compostable centerpiece for next to nothing.
One of my favorite themes for fall tablescapes is anything that looks and feels like an orchard. (Someday I am going to actually set a table in an orchard!) All you need are some fresh apples, peaches, and pears from a farmer’s market along with some pretty leaves and you’ve got ingredients for a gorgeous centerpiece that you can eat afterwards!
Other household items that work well for table décor include a cutting board, bowl or tray piled with fruits and veggies, simple jars, glasses, or pitchers for vases, even your house plants!
I’m also a sucker for the cute little pumpkins you see everywhere this time of year, as well as eucalyptus, bunny tail grass, and any and all shabby leaves and flowers in my garden. Basically, I like to just pile things onto the table and surround them with candles.
Lots and lots of candles. Always candles.
Tip #4: If you want to host a celebration, but it feels too daunting, you can always call on Yours Truly to help you create a little holiday magic!
Nothing makes me happier than putting together a collection of perfectly mismatched plates, heirloom glasses, linens, and silverware to help you set a table for your favorite people to gather around.
If you live in the greater Seattle area, I can even deliver, set up, and tear down for you so that you can truly relax and soak up every moment of your celebration instead of wearing yourself out trying to do everything!
Click here to book a quick chat so you can tell me about your plans and how I can help make this your best holiday season ever!
Cheers!
Susan
