Top Tips for Throwing a Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Party (Without Being a Party Pooper!)

Picture this: You throw an amazing party, your guests have a blast, and at the end of the night, instead of dealing with a mountain of plastic cups, balloons, and sad, uneaten finger food, you’re left with just great memories (and maybe a mild headache from that last organic wine spritzer). Sounds like a dream, right? Well, it’s time to turn that dream into reality with these top tips for organising a sustainable and eco-friendly party for your home or office!

1. Invitations: Ditch the Paper, Go Digital!

In the old days, people sent out paper invitations with glittery envelopes and fancy fonts. Those days are over. We have the internet now. Save some trees and send your invites digitally via email, WhatsApp, or an event platform like Evite or Paperless Post. If you’re feeling extra creative, record a fun video invitation—because who doesn’t love an excuse to see your smiling face?

2. Decorations: Biodegradable, Reusable, or Just Skip 'Em!

Say goodbye to plastic banners and single-use balloons (which, let’s face it, always end up deflated in a corner anyway). Instead, decorate with:

• Fabric bunting and fairy lights (reuse them for future parties!)
• Potted plants (double as party favours!)
• Upcycled décor (mason jars, old wine bottles, or paper lanterns—Pinterest is your friend)
• DIY chalkboard signs instead of printed banners

3. Tableware: Say No to Plastic!

Step away from the flimsy plastic cups and plates! Instead, opt for:

• Compostable tableware made from palm leaves (like the beautiful ones from Palm Leaf!)
• Real plates and glasses if you have enough (yes, this might involve some washing up, but that’s what dishwashers are for!)
• Edible plates (yes, they exist, and yes, they are awesome)

Bonus tip: Write names on reusable cups so guests don’t end up using five different ones throughout the night!

4. Food: Keep It Sustainable and Delicious

The golden rule? Less waste, more taste!

• Shop local & seasonal to support farmers and reduce carbon footprints
• Ditch the disposable packaging (hit up your local bulk store and bring your own containers!)
• Make just enough—nobody needs 10 trays of sandwiches when there are only eight people (unless you enjoy midnight leftovers, in which case, carry on)
• Veggies for the win—plant-based menus are the future (but if you must have meat, source it sustainably!)

And if there are leftovers? Send them home with guests in reusable containers or compost the scraps!

5. Drinks: Skip the Plastic Bottles!

Instead of buying crates of bottled water and fizzy drinks:

• Serve homemade lemonade or iced tea in glass dispensers
• Provide reusable glassware and bamboo straws
• If serving alcohol, go for organic wines, locally brewed beers, or sustainable spirits

6. Party Games: Fun Without the Footprint

No need for plastic trinkets or wasteful gimmicks. Try:

• Eco-friendly charades (only use topics related to nature, recycling, or sustainable living—yes, “compost bin” is a valid answer!)
• Upcycled crafts contest—give guests recycled materials and see who can make the best creation
• A ‘bring a plant’ swap—guests bring a plant and exchange it for another
• Karaoke—because everyone secretly loves embarrassing themselves on a microphone

7. Dress Code: Sustainable Fashion Only!

Encourage guests to show up in second-hand, upcycled, or sustainably made outfits.

• Second Sale finds? Perfect!
• Repurposed old clothes? Even better!
• Arriving in a potato sack? A bit extreme, but we respect the commitment!

8. Favours: Give the Gift of Sustainability

Nobody needs another tiny plastic toy or throwaway party hat. Instead, send guests home with:

• A potted plant or herb (basil, mint, or rosemary are great choices!)
• Homemade cookies or jam in a reusable jar
• Seed packets so they can grow their own flowers or veggies

A Little Story to Inspire You

Last year, my friend Priya decided to throw a “green” birthday party. Determined to go all-in, they banned plastic, served only locally sourced vegan food, and even made decorations out of recycled paper. Everything was going smoothly until someone accidentally used a plastic straw they found in their pocket. The music stopped. Conversations ceased. Eyes widened.

Alex, instead of losing their cool, simply walked over, plucked the straw from the guilty party’s drink, and said, “We all make mistakes. Let’s just make fewer of them.”

Everyone cheered. The party continued. And the straw? It was turned into a DIY plant marker for Alex’s basil pot. Now that’s how you throw an eco-friendly party—with a little grace and a lot of fun!

Final Thoughts

Hosting a sustainable and eco-friendly party isn’t about perfection; it’s about making better choices and having a great time while doing it. Whether it’s at home or in the office, small changes add up, and you might just inspire your guests to make more eco-friendly choices in their own lives.

Now go forth and party—sustainably!