Throwing 'Green' Summer Parties

Environmental Activist And Stylist Danny Seo Shares Ideas

(CBS)  FANCY, ECO-DISPOSABLE PLATES

Using real plates is always the best option, but it's not always possible. Many paper plates found in supermarkets are made from recycled materials. Some are made from Recycline, which is made from recycled yogurt cups. Some are from Bambu and made from bamboo, which looks like wood. Recycled plates tend to look plain and Seo shows a simple and fun way to dress them up. Use hole punchers of various shapes and sizes to create patterns around the edges of the plates. Alternate a large hole with a smaller one as you go around the plate. You can use stars, hearts and any other shape you like to decorate your eco-friendly dinnerware. Recycled paper towels can be made into pretty napkins by using a hole puncher as well. Another stylish option is using Bambu plates/bowls: They look like wood, but are made from sustainable bamboo, a renewable, fast-growing grass.

DRINKING STRAW ALTERNATIVE

Plastic drinking straws can take hundreds of years to biodegrade. Seo offers a better and tastier alternative: Twizzler straws. Take Twizzlers candy, snip off the ends, insert into cup and drink. It's that simple. Serve them in tall glasses with spiked punch, or whatever beverage you desire. These are great for children's parties, because kids can eat the straws after they finish their drinks! Twizzlers come in a variety of flavors, so you can try any of these combinations: chocolate Twizzlers with chocolate or regular milk, strawberry Twizzlers with strawberry milk, or licorice-flavored Twizzlers with Sambuca, for adults.

TWIG CORN-ON-THE-COB HOLDERS
Who needs fancy corn-on-the-cob holders? Why not use twigs instead? Clip fresh twigs from trees, and sharpen the ends in a pencil sharpener. Insert the twigs into the ends of the corn and grill them up.

SHOPPING-BAG BASKETS

A simple shopping bag can easily be recycled into a charming paper basket. Choose small, colorful paper bags and snip the left and right top corners out of the bag; leave a strip about an inch wide, and the middle intact. Use double-stick tape or glue to attach the two tabs together to make a handle. Place small containers inside the bag (used plastic deli containers, for example), fill with water, and arrange some fresh flowers. Choose flowers and greenery that complement the colors of the bag.

TRIPLE-DISH CANDLEHOLDER

Seo transforms glass trifle stands into candleholders. Simply purchase four individual glass candle holders from a home-decor store, insert white candles, and place them inside the trifle dish. The candles will burn inside the dish and cast a romantic glow throughout the room. Seo suggests using natural wax candles, which are much better for the environment then traditional candles, which are petroleum-based. Natural wax candles emit 95 percent less soot and pollutants into the air and burn up to 50 percent longer. They also hold onto the essential oil scent better.

SEO'S TIPS ON SAVING MONEY WHEN BUYING ORGANIC:

1) Sign up for a shopper's-club savings card.
2) Buy store brands.
3) Search the Web for better deals.
4) Buy things in bulk.

To read an excerpt of "Simply Green Parties, click here.