By now every major magazine has written about the Green Movement. Even the uber luxury magazine, Town and Country put their spin on Eco-Chic. Blinkdecor.com has always tried to highlight companies that utilize sustainable materials and practice green production methods. Conservation and saving the planet is more than a monthly phenomenon; it needs to become a way of life so that future generations are not faced with a lack of raw materials. So whether you drive a Prius and are off the grid or you are just starting to consume organic food, you can be the first in your neighborhood to throw a green summer soiree.

We start with a sustainable theme— the bamboo tree —which will begin to make your friends eco-aware. Bamboo, as you probably know is considered a “green material” due to its rapid regeneration. The bamboo tree can replace itself in three years. We found a great bamboo invite from tinaj.com who will work to customize your invitation if you give her enough time. Entertaining can be environmentally responsible without lacking elegance. Of course, you don’t want to appear contentious in your quest to enlighten your friends. The goal is to make people aware that the first step in living a more responsible life is to stop thinking disposable. Use what you have.



Recently, Instyle Home showed an outdoor affair where the owner brought all of her indoor furnishings outside for a casual dinner. She placed ceramic garden stools around a table covered with her personal tablecloth collection. Although not always necessary, seating should be available. We love the HANDMADE (no wasted fossil fuels), 100% bamboo, Becca stools found at Design public. Also, check out Lebello.com whose colorful wicker collection shouts luau in and of itself. Their dual purpose Hollow line can be used for seating or as an extra table or ottoman. Jayson Home and Garden has an amazing black, Terrago table (for $550) that can be used as a bar, withstands the elements during mild weather, and would look great inside as well. The beauty of creating this bohemian look is two-fold , it makes people remember how beautiful the outdoors is without a lot of adornment while also allowing you to have some nice seating areas indoors or out after the party is over.

Energy conservation is usually not high for an outdoor soiree, but sorry to say that means no d.j.s- for all of you Donna Summer fans. Candlelight has, and always will be, an elegant approach to entertaining. Hurricane lamps are abundant in stores these days, so windy nights will not be a problem. We have found many energy-efficient light options that utilize LED bulbs (light emitting diode- meaning low power consumption). The battery operated Luau light, by Design Within Reach throws off a very nice ambient effect. Also, consider the whimsical balloons from Designboom for a unique source of light. We are big fans of setting lighted flower pots around your patio or pool area for fun, lighthearted entertaining. They can be used as intended for flowers or as an ice bucket with drinks. The Bloom Pot has 4 LED lamps which should last for 25 years of continued use indoors or out.

As far as creating an eco-chic table top, try not to buy fresh flowers as many have been delivered via trucks or even flown in from Holland or the like using tremendous amounts of fossil fuels. We suggest using a large perennial, placing it in an urn and planting in the ground after the party. Greener grass designs has great little herb pots that even the blackest of thumbs can’t kill as it waters itself from the bottom up. Greener grass design. Place a grouping of these small planters filled with herbs around a large lantern or one of the luau lamps or pots for a fresh take on centerpieces.

Organic produce, bamboo plates and lots of candlelight —is there a better way to introduce summer and the love of the earth than with a green cocktail party? It really is just an adjustment in thinking, a retraining of the heavy handed wastefulness of the past decades to learn conservation. All of the hip, modern designers are embracing the eco-chic movement and creating innovative, cost effective, fashionable designs for the home. So give Sheryl Crow something to sing about and be the first on your block to throw a summer party with some green attitude (batteries not included.)