outdoor entertaining
in style
Long gone are the days of Styrofoam plates, snap-prone plastic forks, and printed napkins inclined to blow away in the wind: Here, a host of earth-friendly—or fully re-usable—supplies for deeply sophisticated, al fresco parties.
super-affordable!
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plates, cups & bowls
If you're vehemently opposed to washing dishes post-backyard bash, guilt-free options abound: Made entirely from fallen leaves and water, VerTerra's palm leaf plates have a gorgeously rough-hewn feel; Bambu's round platters mimic the shape of standard dishware; and the Japanese-based Wasara's dishes (made from reed, sugarcane, and paper) are so unabashedly elegant, you'll be loathe to actually use them.
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cutlery
Rendered in the shape of baroque flatware, single-use cutlery—cut from Beechwood—looks far more expensive than it actually is. Meanwhile, Bambu turns out streamlined options, (as well as an ingenious spork).
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cloth napkins
Nothing spoils a laidback affair like mad dashes into the neighbor's bushes to retrieve fly-away paper napkins. Plus, there's something ever-so-satisfying about wiping your barbecue-stained face on something more substantial. Cloth napkins are great, but the best—and most economical solution—is to invest in cloth dishtowels. Not only do they encompass the entire lap (reassuring, particularly if you're balancing your plate on your knees), but once they're worn-out as napkins (read: stained), you can use them for their stated purpose.
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wine glasses
Designed by a traveling wine salesman who grew tired of transporting glass, govino stemless cups (made from a food-safe plastic) reflect the taste and smell of wine, just as crystal would. They're fully reusable—and shatterproof.
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julep cups
Though theoretically intended to house Mint Julep cocktails, these silver or nickel-plated cups are actually perfect as single-serving vases. In lieu of one, big, conversation-inhibiting centerpiece, plop a few deli-bought blooms in each, and place one near each guest. The price is so right, they multi-task as great favors, too, should your friends be inclined to take their individual arrangements home.
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paper straws
Crafted from biodegradable paper, old-school style straws—decorated in everything from barbershop stripes to sweet little polka dots—make even the plainest glass of water infinitely more fun.
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votive holders
Candlelight is inarguably the most flattering—and ambiance-enhancing—light around. Rather thank risking a backyard blaze with tapers, choose low-sitting votives instead. And for an ultra-pretty effect, let them light up papered or, mercury glass holders.
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bottle opener
Attach a wall-mounted bottle opener on the back door frame, position a pail beneath, and watch as the caps mount up. Not only is the classic "Open Bottle Here" a design not worth improving on, but its permanent position saves guests from the endless search for an opener—and prevents errant bottle tops from burrowing down into your yard.
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mosquito protection
Remember those aforementioned votive holders? If you happen to live anywhere near a bog or pond, consider swapping out regular candles for citronella-scented versions. Alternately, Avon's Skin So Soft individual wipes are an excellent, and equally non-toxic solution.
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ice balls
Know who wins major points? Coffee shops that make coffee ice cubes for their iced coffee. Whether you choose to render Diet Coke into frozen-sphere form, or decide to preserve something more artful in ice (like mint leaves, or berries), these are infinitely more fun than a standard cube.
