How to Plan the Meanest and Greenest Conscious Christmas Party

A little party never hurt anybody, but some parties definitely hurt the planet. As we enter one of the most indulgent, excessive, and consumer-driven times of the year, we’d like to show you how to do things a little better. In addition to stuffing stockings a little more sustainably and a guide on having a very vegan Christmas, we’ve also compiled a list of tricks and tips for throwing a greener party this Christmas season.

As we enter December and dive full throttle into the holiday spirit, we want to remind you that while you’re eating, drinking, and indulging at holiday parties and events, you can still be conscious while you’re at it. If you’re planning a party for Christmas or New Year’s Eve, or if you just need a festival excuse to get your drink on, we’re here to show you that it isn’t anywhere near as difficult or as expensive as you might think. It’s really as easy as taking a #LittleGreenSteps approach to what you plan, buy, and serve. Without further ado, here’s a go-to guide to throwing the meanest and greenest conscious Christmas party ever.

#LittleGreenSteps

Let’s explore a variety of ways to host the ultimate sustainable holiday gathering, from mindful decor choices to eco-conscious food and drink options.

Mindful Invitations

The first step in planning a sustainable holiday party is rethinking the way you send out invitations. Opt for digital invitations instead of traditional paper ones, reducing waste and lowering your carbon footprint. If you prefer physical invitations, choose recycled or plantable paper options to align with your commitment to sustainability. Include information about your eco-friendly choices in the invitations, and encourage guests to carpool or use public transportation to reach the venue.

Consider creating an event website or using social media platforms to manage RSVPs. Not only does this reduce paper usage, but it also provides a convenient platform for communicating important details and updates to your guests.

Eco-Friendly Decor

Creating a festive atmosphere in your space while maintaining an eco-friendly approach requires careful thought. Opt for reusable decorations like fabric banners, LED lights, and ornaments crafted from recycled materials. Say goodbye to disposable decor and opt for biodegradable or compostable alternatives. Enhance sustainability by including potted plants or herbs in your decor, which can also serve as thoughtful gifts for guests or be planted post-party.

For a personal touch, organise a pre-party crafting session with guests to make handmade ornaments or decorations. This not only builds a sense of community but also supports sustainability by repurposing materials from past celebrations.

Reduce, Reuse, Recycle

Implementing a comprehensive waste management plan is essential for minimising the environmental impact of your holiday party. To achieve this, set up recycling and composting stations and make sure to clearly label bins to guide guests in their waste disposal efforts. Additionally, promote the use of reusable items such as plates, cups, and cutlery, and designate an area for guests to return used items for cleaning and reuse.

To align with the sustainability theme, consider gifting guests reusable party favours such as stainless steel straws, bamboo utensils, or reusable cloth napkins. These considerate gifts not only serve as reminders of the importance of sustainability but also contribute to the reduction of single-use plastic consumption.

To actively involve your guests in waste reduction efforts, organise entertaining and educational activities like a waste sorting game or a composting demonstration. This not only raises awareness but also transforms the sustainability aspect of your party into an interactive and memorable experience.

Energy-Efficient Lighting

Establish a welcoming ambiance by opting for energy-efficient lighting solutions. Opt for LED or CFL bulbs for both indoor and outdoor spaces, as they not only use less energy but also boast a longer lifespan compared to traditional incandescent bulbs. Utilising dimmer switches allows you to tailor lighting levels to your preferred atmosphere, promoting energy conservation and a diminished carbon footprint. Moreover, capitalise on natural daylight during daytime activities to decrease dependence on artificial lighting.

Consider elevating the lighting setup by strategically placing reflective surfaces or mirrors to optimise the utilisation of natural light. This not only introduces an element of sophistication but also contributes to a more eco-friendly event by minimising the necessity for additional artificial lighting.

Sustainable Food and Drinks

Culinary choices play a significant role in creating a truly sustainable holiday party. Source local and organic ingredients for your menu, supporting local farmers and reducing the carbon footprint associated with transportation. Opt for a plant-based or vegetarian menu to minimise the environmental impact of meat production. Serve food on reusable dishes and utensils, avoiding single-use plastics and disposables.

When it comes to beverages, choose locally produced wines and beers and offer a selection of sustainably sourced options. Consider serving drinks in glassware instead of disposable cups, and provide clearly marked recycling bins to encourage responsible waste disposal.

To further enhance the sustainability of your food choices, minimise food waste by planning portions carefully and considering partnering with local food banks to donate any excess.

BOOZE

Wine

Through The Grapevine (TTG) collaborates with certified sustainable wine producers to create a wine experience that is not only high-quality but also environmentally friendly. They are dedicated to ensuring that wine remains both enjoyable and accessible. Offering affordable wines of exceptional quality, they enable you to savor the finest without straining your budget. Whether you’re marking a small triumph or unwinding after a productive day or week, their exclusive wine deals are designed to elevate every moment. Keep an eye out for their thoughtfully curated mixed cases, providing even more attractive prices. For wine enthusiasts, your choices carry significance; explore remarkable wines that narrate a tale and raise a toast to a more sustainable and vibrant future.

Beer

Crust takes surplus bread, grains, and other repurposable ingredients and transforms them into delicious and eco-conscious brews. Their commitment to sustainability goes beyond just the choice of ingredients; they employ energy-efficient brewing processes, prioritise local sourcing, and utilise eco-friendly materials for packaging. The result is not only flavorful upcycled beers but also a significant contribution to a more sustainable future. Crust demonstrates that conscientious choices can be both enjoyable and planet-friendly. With each sip, Crust is reshaping the craft beer industry by emphasising taste, quality, and a steadfast commitment to preserving the Earth’s resources.

NON-BOOZE

Melati

Working with food scientists and Ayurvedic specialists, the team meticulously sources the finest botanicals to create Melati, ensuring a cold-extraction process that maximizes nutrients and benefits. Every bottle of Melati is a delightful and profoundly restorative experience, with each sip taking consumers on a journey through exquisite aromas and flavors. What sets Melati Drinks apart is their commitment to being free from alcohol, added sugar, colorings, flavorings, and other undesirable elements, ensuring a hangover-free indulgence.

BAMnut Milk

You’ve heard of soy milk. Definitely heard of oat milk. But have you heard of BAMnut milk? WhatIf Foods produces the world’s first vegan alternative milk made from Bambara Groundnut. The Bambara Groundnut, a remarkable crop originating from West Africa, captivates the taste buds as it gracefully waltzes onto plates around the world. Widely cultivated in various countries such as Malaysia, Indonesia, India, and Australia, this petite yet robust wonder crop has earned its reputation for resilience, thriving in challenging conditions like poor soil and arid climates. Its diversity mirrors our own, presenting a natural, sweet, and delightfully nutty option—BAMnuts—that appeals to a global palate!

Coffee, Tea & Juices 

Caffeine — a must for anyone who’s had too many drinks or too much food. Les Vergers du Mekong works with the local growers in Vietnam to produce the finest coffee, the rarest tea and the most luscious juices. They work on complete traceability to control the quality of the farm, the crop and the ingredients and seek to create and promote great-tasting, healthier food and drinks. Shop here.

FOOD

Cake 

A party with no cake isn’t a party worth going to at all. Oh My Goodness is a homegrown Singapore food company specialising in making moist and delicious gluten-free, dairy-free and refined sugar-free food. Its cakes, bread and cookies are naturally better for you without tasting like chalk or feeling like cardboard. In fact, most of the goodness is completely grain-free and paleo-friendly, too, so regardless of allergies or diet choices, all your guests will be able to enjoy a slice of greatness.

Vegetables

Sustenir excels in the cultivation of 100% clean superfoods, a delicious combination of freshly harvested, highly nutritious leafy greens. Their vision goes beyond mere sustenance, aiming to nourish both individuals and the planet, one crisp leaf at a time. Utilising smart vertical farms strategically located in urban areas, Sustenir not only champions a low carbon footprint but also maximises community impact. Their dedication is evident in the production of pesticide-free, easily accessible greens, promoting consumer health while reducing water consumption by an impressive 95% and cutting carbon emissions by an astonishing 92%. In the evolving agri-tech landscape, Sustenir doesn’t just grow crops; they cultivate opportunities, actively addressing issues like food waste and environmental degradation.

Raw Vegan Balls 

Jingle, jangle, bells and ballz — The Living Cafe has the best raw vegan balls around. These superfood balls pack a punch, with only a handful of simple ingredients. If your friends are health-conscious, fitness buffs or have those sweet cravings, The Living Cafe has a flavour for everyone. You can mix and match your balls, and know that everyone is hand-rolled with love. 

Ice Cream

Experience all the enjoyment of Ben & Jerry’s without dairy! The certified vegan non-dairy flavours overflow with beloved chunks and swirls. The lineup includes non-dairy renditions of classic ice cream flavours and exclusive on-dairy  creations. Crafted with either almond milk or sunflower butter, these desserts boast a creamy, dreamy texture that serves as an ideal canvas for imaginative creations.

DECOR

Candles

Flowers

What’s a special occasion without flowers? Charlotte Puxley Flowers has the best handmade floral arrangements using only the best flora locally and regionally. Their absolutely gorgeous arrangements are sure to have your guests fawning over all things wild and wonderful.

NECESSITIES 

Food Service (plates, cups, cutlery and more)

We know disposable plastic cups and plates are just so convenient for hosting parties, but what if you could have that convenience without the plastic pollution that comes after? MUUSE is here to solve all your foodservice and catering needs. You can hire all the crockery you need, it will be collected once you’re done. No waste, no mess and no dishes to wash? Sounds like our kinda party. 

The Toilet Roll Situation

You don’t want someone to get caught short at your party! But did you know that 27,000 trees get cut down every single day just to make loo roll? NooTrees aims to reduce deforestation by making its products from bamboo pulp, meaning it’s 100% biodegradable, sustainable, and it’s velvety soft and ultra-absorbent.  Check it out here.

Shopping bags

Whatever you’re shopping for, you have to get it home. Peco Bags are trendy, convenient and sustainable shopping bags with a cheeky character that aims to inspire the need to tweak habits and stop the use of single-use plastics. Best of all, the bags are aesthetically pleasing and made from a regenerated textile fabric that comes from a process of recycling.