SIMPLE, SUSTAINABLE PARTIES [for donors… and others ]

SIMPLE, SUSTAINABLE PARTIES [for donors… and others ] Jessica R. Kratz NYSOEA Conference October 2011

overview • A little extra “behind the scenes” magic can make your party truly magical • A party can in fact complement your organization’s mission and actually be a platform to better showcase that mission to [potential] donors and stakeholders • There are many components that come into play before, during, and after the party that help you “walk the walk”

BEFORE THE PARTY • “Preparation is the key to success and victory”-General Douglas A. McArthur • Choose wisely -purchase, rent, or, obtain reusable table linens -choose fresh, seasonal ingredients for the menu [local farmers markets can be ideal] -purchase greener cleaning products [and make your own]

TABLE LINENS • Ideally, in a color/pattern complementary to décor and season

TABLE LINENS • Second-hand cool [someone else’s trash can be your find!]

FRESH, SEASONAL INGREDIENTS • Choose items grown or near your site • Fall is especially a great time for sustainable harvest items • You may wish to include, on paint chips or other decorative reused paper, where the food is from and how many carbon miles the food traveled [if you grow some of the ingredients on site, even better!] • Vegetarian fare is cost-effective and planet-friendly • Photo credit: http://nj.org/ apple_picking.html

SEASONAL INGREDIENTS: SO MUCH TO CHOOSE FROM! • From my local farmers market: this can make a menu from heaven: • http://www.historicrichmondtown.org/decker-farm • Pumpkin blossoms, Pumpkins, Kale, Tuscan kale, Mustard greens, Tomatillos, Calabaza, Butternut squash, Tomatoes • Herbs: Sage, Lemon balm, Basil, Rosemary, Lavender, Tarragon, Greek and Italian oregano • Domestic produce: Figs, Heirloom apples, Jersey Macintosh apples, assorted pears, Garlic, Purple potatoes, Red potatoes, Fingerlings, Red and white onions, Leeks, Cippolini, Purple cauliflower, Beets Assorted mushrooms

GREEN CLEANING PRODUCTS • The top 3 natural cleaners you may already have -lemons -baking soda -vinegar Other tips: -Use microfiber cleaning wipes -Use scrubbers made of natural fibers -Look for the EPA “Design for the Environment” symbol when purchasing store-bought cleaners

PLATING TO PERFECTION • Reusable ceramic plates and silverware is a great way to go • Compostware can be a reasonable alternative for picnics etc. • -bioplastic • -bamboo • -paper fiber

CENTERPIECES and table settings • Another great way to “walk the walk” • A place to showcase what your staff has been doing [i.e., holiday craft workshops]

STAFF CRAFT SHOWCASE Nature Mandala from summer camp: can be wall hanging, auction item, or miniaturized into a coaster Mosaic Garden tile from a family craft workshop: would make a nice coaster, centerpiece, or trivet

MORE IDEAS: cost-effective and classy • Wine cork reindeer • Sweet gum ball wreath • Pomanders • Decorated pumpkins • Cinnamon sticks around a Candle • Ferns and/or autumn leaves laminated in placemats • Homemade cloth, leather, or magazine coasters • Found natural objects in vases or bowls

SCENT-SATIONAL! • There are many ways to make your event smell terrific, naturally • Freshly-baked pies • Boil fruits, herbs, and spices [cloves and cinnamon work especially well] • Combine lemon zest with baking soda for a natural air freshener • -essential oils in reed diffusers or warm, moist towletttes Lavender • (Wikimedia commons)

SU$TAINABLE AUCTIONS • Encourage practical items that can be consumed and/or re-used • Items relating to organization’s mission/ideals • Consider donating your wine corks after the event to your staff as craft materials or placing them for bid or sale on eBay Charitable Works Signed Book and Theme Basket, NYSOEA 2011: bid soon! Painted rain barrel. NAAEE Buffalo 2010

RECOMMENDED CRAFT MATERIALS • Biodegradable plastic or shredded paper for baskets • Cork • Cardboard • Bird seed [great for mandalas, mosaics, etc] • Soy candle wax • Pine cones • Found objects [buttons, bottle caps, rocks, etc] • Hot glue gun • Cinnamon sticks [eBay is a great source] • Cork • Bamboo • Felt [with recycled fibers] • FOAM IS A FAUX PAUX

LET’S GET CRAFTY!

SIMPLE, SUSTAINABLE PARTIES [for donors… and others ]