Setting the Table - Green Up Christmas Without Becoming a Grinch

How you set and decorate your table at Christmas sets the scene for the meal to come.  By choosing to protect the environment and avoiding single use options that are marketed as convenient, you’ll end up with a table that is warm and inviting, unique and luxurious. It’s really quite easy to do and doesn’t have to be hard or expensive.

Say no to single use items and try these ideas instead:

 • Invest in a cloth table cover and reusable napkins. Keep them a neutral colour so that you can use them every year regardless of the colour scheme you choose.

 • Use real crockery, cutlery and glassware. Pull out your best stuff and indulge the family and friends with luxury. If you don’t have enough in the cupboard; visit the op shops, hire extras, or simply ask family members and guests to bring some extras along. Yes, you have to wash up, but no one said that can’t be fun. Grab a few helpers and continue the conversation and Christmas banter in the kitchen while someone washes, another dries and someone else puts away. You’ll be done in no time!

 • Decorate your table with things from your garden. Match your colour scheme with flowers. Use gumnuts, branches or brown leaves for a neutral look that will match any colour theme (honestly, it looks way better than it sounds – check out Pinterest for some amazing examples!) and then spot the table with a candle or some excess Christmas decorations that you already have.

 • Boycott the shop bought bon bons! How many times have you cleared your Christmas table to be left with a pile of rubbish, paper hats and tiny plastic toys from the bonbons? No one ever takes them home and they really are useless. If you’re not up to ditching the bon bons altogether, try making your own reusable ones or design your own special little place setting gift that won’t end up in the bin at the end of the day.

With a little imagination you can make your Christmas table truly memorable, unique AND waste free!