I need advice on planing a "grren party"

[haggardhouseelf]

Originally Posted by plaidmom

...
I just hate drinking out of plastic, eating off of styrofoam, and wiping my hands on paper. ...

I feel the same way. I think it's way better to use real table settings and serveware. We even bring real stuff camping. I don't really think too much about the "green" aspect of it, though it is nice to cut down on how much trash you have to take out or composting or recycling you have to deal with... but it's mostly just that it feels better. Why go to so much trouble to put together a good meal for your friends and family to eat off plastic or whatever? It cheapens the experience.

And I like funky mix-n-match eclectic tables, too!

[PoppySead]

How do you wash it all? By hand?

[Bakeneko]

I scored a big stack (like 30) plastic vintage Melmac cafeteria trays at a thrift store years ago. They are the cool swirled TexasWare kind with the different compartments for foods, utensils, and a drink spot. We use these for almost all our parties.

We've collected a bunch of glasses and flatware from the Goodwill to go along with them.

[whirnot]

Originally Posted by PoppySead

How do you wash it all? By hand?

From an environmental stand point, a dishwasher(full) is better than hand washing.