12/9/08

Green Carpet, "The Art of the Sustainable Holiday"



The holidays at Green Carpet are filled with wonderful, eco-chic design options
that are easy to duplicate... as seen on our recent SPRIG segment, the transformation of a sustainable holiday tabletop can be accomplished with a modest budget of around $100. We are well aware of the budget constraints many of our clients face this year, hence our desire to share how easy some of these DIY tricks really are...
  1. The green chalk candles you see as place settings can also be used as guest favors, fun table games (supply chalk and make-up a fun game to create interesting table conversation) and as ambiance for a candle lit table (also saving energy on lighting and Co2 output).
  2. Bellani apples (as seen in the glass canister) are a wonderful addition and can not only be used for a beautiful centerpiece but also as a place setting and guest favors by adding a small ribbon on the top and allowing your guest to hang them as an ornament. These apples were vegetable died and can be purchased by the dozen from Green Carpet by sending us an e-mail with subject: Bellani Apples.
  3. The table runner was handmade from vintage fabric we had left over from a previous event and we decided to line it with white vinyl so it could be reused. We feel creating versatility allows sustainable design elements to flourish for multiple occasions and not just one event.
  4. The mirrored place settings we bought at an estate sale for $5.00 (many of our favorite finds and accessories are found this way. Don't be intimidated to scout out your local resale shops and estate sales as many vintage items can be obtained that way and have lasting quality due to the integrity and craftsmanship. Conscious consumerism :)!
  5. The centerpiece was also purchased at an estate sale for $3.00 and came with hanging votive candles that we removed and instead hung crystals by fishing wire and pained white to create a contrast with the dark wood. Using crystals and candle light make for a beautiful combination as the crystals give off a stunning layered, illuminating effect giving the room a magical, holiday feeling.
All of the items mentioned are available for purchase through Green Carpet. Please feel free to send us an e-mail with your questions about how to duplicate a look or allow us to transform your space or event for the holidays while lessening your carbon footprint.