b'THE CORKBOARD|SPRING 2023ECO-ELEGANT ENTERTAINING Tips for Throwing a Plant-Friendly PartyAT LAST, DREARY WINTER WEATHER IS SUBSIDING.The days are longer, the nightsare warmer, fragrant buds are blooming and theres a playful energy in the air; its finally timeto scratch that outdoor entertaining itch. In case you havent spentthe last three months planningthis seasons inaugural soiree, weve put together some tips for hosting an eco-elegant garden partya big celebration with a small footprint.With a year of truly wacky weather behind us and Earth Day upon us, manyare entertaining some introspection on the environmental impact of their choices,big and small. While Earth Day is a call to action to do just that, its also an invitationto celebrate the beauty and bounty that we get to call home. So, lets celebrateand raise a glass to our most gracious host, Mother Nature. DECORATIONWhen party-planning, you probably give quite a bit of thought to the dcorbut perhaps not quite as much toits footprint. We hate to burst your balloon arch, but single-use favours are not favoured at planet-friendly parties.Here are some simple swaps to do away with disposable dcor, using household items you may just already haveon-hand: Trade fresh-cut flowers for potted plants. Think: a miniature herb garden centrepiece for your gueststo pluck from and garnish their mealand for your own enjoyment all season long. Give recycled jars a popof whimsy with watercolour paints and place a tea light within. If you need additional seating, bring yourindoor furniture outside (protecting them with a washable quilt or canvas drop cloth). If you require morethan you have, crowd-source extras from your guests. Opt for solar-powered lighting orperhaps better yet bring out some Christmas lights instead of buying new. In other words: in with the old, out with the new. COMFORTWhat takes a gathering from tailgate to thoughtful? Ambient amenities. Wherever you live in Canada, if yourethrowing an outdoor spring fling, youll need to consider temperature. Instead of gas or electric heaters, embellishyour seating arrangement with snuggly blankets and encourage your guests to wear cozy layers. If pests are a problem, consider citronella candles or an essential oil diffuser, instead of harsh chemical solutions. Some plants even havenatural repellent properties: chrysanthemums deter ants, lemongrass deters mosquitoes and petunias attracta variety of bugs, trapping them in their sticky stamens.ECO PARTY|16'