Green Party

Strawberry Bruschetta: Caramelized strawberries on toasted baguettes. How fresh is that!

Spinach and Potato Frittata: Use the freshest vegetables of the season in this versatile egg dish.

Fresh Rhubarb Bread Pudding: Springtime rhubarb brightens up this comforting bread pudding.

Classic Bloody Mary: Cocktails can go greener if you use organic ingredients.

Your need to party doesn't mean Mother Earth has to take the hit. With a few simple steps you can color any party green by reducing waste and buying locally or organically. You're already on your way to not wasting paper by sending electronic invites instead, so why not take it a little further?

• Serve what's seasonal, organic, or produced close by. Make it a potluck and ask your foodie friends to bring in their local finds. For drinks, serve organic cocktails, local beer and wine, or freshly-pressed juices and organic coffee and tea. Water in plastic bottles? No way!
• Further reduce waste by using washable tableware. If you can't face all those dishes, use biodegradable products. If you think your friends will go with it, ask them to bring their own plates and cups. Could turn out to be pretty colorful!
• See if you can throw this party without buying any new decorations. Need a centerpiece for your table? Cut flowering branches to fill vases, create an edible still life with whole fruits and vegetables, or pot up some blooming bulbs or summer herbs. The potted plants would make great party favors, too.
• If you want to take your green-a-tude to another level, get your friends together for a neighborhood cleanup, tree-planting, or other planet-worthy cause and then party afterwards to celebrate.
• And when it comes time for post-party cleanup, there are plenty of eco-friendly products to choose from. Use cloths for wiping instead of paper towels, and be sure to take time to sort the recyclables.

Now party like the planet depends on it!