We hear all those who want to be more sustainable, but think it's too complicated. It can be difficult to discern the good from the bad in this confusing world of greenwashing, information overload, but it is possible to be an eco-warrior.

You can host the dinner party you want with just a few easy swaps

 

Send out the invitations

Sending invitations by email can help reduce your carbon footprint, and it can still be personal. Instead of a plain note, send an image, poem or scanned handwritten letter.

Get in the mood

Exterior Lighting

Semi-conduction filaments are used in LED lights, which use 90% less energy than traditional lights. Because they use semi-conduction filaments, LED lights are much less dangerous than standard lighting. The average shelf life for LED lights is about 2 to 3 years. However, commercial-grade LED lights can last up to 6 years. You can spend less if you buy higher quality LED lights.

Interior Lighting

Candles made from beeswax, a 100% natural fuel, with cotton wicks burn for the longest time, produce the least amount of petrol-soot, and don't stain surfaces. The negative ions they produce as they burn can be used to clean the air and revitalize the body. Canadian-made beeswax candles can be found in many places. However, it is often more difficult to find ethically sourced honeywax.

Keep your guests engaged

You can bring back the memories of holidays past by asking that all modern technology devices are turned off for the evening. Children and parents can have fun together by playing board games, cards or charades. Ask your guests to bring along their instruments for a sing-along. Online lyrics sheets can be printed and copied to allow everyone to participate.

Make a stunning table

Find antique linens at the fall yard sales. You can create a unique look for your table with mismatched linens. The look can be tied together by rolling napkins and tying them with string. Finally, add sprigs seasonal rosemary. These napkins make great conversation pieces. Your guests will love to imagine the old dinner parties with each individual pattern.

Table tip

Place antique linens in hot water overnight to clean and freshen them. After 15 minutes, rinse and soak in hot water with mild detergent. Lay the linen flat to dry after rinsing.

You can create dramatic centrepieces by using evergreen clippings that have been woven into wreaths. Accentuate the table with pine cones or walnuts scattered about. All of these will look great painted. This effect is especially attractive when you use high-gloss, low-VOC paint. The accents appear porcelain-like, thanks to the high-gloss white paint. You can also use them to fill large glass hurricane jars. Bright red cranberries make a great centerpiece.

Discover the world of organic, local wine

Many Canadian vineyards offer organic and biodynamic options. A 100% organic wine is one that has been produced from grapes grown without the use of pesticides, fertilizers or fungicides. It also means that they are free from any added sulfur dioxide. There are many organic options available in Canada, from Merlots and Pinot Noirs to Cabernet Francs. B.C. has certified vineyards. Summerhill Pyramid, and Forbidden fruit Wineries are two examples of certified vineyards in B.C. In Ontario, Southbrook Vineyards has certifications. In Nova Scotia, L'Acadie Vineyards has certifications. There are many wineries in the US that practice sustainable practices.

Make your feast unforgettable

Choose local ingredients and free-range meats that are well-cooked - and simple! Feast on simple, uncomplicated recipes and not on fadish. A large roast is a great way to impress your guests. This can be overwhelming for a new cook but the process of preparing and cooking large roasts is very simple. The trick is to stuff the cavities with herbs and/or a stuffing mix, then drizzle butter or olive oil on the exterior. Finally, season the roast with salt, and cook slowly for several hours.

Delicious, gluten-free and lactose-free tips

• You can make a delicious alternative to creamy, rich mashed potatoes. Use lactose-free whipping cream (or yogurt) and add a generous amount of wasabi.
• Healthy oils can be used to glamourize vegetables instead of butter. A fragrant finishing oil or vinegar can transform your seasonal vegetables into restaurant-quality food in just 10 seconds, no matter how you cook them. Finishing oils are best used at low heat. They should be added only after the cooking process is completed. You can use 1-2 teaspoons hazelnut oil to top steamed green beans with toasted nuts, 1 tablespoon of good aged balsamic vinaigrette over grilled asparagus, and 1-2 tablespoons avocado oil to top grilled fennel.
• After roasting, mix maple syrup with spaghetti squash and serve as a main dish. You can also make a homemade pot-pie with herbed vegetables that will please everyone.

Clean up

Although your eco-friendly dinner party was a huge success, you are not done. You need to think about what you are throwing away, how you will wrap up, and how you will clean up.

Plastic wrap is a contributing factor to the larger plastic pollution problem. It's hard to recycle and contains potentially harmful chemicals. However, there are many easy alternatives. You can reuse the containers that you already have or place leftovers in a bowl, then cover it with beeswax. You can reuse the containers you already own or put leftovers in a bowl and cover it with a beeswax wrap.

You can gift leftover food to your friends if you don't have enough. They'll be happy to enjoy a meal that day. You might also want to check out Spare Harvest, which allows you to unload food and give it to others who can use it or compost it.

Remember to check the recycling regulations in your area before you begin throwing anything in.

Last tip

Your best cheer is the most important thing you can bring to the party. A beautiful, green holiday party will be a lasting memory. Your guests will appreciate it even more if they are relaxed and having fun with you.