‘Tis the Season to be Jolly!

Posted On: Nov 30, 09

Hosting a holiday party this season? Planning a holiday party can often feel overwhelming, stressful, and leave you wondering if it’s possible to carve out a little quality time with family. The secret to a meaningful party or gathering is creating traditions that shift the focus away from fancy decor, gifts, or catered food and instead focus on what the holidays mean for your family and friends. For instance, baking bread with friends and homemade ornament exchanges are just some of the ways you can have enjoyable, meaningful holiday celebrations with memories that are treasured far more than anything left under the tree.

Make it your holiday tradition to serve a locally grown or produced menu. Locally grown foods provide fresher taste, support our local farmers, and cut down on the pollution created when food is shipped in to our islands. Martha Cheng of Share Your Table shares a delicious local Thanksgiving menu here.

To source your food locally check out the Hawai’i Farmers Market Directory

Simplify the Holidays Reduce waste by choosing reusable plates, forks, glasses, napkins, tablecloths, etc., instead of single-use materials. If supply is a problem, ask guests to contribute. For example, ask your guests to make cloth napkins out of old Christmas tablecloths or sheets and bring them to the party. They make any table look festive and provide fun holiday memories to share.

Thirsty merrymakers at your party? Consider using large pitchers for water and your favorite punch with reusable glasses instead of bottled drinks. For other bottles and cans, be sure to place recycling bins in plain sight for your guests!

The Salvation Army and Goodwill stores are great sources for reused plates, glasses, cups, and silverware.
If you have to go with single-use items, check into biodegradable and compostable options such as bagasse plates and corn starch cups.

Biodegradable Foodwares:
Diamond Head Distributors: Mike Souza, 808-848-7799
Don Quijote
Kale’s Natural Foods
Long’s Drug Stores
The Wine Experience