Creating Green Events is easy, given a little thought.

It is time to be faithful to nature and love and respect the world that we live in. It is so easy to go green at special events.......just give a little extra thought in the planning process.

Firstly, be inspired by nature..... look to nature for your lessons in design, symmetry and colour co-ordination.

 

Whatever your style, be it City slic, Country chic or Afro organic, you can incorporate nature by bringing the outdoors in....or by simply hosting the event outdoors. Allow nature to be the designer and create your event around the theme and colour scheme of a garden/ outdoor setting. It is much easier than hiring draping and lighting.....go with nature and use the calming effect of soft flickering candles and hurricane lamps to add atmosphere to your event.  

Switch off the electricity and light loads of candles to set the scene.

 Here in South Africa we have no shortage of outdoor settings to create the most spectacular of events. Be it an intimate brunch on your garden patio, a romantic picnic between the sand dunes, a wine tasting in the vineyards.....or a secret escape on a yacht.......the choice is yours. Set the scene no matter how large or how small, let nature be your guide.

Sunset in Stellenbosch on the Villiera Estate. How beautiful is this colour palette? From grey, green, brown, dusky peach to pink..... use your imagination and be creative.

 

To help yourself in planning the colour scheme for an event, make a copy of a particular picture and identify the colours as in the picture above. Cut our colour swatches of materials, paper or even thread some beads on a pin ....take the samples shopping with you to help match up your colour scheme.

Another spectacular sunset....this time in Hermanus. Indulge in the beauty of this setting and learn from the gentle colour combination.

Use local flora and herbs for your decorations..... there is nothing more beautiful than a simple protea in a recycled glass bottle to make a statement...be it on the dinner table or in front of the mirror in the bathroom. Your aim should be to support and use what is available locally. Go shopping at local farmers markets and support local crafters and rehabilitation workshops.

Simple but beautiful Iceberg roses are perfect for a wedding. Team them up with herbs from the garden and fresh fruit to create a country setting.

For natural gifts make a bucket load of  pot pourri using dried lavendar, rose petals, fragrant herbs, spices, citrus peel, cinnamon sticks and whole cloves.  Sew small pouches out of vintage fabric or old linen. Fill with dried lavendar or pot pourri and tie closed with satin ribbon. Collect china bowls and cups and saucers and fill with pot pourri to add some old world charm to a country setting.

Eat out at local restaurants to see what is popular and cost effective according to your budget. Experiment with your menu at home and add your own touch to the final menu.

Always colourful and satisfying to the eye and the palate....a rustic cheese and fruit board with a selection of biscuits and farm breads. Use natural wooden boards and collect old cutlery from local markets and antique stores to make the table settings interesting and eclectic.

Should your event take place around the festive season, make homemade fabric crackers and fill with antique collectables. Fabric gift bags and also popular as wine bags for the men.

Get to know your local Vinters and taste their wines. A great way to get out and about and buy stock for your event from local cellars....and save on delivery! Cheers to a wonderful, green event! More creative, green ideas next time....soon!