Every year Galentine’s Day grows increasingly popular. Endless Instagram-worthy pins float around Pinterest and inspo board after inspo board is created. I wanted to join in on the fun once more and create a Instagram-worthy Gal’s Day spread, but didn’t want to contribute to all of the waste this time around. You learn year by year how to do better, and this Galentine’s Day, I thought I would transition into sharing how to do it zero waste. So if you’re planning on getting your best gals together for Feb. 13th grab a little inspo from today’s post!
How to Throw a Zero-Waste Galentine’s Day Brunch
// All photos in today’s post were shot by The Finding Co, food made by Shannon Hamblin and custom “Women Support Women” flag by Line and Letter Designs //
How to Make the Switch:
1. Ditch the Disposables
Most waste created from entertaining can usually be chalked up to plastic utensils, paper plates, cups and napkins. And I know,I get the allure around it! Paper and plastic products are usually the most convenient option and there are some pretty cute styles out there! (I fell into that trap last year with my Gal’s day brunch) But, the environment needs our help and we are currently undergoing a recycling crisis. Plus, who says you can’t enlist your friends in helping you wash dishes when you’re all done?
For our brunch, we used a set of vintage plates with a pretty floral pattern on it. I loved how they added a feminine touch to our spread in a more subtle way than Valentine’s Day themed plates! Instead of paper napkins, I bought this set of cloth napkins from Target that I know I will enjoy and reuse for many years to come. Try dressing them up additionally by knotting them and tugging a sprig of fresh thyme into the knot.
When it comes to silverware, my friend Shannon lent us her set of gold flatware that went perfectly with my vintage floral pattern glasses that I served our grapefruit rosemary mimosa’s out of. Side note: who’s vibing with these 70’s feels? I’m all over it!
2. Decorate With Natural Elements
Another waste producing area can be latex balloons, paper confetti, streamers, etc. But honestly, what’s more prettier than natural elements like flowers? You don’t have to be a floral designer to throw a basic, pretty arrangement together! Stop by your local Whole Foods or Trader Joe’s and pick up a couple bunches of eucalyptus, texture-like flowers (snap dragon is great for this!) and a couple bigger focal flowers (such as ranunculus, roses or scabiosa) then throw it altogether in a pretty vase! Another one of my favorite alternatives to confetti, is flower petals! Try spreading rose petals across your table for a pretty touch.
When figuring out how to decorate, I recommend thinking with the mindset of reuse over what will look cute for just one event. Think investing in decor that is made well of ceramics or glass and could be stored away and used again for next year! Try even thrift shopping for romantic pieces that can be mixed with modern elements, like vintage Valentines. And when it comes to balloons, most foil ones are reusable and are recyclable. (Just make sure to double check that your local recycling program accepts them)
Vanilla Coconut Waffles GF+Vegan
If you’re interested in learning how to make the delicious vanilla coconut waffles (GF+Vegan) made by Shannon, you can take a peak at her recipe here.
