Environmentally inspired touches include (CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT): sunflower seeds anchoring place cards at a wedding at Wave Hill; pale green reflecting at the 2008 Party in the Garden at the Museum of Modern Art; flowers and cantaloupes on a wedding buffet table; road maps papering a bird motif at a 2007 Sundance Institute fund-raiser.
MULTITASK YOUR MATERIALS
The recycling bin is a treasure trove of decorating opportunities. Last year when we designed The Metropolitan Opera’s 125th Anniversary Gala, we saved the empty wine bottles. After being cleaned and painted, they starred as fabulous vases for the New Yorkers for Children’s A Fool’s Fête several weeks later. A few well-chosen wine and beer bottles from your home recycling bin painted your favorite shades can become a Morandi still life or the centerpiece for your dining table.
EXPAND YOUR DEFINITION OF RECYCLING
Recycling doesn’t just mean repurposing your bottles, cans and newspapers. In party décor, we often think about the life after the party up front and strategically build that into the plan. For the Robin Hood Foundation in 2008, we sought donations from a variety of companies that produced items the program’s recipients needed—food, clothing, shoes, blankets, books, computers. A million dollars’ worth of donated goods created a radical and thought-provoking installation for the party and then went directly to those who needed it. Why not decorate so it can benefit others in the end? Don’t make trash, make friends.
ELIMINATE DISPOSABLES
When entertaining at home, I know it can be easier to use disposable plates, plastic silverware and cups and paper napkins. But go the extra mile and use nondisposable dinnerware. It’s not that big a deal to wash everything! And stores like Target and West Elm are filled with very chic, well-designed, inexpensive options specifically intended for entertaining. You’ll save, and tread a bit more lightly on our Earth.
GIVE THE GIFT OF MEANING
No one needs another tchotchke as a parting gift from your soirée. To thank guests for joining you on your special day, make a donation in their names to an organization that means something to you. A small card acknowledging the donation—and perhaps some information on the cause—will leave a lasting impression.
BUY AND GIVE LOCALLY
Support your local shops, artisans and farmers. When giving hostess or thank-you gifts, I curate thematic surprises inspired by my favorite local businesses. “My Favorite Snacks from Brooklyn” is my gift pack du jour. I include olive oil from Frankies Spuntino, homemade taralli from Caputo’s Fine Foods and the best pickles ever from McClure’s. I package it all up in a gift box, wrap it with a map of Brooklyn instead of wrapping paper, tie it with baker’s string or twine and feel good that I’ve both supported local industry and created an inventive gift. Visit davidstarkdesign.com.
