Say goodbye to the winter and usher in the spring with a green celebration in your home.

As we plow throw the last days of winter hibernation seems to be less of an exciting option and getting out and about is more inviting. We miss the frequency of visiting with friends, having play dates, and visiting our favorite places and restaurants about town.

We miss sun, grass, warmth, and blue skies. There is a simple and economic solution to combating your cabin fever this winter- host an eco-friendly brunch or dinner party.

Brunch or dinner parties are a great way to spend time with friends new and old, enjoy healthy food, allow the kids a change in pace, and a great excuse to share your eco-domestic lifestyle with others. Brunches are particularly nice because they can include children and adults alike whereas dinner parties, because they are taking place close to or after bedtime, are more adult oriented.

Below you will find some tips for making your brunch or dinner party a great success with less impact on the environment.

Who’s coming?
First you have to decide who will attend your soiree. As you plan out your green guest list, keep in mind the friends who you may want to expose to your healthy lifestyle, make sure they are invited. In the age of computers most people send out electronic invitations through Evite. If you want to try something a bit more personal, electronic stationery is also a great option- check out Iomoi, for a selection of electronic stationery. Select a manageable number of attendees so you avoid unnecessary stress.

What’s on the menu?
Utilize your green market to source a range of organic ingredients. Make it a family affair. Take a stroll through the market and select some things you are familiar with, and maybe some that you never prepared before. Find seasonal recipes on the internet and use your creativity and family recipes to build a mouthwatering menu.

Check out Local Harvest, to find out more info on a farmer’s market near you. Remember to keep it colorful, ensure that your meal includes a variety of nutrients by selecting produce of various colors. The colors in your food indicate the presence of  phytochemicals that are beneficial to your health. You can also ask friends to bring along their favorite dish and do a potluck style party.

Paper, Plastic, or Glass?
When it comes to a green dinner party the best way to go is to use your plates and silverware rather than investing in plastic or paper plates that may be easier to use, but wasteful. You can make it easier on yourself by asking guests to clear their plates, rinse them and place in the sink, and perhaps enlist a close friend to help load up the dishwasher or run some sudsy water and let the plates sit in the sink.

If you can’t bear the thought of washing dishes for 30 people then perhaps biodegradable dinnerware is the choice for you, check out Earth Shell and order your dinnerware that can be composted after eating. If you are throwing a kids party you may want to invest in inexpensive durable plates for your little attendees.

Green Drinks
So you have quite a few choices here. Organic cocktails and “mocktails” made from fresh fruits and certain vegetables will be a hit with your guests. Organic vodkas, like Square One or Rain Vodka can be nice spirits to add to your juicy concoctions.  Adding a nice mixture of mulling spices to an inexpensive organic red wine and making a warm mulled wine can be a nice way to get guests warm and cozy. For kids try a warm mulled apple cider or spiced organic hot chocolate.

So whatever you decide, make your next gathering a green one.