Eco-Friendly Tips for Outdoor Entertaining
Hosting an afternoon of outdoor fun for family and friends doesn’t need to put a strain on the environment or your budget. With a little maintenance and preparation, you can put your garden to work to create an eco-friendly outdoor entertaining space that your guests will go wild for!
Keep in mind, there are lots of little ways you can reduce your environmental footprint and enjoy more green and sustainable outdoor living—try to cut back on using disposable materials like single-use plastic cutlery, keep a recycling bin close at hand to collect glass bottles and aluminum cans, and consider composting natural waste if you have the space.
Here are some other ways you can reduce the impact of your next big summer get-together:
Keep Party-Crashing Pests Away with Natural Bug-Repellent Plants
Don’t let pesky uninvited guests take a bite out of your summer fun. Plant fragrant favorites like lavender, marigold, rosemary, mint, and sage in your garden and throughout your yard to help keep flies, mosquitoes, and other buzzkill bugs away. Not only do these flowers and herbs look and smell great, but their strong scents also help to repel invasive insects so you and your guests can enjoy some fresh air in peace and quiet. No swatting, no spraying, no worries!
Citronella grass (also known as lemon grass) is another great option, and it is a common ingredient used in many chemical mosquito repellents. But nothing beats a healthy, living plant when it comes to keeping bugs at bay the natural way. Another lesser-known option is catmint, which some studies indicate can be up to 10 times more effective than chemical sprays like DEET—plus it can be grown almost anywhere! Choose the plants that best suit your home and climate, and put those pests on notice before your guests arrive!
Grow Your Summer Menu with Delicious Eco-Friendly Ingredients
Herbs aren’t just great for keeping mosquitoes away—they also make a perfect addition to your homegrown summer menu. Save yourself a trip to the grocery store and impress your guests with fresh meals made with sustainably sourced ingredients right from the garden! Picture a sprinkle of bright basil leaves on a piping-hot home-grilled Margherita pizza or sliced strawberries atop a crisp summer salad or even a sprig of fragrant rosemary to garnish a refreshing after-dinner drink. The possibilities are endless!
Growing your own herbs, fruits, and veggies is easy—plus, it’s cheaper than store-bought produce and better for the environment to boot! There are tons of great options to consider, from tomatoes, squash, eggplant, and onion to cucumbers, corn, beans, and beyond! If space is a concern, herbs like basil, parsley, tarragon, and thyme can grow well in a small window box or container garden. If your guests are craving something sweeter, serve them up some strawberries, cherries, melons, or grapes!
Store More & Stress Less with Dual-Purpose Garden Storage & Entertaining Solutions
Don’t let your garden get in the way of a good time! Creating an organized, inviting, and clearly defined entertaining space is an essential part of being a good host. Consider and proactively plan for what your guests will need—access to food, drinks, shade, amenities, etc.—and keep a clear path open, available, and free of clutter so your guests can get around easily without interrupting the flow of the event.
One easy way to maximize the utility of your space is by using multipurpose garden storage solutions that serve a function even when they’re not in use. For example, a durable deck box filled with tools and mulch can double as a bench seat for outdoor dining. Similarly, chairs with hidden storage provide a great place to stow smaller gardening gear and gloves and make it easy to create a centralized space for guests to gather!
