Eco-friendly festive table ideas to celebrate sustainably this holiday season

As the festive season approaches, many are looking for ways to celebrate with both joy and sustainability.

This year, Capsicum Culinary Studio and the IIE School of Hospitality & Service Management have shared creative tips on how to craft an environmentally friendly festive table, combining fun, practicality, and minimal waste.

“The hospitality industry is all about creating memorable experiences, and this year, we wanted to approach our table setting with a fresh perspective,” said a spokesperson from the institutions.

Instead of focusing solely on tradition, the team sought to combine current trends with sustainability, using natural materials and local produce to create a unique festive atmosphere.

One standout idea is using an all-natural table runner made from elements found in your garden or local nursery. Greenery, flowers, and even seasonal fruits or vegetables can form the focal point of the table.

“It’s not just a table setting, but part of the experience,” the team explained.

By incorporating items that can be eaten or reused, guests are encouraged to interact with the décor as part of the meal.

For those looking to host a sustainable festive picnic, the emphasis is on minimising waste and reusing materials already available. Here’s how to create an eco-friendly holiday table:

What You Will Need:

• Brown gift-wrapping paper (for a rustic table runner)
• Colourful twine, ribbon, or string (anything you have at home)
• Biodegradable napkins
• Greenery and flowers from your garden or a local nursery
• Seasonal fruit (nectarines, cherries, plums, apricots)
• Assorted nuts (check for allergies first!)
• Cheeses and charcuterie
• Recycled glassware
• A silver or gold marker

Start by spreading the brown paper down the centre of the table. Add the greenery and flowers, followed by the seasonal fruit, which should be distributed evenly. Next, add nuts, crackers, preserves, cheeses, and charcuterie.

Tuck LED string lights into the arrangement to add sparkle and warmth. For a personal touch, tie a set of cutlery with twine, adding a sprig of rosemary for an extra flourish and it helps keep bugs away.

Instead of traditional name cards, the team suggests using the gift-wrapping paper to write guests names directly on the table.

“This adds a fun and personal element to the meal,” they noted. You can also label the food items to enhance the interactive vibe, allowing guests to engage with the menu.

With around 40 million Christmas crackers discarded each year, often filled with plastic waste, the team also recommends creating your own eco-friendly crackers.

Made from toilet rolls, old newspapers, or wrapping paper, these homemade crackers can be filled with a joke, a personal fact about each guest, and a small treat, like chocolates or toffees.

This approach is not just good for the planet, it also offers a creative way for families to contribute together to the festive preparation, making the table setting a memorable part of the celebrations.

This festive season, consider embracing these simple yet effective ideas to create an unforgettable, environmentally friendly dining experience that both guests and the planet will appreciate.

IOL