In A New Old Fashioned Way

Day 5: Later We'll Have Some Pumpkin Pie

Instead of using plastic or Styrofoam during holiday cocktail parties and dinner gatherings, use real dishes, glassware, napkins and utensils. Yes, it adds to the cleanup effort, but think about how many resources go into that one use for each disposable item. Purchasing holiday-themed products also adds up, so you will also be saving money.

For kids and anybody you don't trust with your wine glasses, use paper-based plates and napkins, and corn-based cups and utensils that can be composted. These have become common enough in my corners of the world that it's not difficult to find, if you know what you are looking for. This also goes if you are serving 16, but only have service for 10 or 12 - the more the merrier, as you pass around coffee and pie!