I was recently put on a mission – plan and buy the decorations for a 50th wedding anniversary brunch. The brief was: helium balloons for the couple, and some birthday balloons for two more people at the party. After explaining that helium was a scarce resource and balloons are not biodegradable, we agreed that the desire was height. Perfect, living on a tropical island! We have plenty large leaf plants, which make great simple low waste party decorations.
The solutions are: Bunting, tissue paper decorations, paper lanterns, and lots of dramatic greenery.
Bunting
Bunting was traditionally made with fabric, but today plastic bunting is unfortunately all the rage. Paper bunting is easy to make, and pretty durable. Keep it dry and it will last for years! Our bunting is printed on 250 gsm lightweight card-stock. We like to use jute twine or raffia paper ribbon so any damaged bunting can go straight into the compost!
Tissue Paper Decorations & Paper Lanterns
You can make your own quite easily, but party shops often have a wide variety of paper lanterns and tissue paper decorations.
Stick to neutral colors and you can use them again and again! These can add the height and drama of balloons, without the plastic or latex waste.
Dramatic Greenery
Sea grape, dasheen, taro, palm leaves and banana leaves make great centerpieces. Herbs make great place setting decorations.
Avoid toxic plants like oleander, Christmas bush ( Comocladia dodonaea), and desert rose, as well as potentially invasive species like snake plant (Sansevieria). Keep in mind that many edible plants like taro or dasheen need to be prepared and cooked a special way – they are toxic raw, and the sap can be irritating.
Sea grape ( Coccoloba uvifera ) leaves are bright green with pink hued veins. They can be dinner plate sized, and are often used to decorate buffets. Banana leaves are used in a similar fashion.
The pink flowers below are quail grass, a Celosia that grows like a weed and flowers year round. The orange are Heliconia psittacorum. They are native to the Caribbean and flower year round.
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