Entertainer’s Dream: 8 Easy Swaps for a More Sustainable Table

We love having people over to share delicious food!

There’s something special about a table filled with dishes, glasses clinking, kids running in and out, and everyone lingering just a little longer than planned.

And it doesn’t have to come with mountains of waste.

With a few thoughtful swaps (and tableware designed to last), you can create a table that feels beautiful, relaxed and lighter on the planet. Here’s our tips to host more sustainably from the food you serve to the way you serve and store it.

8 Simple Swaps for a Greener Gathering

Sustainable hosting isn’t about doing everything perfectly. It’s about small, intentional choices that add up. Creating a table that feels warm and welcoming, not wasteful. It won’t just be your guests that’ll love it, the planet will too!

You don’t need to overhaul everything. Here’s 8 tips to get you started:

1. Plan the menu around seasonal foods and local produce 
2. Choose cloth napkins & table linen over disposable
3. 4. Use glassware or reusable drinkware instead of plastic or paper cups

4. Choose versatile, multi-use kitchen-to-table pieces
5. Use dishes that you can cook, serve and save leftovers in
6. Plan portions with leftovers in mind
7. Compost your scraps

1. Go Local & Seasonal For The Menu!


Seasonal produce generally travels less, tastes better and requires fewer artificial growing conditions. When possible, prioritise local farmers’ markets or locally-grown ingredients at the supermarket.

Small changes that help:

• Choose loose fruit and vegetables over pre-packed



• Buy in bulk for pantry staples



• Look for organic or sustainably certified options

You don’t need to be perfect — just aware!

2. Reduce Packaging Before It Reaches Your Bin

One of the most effective ways to cut waste is preventing it in the first place.

• Make one or two dishes from scratch instead of buying pre-packaged



• Avoid individually wrapped snacks for platters



• Use refillable pantry jars


Waste prevention always beats waste management.

3. Swap Disposable Napkins for Reusable Linen

Cloth napkins & elevate a table instantly and eliminate ongoing waste.

Hemp and linen options are durable, absorbent and designed to last for years. They soften with use and become part of your hosting ritual rather than something tossed after one meal. Our napkins are also made of GOT certified xx 

4. Use Glassware or Reusable Bottles Instead of Disposable Cups

Even for outdoor gatherings, reusable drinkware is worth it!

Glassware feels better in hand, looks way better on the table and avoids the cycle of buy–use–discard. If you’re heading out an about, keep your drinks cool or warm in a stainless steel Thermos or Drink Bottle. 

5. Choose Multi-Use Kitchen-to-Table Pieces

This is where sustainability meets practicality. Invest in pieces that move seamlessly from prep to serving to storage:

• Glass containers that double as serving bowls



• Silicone nesting bowls for mixing and presenting



• Chopping boards that function as grazing platters

• Replace plastic salt & pepper shakers with wood or ceramic ones

When one piece does three jobs, you reduce clutter, washing up and the need for disposable alternatives.

6. Plan Portions Thoughtfully

Food waste is one of the largest contributors to landfill.

• Serve slightly smaller portions or consider grazing options to share



• Choose dishes that can be repurposed the next day - it’ll probably taste better too!



• Store leftovers as soon as the meal is over so they’re not wasted or left to the flies!

7. Store Leftovers Properly

If leftovers are easy to see and easy to access, they’re far more likely to be eaten. Try to avoid plastic containers if you can (Learn more about Plastic vs Glass in our blog) and opt for durable glass or stainless steel containers because they:

• Keep food fresher for longer



• Eliminate cling wrap



• Reduce single-use plastics

• Better for your health

• Better for the planet


Prep cook, serve, store and reheat all in the same container!! Life changer. Make sure they’re oven safe, dishwasher and microwave safe.

8. Compost Your Scraps

Pop all the leftovers, veggie peels, eggshells and coffee grounds into your compost ready for the green bin or your composting system. New to composting? Check out our How To Compost Guide to get started. We love turning waste into your next meal!

Composting returns nutrients to soil instead of producing methane as food waste breaks down in general waste. Keeping a compost bin on your bench makes it simple to build the habit.

Be A Host With The Most

Sustainable hosting isn’t hard, we promise! Even a few small things will make a difference. Choose just one and report back. We’d love to hear how you go!