Favors

Having a beach wedding? Eco-friendly flip flops make great summer wedding favors that guests can take home and wear again. Worried about rain and mud? Put a few pairs of flip flops in a basket for guests to borrow so they don't spoil their expensive shoes. Look for flip flops made from natural materials like rubber, jute, or hemp. 

Fall's crowning glory--the sunflower--suits equally well a whimsical or more elegant wedding decor, and with the season in full bloom, it's a natural choice for eco-friendly weddings.

Combine sunflowers with other rich autumn hues to create gorgeous floral arrangements, whether it's the bride's bouquet, or the centerpieces.

The stunning brights of summer have now adopted warmer and more golden hues, providing a natural color palette for an elegant fall wedding. In addition to the complex array of tones that autumn provides, it also gives us a versatile accent piece for decor: the apple, signature fruit of the fall. With many lovely, eco-chic options, now is the time to take advantage of fall's favorite harvest. 

This past week my schedule was CRAZY. I judged the Daily News' Five Alarm Cook-off, went to an event for Bravo and Top Chef to launch a new line of Top Chef products, including a Quickfire Book, in which one of my Quickfire challenge recipes is featured.

Tin pails bursting with flowers are all around this season's weddings. They are another one of those perfectly versatile decor pieces that you can find used or borrow, and then return, repurpose, or donate back after the big day. Take a look at just of few of the possibilities.

Unadorned tin pails filled with seasonal blooms create a simple, understated look.

We love candy stations; they are the perfect solution for eco-friendly favors. Edible favors are always a green choice compared to kitschy trinkets your guests will ultimately throw away, and a candy buffet can be customized to complement your decor and style. Whether your wedding is an elegant affair in tones of chocolate and pink, or a fun carnival-style atmosphere in bright colors, a candy station can be suited to match.

When the weather is hot, nature's perfect food (fruit, of course!) always looks refreshing and delicious. It's no wonder, then, that fruit has been cropping up all over this summer's trendiest wedding decor.

Here are some ways to incorporate fruit's juicy sweetness into your celebration.

Pin (recycled) paper place cards to pieces of organic fruit to help guests find their seats.

One of the hottest trends in summer wedding décor couldn’t be more eco-friendly. Vintage mason jars are taking center stage in every style of wedding, from rustic and charming to elegant and refined. Not only do mason jars add to many different kinds of décor, they also can be used in a variety of ways.

Tie a ribbon around the top of a mason jar, and fill with seasonal flowers for simple and attractive floral arrangements.

Ahhh, summer. Brilliant sun, long days, and juicy-sweet berries in vibrant, delicious colors. Whether you’re planning a casual celebration or an elegant affair, a wedding in berry season offers something for everyone.

Berry-themed invitations let your guests know that your wedding will be ripe with charm. These invites are hand-printed on recycled paper.

Image: Grow-a-Note (Made in USA)