'Tis the season for dinner parties! Last night, we had friends over for a mini-potluck. We took care of the main dish and appetizers, but friends brought sides, drinks, and dessert. With all that food, we had plenty left over--and everyone wanted another chance at something.
Since we're phasing out plastic to-go containers at home, we didn't have enough to go around. So we were forced to use an even better option. Jump below to find out what.
In the pantry, we'd been keeping a tall stack of compostable plates from a summer party. These turned out to be the perfect to-go choice; we loaded the plates with casserole and cheesecake, then topped each one with a sheet of foil, encouraging our friends to toss the plate in the compost heap and wash and reuse (then recycle) the foil.
Everyone was very receptive to the idea, and had we thought ahead, we could've sent them each home with a doggie bag, too; reusable grocery bags from our local grocers are only 99 cents, and would've made great party favors.
Another nice option, though it would take some foresight, would be these Bio-Plus Earth Recycled take-out boxes made from 100% recycled paper (35% post-consumer) and are 100% recyclable.
Don't forget Mason jars, too; if you're sending home soup, this would be a great option.
In any case, forgo those holiday-themed plasticware sets that are popping up on store shelves, and come up with a greener way to pack up the leftovers. And don't forget to share your ideas with us!
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The Bio Plus take out containers are great. You can find them at Restaurant Supply stores like Cash and Carry for really cheap. I am planning to make peppermint bark and put them in these containers.
Also over the year I go to yard sales and find different glass containers with lids (like pyrex). They usually range from $0.10 to $1.00 so I don't worry if I send them home with my friends. If I get it back, its great but if not, I feel great that it has another home.
Also yard sales are a good way to stock up on large dishes and pots with lids so when you bring food to a party you don't have to worry about getting it back.
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We go on vacation for Thanksgiving and always have lots of leftovers, more than we want to take back on the 6 hour drive home. But family/friends are always hesitant to take your tupperware, even if you've assured them you're okay with passing it on. So...I brought all the butter/yogurt/cottage cheese/ricotta cheese/lunch meat/etc. containers collected throughout the year. We used them to place leftovers in the fridge and labeled them with a sharpie and also sent guests home with food.
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