Bringing With...

When invited to a party and there is expectation that everyone is going to bring a dish to pass or something to nosh on, many struggle over what to serve their offering in.  Tupperware is a functional solution -- but not worth risking that it will be left behind and lost forever.  Cheap plastic solutions are not eco-friendly either.  Bringing a dish from home can be risky too -- loss or damage is a possibility.  Who would want to lose a pretty bowl like this?

We would be totally willing to lose this bowl and plate!  That is because it was purchased at a thrift with the express purpose of using it to bring an appetizer to a party.  This is a pretty enough set that it is worth using again -- but our intention was to leave it behind for our hosts to use it again.

Finding something appropriate can be a fun challenge.  This Pfaltzgraph plate is a nice pattern and it's a good quality -- even if it isn't new.  The bowl and plate cost $1.50 -- about the same for a throw-away plastic storage container.  This, however, won't be destined for a landfill tomorrow.  It has no BPAs either.

Consider pretty pieces of pottery for hostess gifts too.  While not everyone wants a used tankard as a birthday or Christmas present -- there's nothing wrong with putting a bouquet in such a found treasure.  The Dollar Tree is a great place to find clear glass vases for flower arrangements.  However, an interesting ceramic vessel like this can be found for just about the same price.

This mug was made in Canada, and the flowers were take to the house of a Canadian friend -- so it worked just fine!

The next time you are considering bringing flowers or a dish to an event, consider non-disposable, second hand containers.  They're environmentally friendly, inexpensive, and definitely more stylish!