Birthdays, holidays, anniversaries, engagements, graduation and just because you feel like it are all reasons we throw parties at our homes.  Parties usually mean a lot of waste at the end and left over useless decorations.  To make your party green it doesn't have to be drab, it can be eco-fab.  These party planning tips will help you put together a great eco-friendly party.

Invitations

For party invitations, consider using a free online service such as evite. With its free electronic invitation service you'll save time and postage - and the cost of paper invites, too.  There's no waste at all when you use email.  If you want to be more formal, send out invitations made from recycled paper.

Décor

Be creative with your décor. Buying mass-produced, disposable themed décor is unoriginal and, if you only use it once, pretty wasteful. You can find interesting ways to create atmosphere with everyday items. For example, vintage tea tins make great vases, find brightly colored fruit that's in season to display as an edible centerpiece, and for place cards use a wine cork sliced to fit a paint chip.

You can also buy seasonal flowers from the farmers market or an online retailer like Organic Bouquet that specializes in sustainably grown, fair-trade flowers.  Small potted plants are also an easy way to incorporate florals without having to arrange cut flowers. They can be given to guests as they leave or be enjoyed by you after the party.

Take your party outside. If you have a nice backyard then the elements of nature serve as beautiful decorations. If having an outdoor party, host your event early and you'll use less energy by taking advantage of natural light.  A garden or terrace for drinks at sunset makes a great setting.

Set-Up

Use washable table linens, napkins, cutlery, and dinnerware. They're more elegant than the other disposable options, and they can be used time and time again.  If disposables are a must, consider eco-options such as the biodegradable potato starch based cups, plates, and cutlery from Potato Pak.

Instead of buying new supplies, you can rent chairs, tables, tablecloths, and even snow cone machines for very low prices.

Food and Drink

Keep the menu simple and the cost low. For starters, buy in bulk, it reduces packaging waste and cost. Plan your menu around locally grown, seasonal fruits, and vegetables which can be bought at a farmers market. Find a farmers market in your area here.

Whatever kind of alcohol you prefer there is a beer, wine or spirit that is organic or local for your party.  Check out your local wineries, which if you live in California there are no shortage of, or find an organic wine at your local wine shop. Throwing a cocktail party? Make "eco-tinis" with organic liquor like Square One Organic Vodka, 4 Copas Tequila, Juniper Green Organic Gin, or Papagayo Organic Spiced Rum.  Almost every city has a local brewery and many breweries offer beers made with organic ingredients.  Find find one in your area at BrewPubZone.

Clean-Up

Put out some small recycling bins around your party to make sure all drink cans are being recycled.

Make sure no food goes to waste by having guests take home leftovers.  Use aluminum foil to package leftovers because clean foil can be crumpled up and tossed into the recycling bin, making it a better option than plastic cling wrap.