Deck the Office Halls Green

'Tis the season to start planning that office holiday party, ladies and gents, and we've got some great ways to help you keep it green. First up? Decorations. Try out these eco designs and the environment will be happy -- and so will your wallet.

How to Throw a Nature-Themed Holiday Party

If you want to keep it simple and reduce your office's carbon footprint with bright ideas, let nature be your guide while decorating. Table decorations are often the easiest way to go. Just rent some tablecloths (or make them yourself if you have some extra time on your hands) and let the centerpieces be the main attraction. 

Festive Candles 

Soy or beeswax candles make a simple yet elegant table decoration. Many items can be used as candle holders, but we've got two variations to share with you. Pine cone candleholders would make a great decoration for the dinner table if you have the time to go on a scavenger hunt for the pinecones. (Note: Grab them from your yard or ask neighbors to share cones from their trees.) Just make sure to soak the pinecones in a mixture of vinegar and water first to make sure you get all the grime off before using them as decorations. If you've got less time on your hands, gather up some pinecones, tree clippings and maybe some fruit, throw it all in a basket and place tapered candles inside.

Tabletop Evergreens

Or if you really want to get into the nature theme, go on a hunt for evergreen clippings and make your own miniature holiday trees for the table. Simply use aluminum buckets, fill them with some dirt to hold up the clippings and arrange the clippings inside to form a tree-shape. Tie a bow around the bucket and voila, you've got yourself a centerpiece. Pine cones can be used with this arrangement as well, but rather than bunching them together in a basket, use them as accent pieces for the table area around your makeshift trees. 

--by Jess Krager / Photo courtesy of iStock/hmproudlove

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