Golden Era of Disposables
HIGH DESIGN x SINGLE USE
Welp, I never thought I would see disposables have their day in the spotlight, but it looks like Coronavirus has given them their moment to make their debut into even high design events. As our favorite restaurants around Austin have been re-opening, even the most style-concious have been using single-use servingware to facilitate sanitization and social distancing. As socializing gets back to normal, my prediction is that disposables will return to their position as the star of budget conscious events or events where china and glass just aren’t appropriate. Until then, we want to let disposables soak in every minute of fame.
There are times that you can choose Solo’s clever cups with a chalkboard name plate that allows guests to “write” their names using anything that has an edge (or even a fingernail). No pen needed. If you’re hosting a high design party though, you want something more, well, intentional. When we plan parties for our clients that want disposables, we always research options that make the disposables unexpected and part of the overall event experience.
Compostable Trays + Taco Holders
We produced a large event for Austin Parks Foundation last fall that was held in Republic Park right in the heart of downtown Austin. Peached Tortilla generously donated their amazing tacos for the dinner. We did a mix of table seating and picnic blanket seating, so we needed a solution that was disposable and allowed the guests to sit anywhere, enjoy their dinner and still look cool. We searched high + low for a disposable taco holder, and the reward was the cutest little taco “cradle” of sorts. We had the tacos placed in this ballpark style paperboard tray. The rice and salad were pre-portioned into VerTerra’s adorable 3” x 4” click n’ lock boxes. The best news: everything was compostable. So as we adapt to the new social changes, we can be a friend to the environment at the same time.
High End Disposable Flatware
Black + Gold Plastic Flatware that looks almost exactly like a modern, high-end “real” flatware patter we rent for our events from Table Manners. {BTW, Table Manners has amazing china + flatware options if you’re wanting a high touch tablescape with the real deal.} A plastic cup with an unexpected twist like a rose gold rim or a striking cobalt blue will make the disposable barware feel more intentional and a part of the party.
Single Use Plates + Cheeseboards
Plates get a little trickier. We steer away from plastic plates for the most part because we love the look of natural materials like bamboo or palm leaf. We just feel like they feel nicer when you’re holding them plus they come in great shapes + sizes. Years ago, when we first were introduced to bamboo plates, we learned (as always with events, sometimes it’s the hard way) that you want to order a larger size than you think. The 9” will look a bit small for a dinner plate. Whether you’re ordering a square or circle, order a 10” or bigger for a dinner plate. We love these plates by Zen & Luxe with a bright green Monstera leaf print. We’ve used these square palm leaf plates a million times, and they’re awesome. Palm leaf can look a little more rustic than bamboo plates because of the variations in color. These bamboo plates by Bambu have a slightly cleaner look. Annnd they make theses adorable tiny sporks! I’m not sure how practical they are but boy, if you can find a way to use them, people would be in love.
In a different category, you have VerTerra. We love all of their trays and boxes and all the things. The price point is higher than the options we’ve been talking about, but if you want sky’s the limit creative options, you have to look at VerTerra’s products. Case in point: this TINY, INDIVIDUAL CHEESEBOARD! You guys, it is 2” x 4”…so just imagine the tiniest cheese selection, made for one with the world’s tiniest slices of cheese. We have not used this idea, but I guarantee you we will as soon as we get people together!
Some of our links are affiliate links. This means that if you buy something, we might make a commission. With that said, we only link to things we believe are beneficial to you. . . Pinky promise.