5 Eco-Friendly Ideas for Thanksgiving Dinner

This Thanksgiving why not include Mother Nature when giving thanks and choose planet-friendly alternatives for your holiday dinner? It's easy – with just a bit of planning – and will make this day of thanks even more special. From buying locally produced, organic foods to setting the table with reusable napkins, there are plenty of eco-friendly ideas for Thanksgiving. Here are five of our favourite ways to green your Thanksgiving table.

Prepping food with natural flat wraps reduces waste and the potential for chemicals leaching into your food.

1. Plastic-free food prep. There’s no talking turkey when it comes to food and plastic. Avoid the use of plastic wrap and you'll be avoiding potentially risky chemicals leaching into your Thanksgiving dinner, not to mention reducing waste heading for the landfill. For reusable, plastic-free food prep and storage, these Flat Wrap Covers for Food tick all the boxes. Natural, non-leaching and compostable, these innovative Canadian-made covers are easily molded to wrap up fruit, vegetables, bread, cheese, bowls, platters and even your cooked turkey! They also make a useful and unique hostess gift.

2. Add eco-chic colour to your table. Add a splash of colour to your Thanksgiving table with these stainless steel dishes hand painted by Kashmiri craftspeople. These beautiful cups and bowls are non-leaching and unbreakable – perfect for some festive eco-chic decor and ideal for withstanding any potential damage done at the kids’ table!

3. Nature makes for easy, elegant eco-friendly decor. Decorate your table and beyond with colourful fall leaves, branches and nuts. Go chestnut picking and fill tall vases and glasses with these richly hued autumn gems for seasonal accents on the dining table, mantle and throughout your dining and living room. For warm ambiance, place a candle inside the vase first and chestnuts around and up about a third of the candle's height.  For eco-friendly place cards, write guests' names on leaves or stones with a felt tip pen. A gold metallic pen works well on yellow/green leaves and silver is ideal on dark grey stones. You can even have a few extras on hand and ask guests to write down what they're thankful for, then place these thanking stones on display in the centre of the table.

4. Leftover layaway plan. Plan for leftovers and avoid unnecessary food waste. Storing them in stainless steel is a smart choice, not just for the planet but for you too. Stainless steel is highly durable so any stainless steel food storage containers you use, will probably outlast you. Stainless steel is also non-leaching, so there's never any worry about nasty chemicals leaching into your leftovers, whether wet or dry. This sleek trio of leak proof, square stainless steel nesting containers is long on practicality and short on taking up storage space. For smaller quantities of food, perhaps cranberry sauce, try these round leak proof steel containers and if leakage is less important, the Lunchbots eco food container with a steel lid is ideal.

5. Be sure to use your leftovers. Sometimes the best laid plans... Keeping leftovers doesn't always translate into eating leftovers and trust us, the result can turn out to be something akin to a science experiment. Keep an eye out now for recipes you want to try. With them on hand, you'll be more likely to use your Thanksgiving dinner leftovers post-holiday. For starters, check out this collection of 5 Must-Try Thanksgiving Leftover Turkey Recipes.

New from Envirosax Bags: Sesame Street Faves

Who doesn't like Sesame Street? From Oscar the Grouch to Cookie Monster and now fairy-in-training Abby, favourite kids show Sesame Street has something for everyone – even adults. The latest reusable shopping bags from Envirosax featuring favourite Sesame Street characters are perfect for anyone who wants to take a retro eco walk down memory lane. The bright colours and cartoon-like graphics combined with the practical benefits of these handy Envirosax bags: lightweight, water resistant, holds 44 lbs., no toxic chemicals, reinforced seams, folds down to the size of a piece of sushi, make Sesame Street a hit with adults too! Ideal for shopping, our funky Sesame Street Envirosax bags are good for carrying pretty much anything from sports gear to books to picnics and more. For an economical option, check out our Envirosax Sesame Street 5-pack pouch.

Best Calorie-Free Chocolate Valentine

For a unique, eco-friendly Valentine's day gift that will wow your Valentine, look no further than the Chocolate Lover's Pocket Garden - the perfect calorie-free and guilt-free chocolate gift for February 14th.

The recycled steel container features 4 varieties of seed of chocolate-y smelling and looking flowers, 4 seedling garden stakes and growing information with tips.

This is an ideal gift for the chocolate lover who likes to garden.
Flower seeds included: Chocolate Pincushion Flower, Chocolate Cosmidium, Chocolate Sunflowers and Chocolate Drop Rudbeckia

If chocolate isn't your Valentine's 'thing', try our Herbal Tea pocket garden for tea lovers who can grow, harvest and blend their own. We also have a Wine Lover's version with information about wine/food pairings and for the chef, a pocket garden to grow everything they need for a fresh Gourmet Salad.

For these and more ideas for unique Valentine's gifts, visit eco boutique Lavish & Lime. If you have any thoughts or comments about unique Valentine's gifts (family appropriate!), please leave a comment below. We'd love to hear from you!

Garden in a Bag Gets Top Marks for Teachers

We saw it. We loved it. The Garden in a Bag concept is so unique, we just had to have it here at Lavish & Lime.

Now you don't just have to take our word for it. Canada's national online newsletter for Moms SavvyMom.ca gave it a thumbs up as a great teachers' gift this week.

They call it a "gift that represents growth, life and beauty with the simple act of planting seeds."

And it's true. Everything you need to grow a lovely flowering plant or herb comes in the bag. Then you grow the plant in the bag. Ideal for brightening up any sunny windowsill, these plants can be grown indoors year-around.

The seeds are organic, the coconut drainage husks are organic and the packaging is minimal to keep it eco-friendly. These bags are made in the US.

SavvyMom particularly liked the idea of kids personalizing their gift by colouring the picture on the bag and writing their name or a message. Choose from pretty purple and yellow violas or organic sunflowers. This is a great option for teacher gifts, but don't stop there, we've found grandparents love these bags too.

Read the SavvyMom review here.

Browse our complete collection of Gardens in a Bag here. We have a great selection of flowers - from French Marigolds to Purple Petunias - and herbs including Oregano and Mint. Plus, don't miss our lovely Apple Tree - the perfect gift to mark a wedding or birth of a baby.

Today's Deal: Tea Towel Set

This is it. The last day of our Winter Sale and our final Daily Deal. It's your last chance to save big!

And today's Deal is big. Save 40% on a set of pure cotton tea towels with a chic design - a great hostess gift for anyone who likes her java!

Today's Daily Deal is...

Coffee Tea Towel Set
Was: $20
Now: $12
SAVE 40%

BUY NOW
These pure cotton printed tea towels bring a touch of Parisienne style to the kitchen - because life's just better with coffee! Cafe au lait towel is printed and embroidered. Made of 100% cotton. Designed in Canada.

For more great deals during our winter sale, check out our sale shop at Lavish & Lime. And be sure to check back here again for tomorrow's Daily Deal.

Today's Deal: Modular Candle Holder

Our Daily Deal today will help light up your life in these last dreary weeks of winter.

Let loose your creativity and build your own sculpture of light with this German-designed, ultra-modern candelabra.

We've reduced the price by 50% and only while stocks last. Simply click below for more information and to purchase.

Today's Daily Deal is...

Modular Candle Holder
Was: $18
Now: $9
SAVE 50%

BUY NOW
Assemble and rearrange this candlestick to your heart's delight! Create unique and beautiful sculptures to light up any setting with these streamlined and elegant, interlocking tripod candle holders. Made of clear polished plastic, each holder can hold three one-inch candles. One holder can easily stand on its own as a sleek, modernist candelabra or get creative and stack a few up to customize the look you want. Practical metal inserts protect the material from direct contact with heat. Designed in Germany.

For more great deals during our winter sale, check out our sale shop at Lavish & Lime. And be sure to check back here again for tomorrow's Daily Deal.

Today's Deal: Stack Napkin Holders

Our Daily Deal today is quite simply a great deal.

These German-designed steel napkin holders are sleek space savers for anyone who likes to dine in style!

We've reduced the price by 40% for today only, and only while stocks last. Simply click below for more information and to purchase.

Today's Daily Deal is...

Stack Napkin Holders
Was: $22
Now: $13.20
SAVE 40%

BUY NOW
Impress guests with these wave design stainless steel napkin holders then, after dinner, simply stack away for easy storage. A simple, contemporary accessory to dress up any table. Designed in Germany. Set of four holders.

For more great deals during our winter sale, check out our sale shop at Lavish & Lime. And be sure to check back here again for tomorrow's Daily Deal.

Today's Deal: Camilla Watering Can

Our Daily Deal today is for all the gardeners out there itching to exercise their green thumb once again!

This German-designed watering can is big on both style and functionality - watering has never been easier than with our Camilla.

We've reduced the price by 50%, and only while stocks last. Simply click below for more information and to purchase.

Today's Daily Deal is...

Camilla Watering Can
Was: $21
Now: $10.50
SAVE 50%

BUY NOW
With two handles rather than just one that gets in the way, this watering can is easier than ever to fill. Made of heavy plastic it's easy to wipe clean, making this the perfect watering can for inside and out. It can double as a trug for veggies, flowers or storage for your tools and garden gloves. It can even be used as a funky vase. Designed in Germany. Available in the brightest of bright pink, orange and green.

For more great deals during our winter sale, check out our sale shop at Lavish & Lime. And be sure to check back here again for tomorrow's Daily Deal.

Today's Deal: Julius Urn Bowl

Our Daily Deal today is a timeless classic for any room.

Refresh, renew your decor simply and effectively with this gorgeous pedestal bowl - certain to become a talking point among guests.

For today only we've reduced the price by 45%, and only while stocks last. Simply click below for more information and to purchase.

Today's Daily Deal is...

Julius Urn Bowl
Was: $90
Now: $49.50
SAVE 45%

BUY NOW
A striking addition to any room, this aluminum pedestal bowl is perfect for an entrance, window, hearth or table. Filled with ornaments, fruit, seasonal decorations or even left empty, this is an impressive piece. Hand polished inside and out, it represents a modern take on traditional design.

For more great deals during our winter sale, check out our sale shop at Lavish & Lime. And be sure to check back here again for tomorrow's Daily Deal.

5 Tips for Eco-Friendly Holiday Wrapping

Glitzy, bright gift wrap makes for a burst of festive bling under the tree, but what happens post-present opening once the excitement has subsided? The bin is undoubtedly filled to the brim with coloured, foil, glitter, and metallic wrapping waste.

We say, think beyond Christmas morning and get creative with your wrapping. Wow your loved ones with your creativity and follow our five top tips for presenting your gifts in eco-style.

1. Reusable shopping bags make great reusable gift bags that can be used all year around and are the perfect solution to overstuffed stockings. The lovely Christmas stockings hung by the chimney with care more often than not never seem big enough. Simply place a tote on the hearth next to or beneath the stocking to act as a catch-all for everything that can't fit.

2. Use tea towels as gift wrap for almost anything, especially bottles. Enhance your hostess gift by pairing a bottle of your favourite wine with a tea towel or for smaller gifts use these gorgeous cloth napkins.
LIME TIP How to do it: Simply place the bottle along one side of the towel so that the top of the bottle meets the top of the fabric. Create a pocket at the bottom by folding up the excess material at the bottom over the bottom of the bottle. Then roll it evenly and secure at the neck with a ribbon.

3. Put small gifts in little bags, purses or a must-have clutch and tie with a ribbon, instead of using boxes and wrapping.

4. Look for gifts already presented in attractive packaging, then there's no need to double up! Keep an eye out for jewelry presented in pouches, body brush gift sets in feather top bags, bamboo nightshirts in bamboo drawstring bags and kids' wooden blocks in cotton (easy clean up) bags. LIME TIP Don't forget, the more opaque the package, the greater the surprise!

5. Choose gifts that lend themselves to act as containers and group smaller gifts inside, effectively creating your own gift basket without the basket. Try a funky bright pink watering can filled with a pocket garden and a butterfly scatter garden. What about a collapsible eco shopping basket with a reusable Laken water bottle, crank radio/flashlight and ethically made body brush and body butter inside?

The possibilities are endless. Even if you cut down on glitzy gift wrap just a little this Christmas, it's a step in the right direction.

Visit Lavish & Lime for great gift ideas for the whole family - at affordable prices.

Green Gift Guide: Top 10 Eco-Chic Gifts for Christmas

Green is definitely the new white this holiday season.

Think eco-friendly and feel good about the gifts you give. Plus they don't have to be boring, or beige. Bright colours and innovative designs mean this Christmas going green never looked so good.

Here's our guide to the top 10 eco-friendly gift picks for her, him and the little ones for a green Christmas.

1) Market Tote 3-Pack: for Her
Why a great green choice? Cuts down on plastic bag use and helps reduce the landfill. Made in Canada so minimal carbon footprint.

Fashion meets function with this stylish grocery tote. Made of 100% cotton with a comfortable webbed handle, it holds up to 3X more than the average plastic shopping bag and includes an interior elastic band for storing a bottle upright. $40

2) Recycled Rectangle Necklace: for Her
Why a great green choice? Handcrafted in Canada using recycled, re-melted, and recombined sterling silver components.

This unique rectangular pendant can easily be worn two ways - horizontally for a wide angle look or turned to the vertical. The rectangle hangs from a delicate, double chain that loops around the sides of the pendant. $52

3) Discs of Life Reclaimed Wood Necklace: for Her
Why a great green choice? Handcrafted from recycled African ebony hardwood. Made in Canada so a minimal carbon footprint.

This chic silver string of five eco-friendly wooden shapes is certain to make a lasting impression. 32" length $92

4) Bamboo Nightshirt: for Her
Why a great green choice? Bamboo is considered nature’s most sustainable and naturally regenerative resource. Bamboo fabric is softer than the softest cotton on the market today and is grown without fertilizers, pesticides or insecticides and is biodegradable. This nightshirt is made with non-toxic and AZO free dyes.

A super soft option for comfy nightwear that also looks and feels great as a long shirt with jeans. Short sleeve, rounded neck, falls above the knee. 95% viscose from bamboo, 5% spandex. S,M,L in black and cielo blue available $49

5) Purple Clutch: for Her
Why a great green choice? Handmade in Canada using high quality naugahyde vinyl from the USA - free of solvents and ozone depleting chemicals - a hard wearing alternative to animal leather and all the resources used to raise animals.

Purple is the colour of the season and this clutch is it. Two snap pockets, sturdy zip and easy to wipe clean with a damp cloth. $36

6) Wooden Pirate Ship: for Kids
Why a great green choice? Made from replenishable rubber wood which is preservative free and processed naturally. No harmful additives or coloring are used and all paints are tested for safety. Made by PlanToys which practices the “Three R’s” of green living: Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle. Their manufacturing processes are designed to reduce waste and save energy.

This wonderful pirate ship includes a one-eyed black beard and a dastardly crew of four, with lifeboat and hungry croc. Age 3 years + $55

7) Bug Balance Game: for Kids Why a great green choice? Made from replenishable rubberwood which is preservative free and processed naturally. No harmful additives or coloring are used and all paints are tested for safety. Also made by PlanToys®.

Roll the dice and catch the bugs and then place them on the tree to see how long they can stay on for. The tree is 10.6" high. Age 3+ $25

8) Soda Can Robot Kit: for Kids
Why a great green choice? Gives kids a hands-on education about the value of recycling everyday objects.

Build, recycle and create a unique robot that is as much a science project as it is a toy. The robug emits a buzzing sound like a real bug and moves across the floor. Great fun from a recycled can (not included). Crank and wind energy kits also available. Ages 8+

9) Mini Crank Lantern: for Him
Why a great green choice? Offers a real alternative to grid electricity or fossil fuels. Made by Freeplay Energy, who through its non-profit Freeplay Foundation has distributed more than 160,000 Lifeline radios since 2003 in Africa and beyond, conservatively reaching six million listeners and making Freeplay the world leader in transferring wind-up technology to those least able to access the information and education that could help lift them out of poverty.

Reputedly the best self sufficient rechargeable lantern on the market. When you wind for power, the self-charge mechanism converts over 74% of your kinetic energy into stored electricity. The task light is ideal for reading at night, and an effective flashlight for walking around the campground. $32

10) Mohair Throw: for Anyone who Likes to Be Warm
Why a great green choice? Recycled yarn samples have been used to create the fringe.

A colourful, multi-texture rainbow fringe accents this stunning, lightweight mohair mix throw. The robin's egg blue colour adds an instant touch of elegant coziness to any room. Also available in white snow, dark grey and chocolate brown. 70"x53" $160

These and other eco-chic gifts are available at Vancouver-based online boutique Lavish & Lime. We ship across Canada and offer a $5 gift wrapping service plus gift enclosure cards with a personal handwritten message - for free.

Easy Summer Entertaining Tips

Now that the warm weather has finally arrived we're feeling optimistic, if not a little tired of rising gas prices. We’re planning for lots of get-togethers in the great outdoors - at home. All you need is a grill, a patch of grass or deck and get ready for some summer fun!

Here are five top tips to help make summer entertaining a breeze.

1. Keep it simple
White serving dishes and dinnerware always looks appropriate and pairs well with any food. Go for the easy approach and stick to one-bite tapas-style foods - a napkin and fingers are all they need to nosh it up!

For a quick, easy tapas recipe, try this unforgettable grilled asparagus.

Prosciutto Wrapped Asparagus

• 24 asparagus spears (2 bunches)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
• 1/4 tsp pepper
• 12 thin slices prosciutto

1. Preheat barbecue to high and lightly oil grill.
2. Snap off woody ends of asparagus. Toss spears with olive oil, vinegar and pepper.
3. Cut prosciutto slices in half crosswise. Wrap each spear with a piece of prosciutto, allowing ends to be exposed.
4. Place on grill, close lid and cook about 1.5 minutes per side or until asparagus turns bright green and is tender-crisp.

Makes 24 wraps, prep time 15 minutes

2. Dip it in colour
Dips with a selection of crackers, pita chips and crostini are always a hit - and easy. Serve your homous, spinach dip, tzatziki and even condiments in hollowed out red, orange, green or yellow bell peppers. Simply cut off the tops and stems and remove the sees from the inside of the pepper and fill these natural containers to the brim. Bonus: whole jars or containers of dips and condiments won't be ruined in the sun.

3. No-fuss flowers
Fresh blooms create instant elegance at any casual get-together and can be as easy as trimming a few stems from the garden. Display them in a central jug, pitcher or vase or go for the multiples option with a few glasses or bowls scattered around the table. Set a few blooms among a bowl of limes for an effortless summer-chic look.

4. Forgiving candlelight
Everyone and everything looks lovely in candlelight so be sure to light up and transform your yard or deck into a twilight paradise! Choose from seasonal hurricanes, votives, tea lights, patio lanterns, torches, white Christmas lights or our own new clear plastic modular candle holder that allows you to stack a few up to create your own sculpture of light.

5. Protect the juice
For optimum flavour, be sure to protect white and red wine from direct sunlight. Keep white wine cool in pottery or stainless steel encasements and avoid decanting red wine in clear containers, use a ceramic pitcher instead. Cover with a napkin to discourage any wine-swilling insects.

For more entertaining ideas, check out our selection of stylish servers and finishing touches - from our lovely white ceramic pitcher and 3-tier serving dish to our silver stackable napkin holders. And don't forget the kids! Our new line of uber cool, interchangeable Automoblox - a red sports car, purple SUV and green pick up truck - is sure to keep them entertained too!