Make Your Holiday Dinner Parties Super Chic on the Cheap

Just because the economy is in a, er, funk doesn't mean that you can't get together with family and friends and kick this holiday season into high gear. Money does not mean class. Bringing an eco-chic edge to your parties just takes a little forethought. Follow these frugal tips and your next get together will be a huge success.

1. Allow Your Guests to Eat With Their Eyes

This is the truth. Take these tips and make your appetizers look fabulous on the plate.

- Serve soups or bisques in shot glasses. Guests can simply slurp their soup without a spoon. Soups are inexpensive and easy to prepare for a large group.

- Place your small-bite appetizers on the tip of a spoon so people can grab and go. It looks fantastic and guests don't need any utensils. Try reusable utensils for added class and to control the waste that goes along with disposable utensils.

2. Decorate Vintage With What You Have on Hand

Make centerpieces from what you find outdoors. Walk outside and use what's in season. Use wild flowers, pine cones, or holly with old vintage vases to make simplistic arrangements.

3. Make it a Tapas Party Rather Than a Seated Meal

Serving a formal meal can be a ton more expensive and it takes a lot of work. Make it simple and easy by making a few appetizers and having friends bring a few as well.

4. Be Flexible and Seasonal With the Menu

If portabellas are $5.00 per pound and not in season, switch to another vegetable. Hit the farmers' market and pick up a few super fresh ingredients. The less distance your foods travel to get to you, the better it tastes.

Interested in hearing what celebrities have to say about green? Eavesdrop on their dinner conversations on Planet Green TV's Supper Club.