So you've made the environmentally conscious choice to be green this year... but how will this decision impact your entertaining? Maintaining environmental self-discipline can be difficult while entertaining. However, maintaining a green focus doesn't have to mean bland food and brown, recycled napkins. Organic food can be delicious - special enough to serve at parties - and sustainable table linens can be glamorous. Green choices can actually enhance your guests' experience in your home; rather than inhibit it.

Green products are far from plain and unattractive. The 'green movement' has been embraced by the architecture and design community - so there is an abundance of smartly styled, design-forward items that are also eco-friendly.

Here are some suggestions to keep in mind as you plan this year's parties, starting with the two rooms your guests are sure to see - the kitchen and the powder room. Some changes are quick and simple; while others have a longer-term impact that you can enjoy long after your guests are gone.

A Gorgeous, Green Kitchen It's a fact - whether you're entertaining two guests or 20 - the one spot they'll most likely congregate is the kitchen. And fortunately, making a green impact in this room is one of the easiest. Here are some tips for updating your kitchen that are friendlier to the planet:

• If you need to purchase a new table and chairs to accommodate a large dinner party, look for second-hand tables and refurbished chairs with character.

• Installing cabinetry or built-ins made with certifiable, eco-friendly wood (meaning they were not made from rain forest materials or endangered woods).

• Consider sourcing quartz counters, which are more eco-friendly than granite

• Installing bamboo wood flooring, which provides the natural beauty of wood while also being environmentally friendly.

• If you're setting up the bar for guests, consider a filtering faucet in the kitchen, which will provide filtered water at your sink - virtually eliminating the need for bottled water.

The Perfect Powder Room After the kitchen, the next most-visited room at your dinner party is the powder room, or guest half-bath.

• Enhancing the mood of your soiree with candles - not only do they soften the lighting and add a festive flair; but they also are electricity-free!

• Incorporating ceramic tile in floors, countertops and walls. Some ceramic tiles are made from recycled products, such as discarded bottle glass.

• Installing electronic faucets or faucets certified to meet WaterSense® criteria to conserve water. Look for a faucet that’s certified so that it reduces water usage — yet looks stylish in your bathroom.

Earth-Friendly Entertaining Once your decorating is complete, it's time to add a few, final green touches to your event:

• Invite an acoustic guitarist to play at the party - it not only will give your event a more intimate feel, it will also conserve energy.

• Buy beverages in aluminum cans and glass bottles that can be recycled; and create a 'festive' reminder for guests to dispose of these items in recycling bins.

Finally, remember that every little bit counts - and by showing your guests a glamorous -and green - experience, you can empower them to follow in your eco-conscious footsteps.

This article was provided by Moen. For more information visit www.moen.ca .