Your Sustainable Christmas Guide
We love Christmas at Social Pantry as it brings with it the opportunity for wonderful celebrations, plenty of get-togethers, extraordinary festive feasts and if you’re lucky, a few thoughtful gifts along the way. Whilst it is traditionally a time for abundance, this Christmas, we are encouraging our community to take on a conscious approach to their festivities with the help of our resourceful styling suggestions, up-cycling ideas and ethical gift guides.
Below are some of our top festive tips for a sustainable Christmas that we have picked up over our years of hosting, that allow you to go above and beyond, without the waste.
‘TIS THE SEASON FOR GIVING
Thoughtful gifts that loved ones truly want and will use time and time again are always the most sustainable option, and with many of us having tighter purse strings this year, gifts that miss the mark just aren’t an option. So, here are a few creative ideas that we know they will love.

EMBRACE THEIR PASSIONS
Have friends who love exploring new restaurants on the food scene or have a particular favourite that they visit over and over again? Consider purchasing a restaurant gift card for a feast that they can look forward to. Better yet, go together and enjoy an evening full of great food and company on you.
THINK INSIDE THE BOX
This season is the time for indulgent treats and more time spent in the kitchen, so why not create a hamper of delicious, elevated pantry staples including spice mixes, coffee beans, your favourite virgin olive oil or a festive-themed liquor? For an added personal touch, you can’t go wrong with some homemade sweet treats that show extra dedication and effort.
GIFTS THAT KEEP ON GIVING
The perfect way to ensure your loved ones always have something to look forward to and make them smile each month, is the gift of a subscription. From fresh vegetables to de-stress gift boxes and monthly book deliveries, there are endless options when it comes to subscription-based gifting so you can choose something that perfectly suits them and their interests.
GIVE BACK
We all know that December is not only a time for giving but for giving back and since food is at the heart of everything we do at Social Pantry, we are always moved by the great work of food re-distributing charities such as FareShare and The Felix Project, for the difference they make to so many people. Though operating year-round, charities receive most of their attention around the Christmas period. So, much like the subscriptions, consider setting up regular donations to their projects on behalf of a loved one through the year.
WRAPPING
Wrapping can make all the difference when it comes to receiving a gift, but that doesn’t mean it can’t be done sustainably. By making a few, simple adjustments, gifts can look just as good without the leftover bin-bags full of paper.
Firstly, when choosing a paper to go with your Christmas decor scheme, stay clear of any papers with plastics, glitter or shiny finishes as these can’t be recycled. Instead, opt for pure papers- you can tell that they are pure, as they will hold their shape if scrunched. Brown paper with a velvet ribbon makes for a simple, yet classic and timeless look. Finally, remember to remove any tape before recycling, or better yet, try to avoid using it all together.
Beautifully printed scarves, linens and tea towels are also an excellent option for those looking to go paper-free and add an additional, bespoke element to their gift.
DECK THE HALLS
Get crafty this Christmas and try your hand at creating beautiful cards to send to your loved ones to string up over the mantel piece, or join us in one of our wreath workshops to bedeck your front door. Festive decor is a failsafe way to create a warm and cosy atmosphere and will ensure your home is full of Christmas cheer.


CARDS
Sitting down with some mulled wine and making your own cards can be a wonderful way to show an extra bit of intention and get in the Christmas spirit. Hand drawn or painted cards are also easily personalised and can be a far more affordable option.
If you’re not feeling particularly creative, there are extraordinary companies that can do the hard work for you. Washed Up Cards for instance aims to promote wellness through group beach cleans and workshops to create products from the plastic and rubbish we collect. Each piece of plastic is then incorporated into a unique card design to give it a new lease of life.
DECORATION
Nothing beats a real Christmas tree with it’s festive smell and characterful appeal. We like to decorate ours with collections of tree decorations that we have collected over the years, making them extra special and full of nostalgia.
Throughout the house, natural garlands work beautifully to bring an organic feel to the festivities and work seamlessly with just about any interior design style. Interlace them with lights and a few baubles for an added flair, or leave them just as leaves and berries for a simple look that never tires.
We all know the front door makes the first impression, which is why wreaths are so important at this time of year. They should always compliment the rest of your decor scheme and give a hint to guests as to what’s to come. Consider signing up for a wreath-making workshop with some friends, for a creative and festive evening where you leave with a beautiful piece of decor that is bursting with dried citrus, berries and florals and suits your taste perfectly.
EAT, DRINK AND BE MERRY
This is the moment the entire holiday calendar revolves around; Christmas dinner. Whatever you put on the table, your guests will be impressed, but why not go the extra mile with these few tricks on table styling and hosting. Why not get in touch with our event planners to see what we could help you with over the festive season, from drinks parties at New Year’s Eve to Christmas feasts, whatever you want, we’ll make it happen!


TABLESCAPES
Tablescapes really set the scene for the best Christmas dinners and elevate the occasion to far more than your regular roast. Whether you’re looking for a classic design or like to do something a little different each year, there are plenty of ways to make your table just as memorable as the food you serve, in a way that doesn’t damage the planet in the process.
Every great table starts with a quality table cloth. Consider investing in a white linen one that will last for years to come, or have a look to see what you already have. Festive patterns have an undeniable charm as do ones with lace details passed down through generations.
Top with candelabras or tea lights for an intimate, warm light that adds just the right amount of ambience. Surround these with florals of your choice. This is where you can really get creative with the scheme and make it different each year. Holly leaves and berries work great for low-lying decoration, or vases of colourful, seasonal flowers make a delightfully unexpected addition.
If you have them, chargers are an instant way to upgrade the tables cape and are an easy way to add a metallic touch and some added depth. Top with your best plates and set the table with cutlery to compliment your menu.
For napkins, white or block colours can work perfectly. Alternatively, embroidered designs add a personal touch, working in place of a name card and guests will love taking them home as a keepsake to use again.
FOOD AND DRINK
Social Pantry is the go-to caterer for unique and exciting events and Christmas is certainly no exception. From work Christmas parties to intimate dinners and show-stopping events at remarkable venues, we know exactly how to bring your Christmas events to life and deliver exceptional food in a socially and environmentally conscious way that is tailored to the unique needs of every client. So, if you’re thinking if hosting a noteworthy event this festive season, get in touch and find out how we can bring that dream to life.
Of course, food and drink is what we do best, and with our years of experience we have all of the advice you’ll need to plan and execute the ultimate festive feast yourself this Christmas. From Social Pantry’s roast potato recipe to the best ways to use up your Christmas leftovers or even how to create a Christmas feast without the need for a bird on the table, The Gathering is bursting with ideas on how to have a truly delicious time this festive season.