November 10th, 2023

Hi friends,

The art of dinner party can intimidate even the most seasoned host. Always a balancing act, the inevitability of a forgotten allergy, lack of wine, or other upset can throw off the evening and dissuade someone from sending an invitation. But I heard recent reasoning how a weekly dinner party can encourage a calm collectiveness.

One of my nearest and dearest, Snærós, explained that her recurring Sunday night supper is the only way to keep her house clean. Sure, after 10 of her closest friends leave for the evening there is a plethora of dishes to get through but having the consistency of a weekly event offers accountability in keeping her home (mostly) organized the rest of the week. I think it’s brilliant.

As a fellow neurodivergent, I too rely on systems to control the chaos, some more effective than others. What better way to instill healthy habits than through good mood food with your chosen family on a regular basis? This week, I’m revisiting my own dinner plans, and thinking more on making these moments build not only community, but mindful practices for myself.

How are you hosting?

Stay hungry,Hawnuh Lee | Founder, Closed Loop Cooking

Supper club elements.

The dish >>

• The most satisfying sweet potato harvest.

• This Mississippi Valley tree planting program is partnering with farmers.

• Swooning over these iconic, vintage champagne flutes.

• And a parsnip, sweet potato mac ‘n cheese for the table.

• Stunning ‘stickwork’ nest homes.

• Cult of consumerism–behind Costco’s Kirkland brand.

• Cover me in sugar slugs.

 How to host a low waste Thanksgiving dinner. 

A holiday guide by Hawnuh Lee.

With the holiday season around the corner, it’s easy to get lost in the ease of excess packaging and food waste. Here’s a helpful guide to make the most out of what you have on hand and implement some of your own mindful practices this friendsgiving. Find gratitude for whatever habits make their way into your repertoire and start where you are. The most helpful tips are the ones that work best for you.

Prep

• Ban plastic wrap from prep and leftovers. There are a multitude of cling-free alternatives you can re-use to keep food fresh. From beeswax wrap to clean linens to compostable parchment paper, this round-up can inspire you to kick the cling this season.

• Swap cloth for paper towels when possible. Repurposing old shirts or other materials can replace paper towels for cleaning and cloth napkins are a great way to make your table feel elevated. I keep my emergency roll of paper towels under the sink and clean linens in an easy to reach spot.

• Make use of grocery lists and pack your low waste shopping kit ahead of time. Avoid plastic produce bags and try out a low impact produce wash instead.

• Streamline prep. Sometimes buying pre-made staples makes cooking and cleanup easier. Or make ahead dishes or ingredients that keep well. Decide what will support your mental health in putting together your table.

Table

• Upcycle glassware. Glass jars can be cleaned and labels removed to become extra drinking glasses or storage containers. Wine bottles can hold floral arrangements. You can find tips on starting your own low waste (and cost effective!) sustainable glassware collection here.

• DIY or forage your decorations. A nature walk might yield dried leaves for biodegradable confetti or wreath making branches. I like to trim local rosemary bushes and spread sprigs around the table. Or cut and paint shapes from leftover packaging to make use of the extra material.

• Use dishware over plastic but swap for compostable plates where needed.

• Try drying out bouquets to use for other events or to commemorate the evening.

Cooking

• Stock your plant-based pantry and DIY staples ahead of time to avoid excess packaging. I always like to have veggie stock, apple scrap vinegar, and plant milk on hand.

• Make your dishes plant-based and locally sourced when possible. 

• Root-to-stem your produce. Make use of every edible ingredient to make the most out of your purchases. Research recipes for use-it-all fall salads or how to toast squash seeds to find inspiration on why we should all be closed loop cooking.

• Compost when you can. It’s not accessible in all areas but if you can keep your excess produce out of the trash, that makes a difference.

• Improv as needed. What’s a dinner party without something going awry? Leaning into your improvisational skills will help you navigate those inevitable moments of overwhelm.

After

• Label your leftovers! Ideally in a clear container, as we’re more likely to eat what we can see. But make use of any storage on hand and leftovers easy to grab.

• Or, donate labeled leftovers to your local free fridge. A great way to pass along an extra meal. You can research nearby drop off locations in your neighborhood.

And enjoy the moment. Start a new, low waste tradition this year and share the gratitude.

What’s on your low waste prep list this year? Reply back and share your most useful tips!

Sculpted, veggie vignettes.

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