It's party time, and we're in for a treat! From aperitif to dessert, the tables will be overflowing... And what if this year, to avoid indigestion, we rhymed festivities with eco-responsibility? No drastic changes on the horizon, but rather a few simple gestures and easy-to-follow alternatives to lighten this period of abundance.
We give pride of place to plants
There's no question of avoiding capon and foie gras at all costs. The idea is simply to make more room for plant-based products. For example, why not swap the shrimp kebabs and salmon canapés of the aperitif for a seaweed tartare or homemade hummus? The more adventurous can try their hand at Faux Gras, a plant-based version of foie gras. It's also an opportunity to surprise your guests and make culinary discoveries!
We put our hands to the dough by favoring homemade products...
What makes the holidays so magical? The anticipation and preparation! So forget the ready-made dishes and start cooking at home. Buy only raw ingredients and keep things simple but delicious. You'll see the benefits are many: a reduced carbon footprint, improved product quality, less packaging and, of course, savings! Frankly, why buy a prepared purée when it's so easy to make? Why spend dozens of euros on surprise bread or canapés when all you need is a good loaf of sliced bread and the kids to help spread it?
We prepare a comforting dessert that's easy to make: an apple and cinnamon crumble, hum!
...And we buy quality, seasonal and, if possible, local produce!
To be sure you're getting quality products, turn to short circuits: AMAPs, beehives, direct sales from producers... Also, opt for markets rather than supermarkets. For the inevitable festive products, if you decide not to give them up, choose ethical products from farms that respect animal welfare and the environment.
Adapt your meals too. Do you live by the sea and have fresh, locally caught fish? Do you have free-range poultry just a few kilometers from home? Make the most of it! Parisians, don't be outdone: on your cheese platter, don't forget Brie from Meaux or Melun! And, of course, we respect the seasonal nature of our products!
Fruits, vegetables, fish and even cheese: discover the winter produce list!
Adjusting quantities to avoid waste
Festive meals mean leftovers. So, before you grab your basket and head off to the market, think ahead and buy in reasonable quantities. Think back to previous years: how many days did you have to stuff yourself with turkey, foie gras, salmon, or worse, throw some away? Limiting excess is not only good for the planet and your health, it's also good for your budget! Spoil your guests and prepare doggy-bags so they don't leave empty-handed!
In addition to the meal, play the game to the hilt with a home-made decor. Say goodbye to disposable crockery, and get out your china and a cloth tablecloth and napkins. Create a natural decoration with salt dough, wood, pine cones picked in the forest, nuts, cinnamon sticks, homemade shortbread, glass jars as candle holders... From the meal to the decor, make your festivities more sustainable than ever!
.jpg)
