Organic produce

"Green" is hotter than ever

Locally-grown—or at least, organic—flowers also are much in demand. And "commited to sustainability" is a key credential for some of today's hottest event designers.

Bamboo serving pieces and natural elements are also part of today's most fashionable tablescapes.

When it comes to providing food for trendy events, many caterers and restaurant owners also embrace the "green" movement. They try to use produce from local farmers and organic vegetables whenever they can.

"The movement actually started about 35 years ago, but it didn't catch on in a big way until just recently, says Simon Sheridan, owner and executive chef of Exquisite Food, a caterer based in East Hampton, New York. Sheridan notes that the call for earth-friendly entertaining has grown at the parties he caters, whether they're in Manhattan or Montauk.

Phyllis Lomitola, sales director at Gurney's Inn in Montauk, at the southeastern tip of Long Island, also notes the trend toward more environment friendliness in parties. "Many resorts have been green-conscious for years, in terms of recycling, for example," she points out. "We realized that we also could extend eco-friendliness to our catered events." The Gurney's menu features locally harvested shellfish, organic produce, and such regional specialties as Long Island duck.