A. The greenest option would be to hire an outside catering company – they'll have enough cups and plates to feed an army plus all the crockery will be reused at other events – but, as you've said this isn't something you want to do, I've found a much simpler solution. Eco My Party (www.ecomyparty.co.uk; 01306 877787) is a relatively new company that sells all-in-one biodegradable party packs. Each pack contains all the essentials you'll need for a stylish eco-friendly bash, including bamboo plates, bowls, cups and food containers, organic cotton bunting and napkins made from unbleached, recycled waste paper. Each Totally Eco Party Pack contains 10 plates, bowls and hot or cold drinks cups plus 20 napkins, two serving plates, 10 wooden knives, forks and spoons (made from sustainably-sourced birch) and 15 FSC certified and fairly traded rubber balloons. Each pack costs £19.99 while one for 50 people will set you back £60.

Q. My glass dinner service has reached the end of its natural life, so I'll be donating unchipped items to the local charity shop and recycling the rest. Can you recommend a replacement dinner service made from recycled glass?
V Larkin

A. My dinner plates are a mish-mash of colourful designs bought at car boot sales and charity shops or given to me by friends – it's certainly a talking point when I host a dinner party, that's for sure. If you're after a more conventional dinner service – albeit one made out of recycled glass – look no further than Ecocentric's fabulous Aster range. Made in Spain from 100 per cent recycled glass, each piece has a slightly imperfect circular shape due to the hand-finishing process, adding to its charm. Prices range from £4 for a tapas bowl and £6 for a side plate to £9 for a soup bowl or dinner plate.
To find out more, contact Ecocentric on 0207 739 3888 or at www.ecocentric.co.uk.