Sourcing Locally...for zero waste event planningPlanning an event that is less than 300 people? (Wedding, community supper, fundraiser...). This guide will help you find local central Vermont district resources that fit into your event style and budget.
In general, check with your local church, community center, and clubhouses for options that are affordable and have their own kitchen and service-ware. Have other ideas or venues that aren't on this list? Let us know! We're always open to suggestions! Email: comments@cvswmd.org |
Options for hosting events in fully equipped spaces:
$ Lower Range$$ Mid-Range |
Most options in this list are affordable & DIY-style event spaces that have full-kitchen and service-ware provided. (Few may NOT have dinner-ware, but have kitchen space available).
Options may vary for bringing your own food or catering.
|
Finding free or borrowed dinnerware:

- 1). Front Porch Forum- Try posting a "Request" for free or borrowed dishes/ silverware to your community. Not a member? Sign up here!
- 2). Yard sales, thrift stores, or Craigslist- often people get rid of their old dishes for free or cheap
- 3). Contact your local churches, or community center to find out if they have available dishes for lending or renting out.
- 4). FaceBook- Try looking or posting to pages/groups that showcase local free or for sale items. Such as “Central Vermont Free For You”, “Buying and Selling Vermont”, and “Home Goods Swap!”, or “Buy, Sell, Swap, or Trade Vermont”
- 5). Center for an Agricultural Economy - You can borrow plates for your event for a small fee of $25. They have a large selection of many sizes and materials (unmatched). (center@hardwickagriculture.org
Catering rentals in Vermont:Want someone else to take care of the dishes? Here’s local options for renting dishware and napkins:
|