Eco-Friendly Dinnerware for Gorgeous Green Dining

When most people think of a green meal, they think organic and local foods, eco-friendly wines, and cloth napkins that can be reused. But what about the dinnerware? Is it green?

If you've got a set of dishes, don't cast them aside just to go green--that's a rather un-green way of thinking. But if you're getting married or are otherwise in the market for green dishes, here are some fabulous finds that can help you build an eco-friendly dinner table, one plate at a time.

Recycled Glass Dinnerware

Not your typical clear glass plates, Viva Terra's Classic Sol recycled dishes pull colors from nature to create a soothing, natural collection: a deep blue charger plate, a spring green dinner plate, a clear glass salad plate, and turquoise salad bowls that evoke the color of the Caribbean seas.

For a bolder look, Fiesta Sol features a turquoise charger, a bright orange salad plate, and a fire-engine red salad bowl, with the spring green plate returning. While the sets look lovely on their own, each item is sold in sets of four, so you can mix and match to create a look that suits your taste.

You can also get a set of Sol Mini Bowls and Saucers, which are perfect for dessert. A set of four includes a bowl in red, turquoise, orange and green, with four clear glass saucers.

Sarah Cihat's Quirky Reglazed Ceramics

If ceramic dinnerware is more your style, Sarah Cihat's gorgeous and unique rehabed dishware may be just what you're looking for. Cihat reglazes second-hand dishes she finds at flea markets and shops, bring new life to cast-offs.

Her designs feature all sorts of silhouetted graphics, from a spider to the fleur de lis, and the colors range from whites to black and pale pinks to bright greens. There's something for everyone from this designer.

Her artwork (it really is a work of art since each one is hand designed) is on the pricey side, but it would make for a quirky alternative to fussy china if you're getting married. You can find her pieces in a handful of stores or you e-mail Cihat to place custom orders or order directly from her.

Can't afford a full set? Buy six dinner or salad plates to jazz up the Sol glass plates.

Cara Smusiak writes on behalf of NaturallySavvy.com about how to live a more natural, organic and green lifestyle.