Savory Style: My Favorite Reusables

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In case you missed last week's Earth Day-inspired Savory Style, check it out here. But as much as I love to shop, the best way to be green is following the "reduce, reuse, recycle" mantra. (Yes, this post is like penance for showing you all those cool things to buy.) This edition of Savory Style pays tribute to that all-important second 'R' — reuse. Clockwise from top left, a few of my favorite ways to reuse items in the kitchen and for entertaining.

1. You know those fancy European sodas that come in those cool bottles with the hinged top? I hoard them, and when I have people over, I fill them with filtered water and stick them in a stainless steel bucket of ice. Who knew water could be so chic?

2. I keep a mish-mash of old jars for flowers, but I love these jam jars for making vinaigrette. Just measure your ingredients into the jar — in this photo waits 1 tbsp sherry vinegar, 3 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp coarse mustard and a pinch of salt and pepper — and give it a shake. No dirty bowl or whisk, and you can store the extra in the fridge for a few days.

3. Another way to reuse jars: Here an old pickle jar stores popcorn I bought in bulk. I also use them for lentils, beans and grains bought in bulk. Helps keep the pantry organized, too.

4. I'm amazed how many people consider cloth napkins for dinner at home fancy. Not only are they more stylish, but they're also a lot greener than paper napkins. I have a minor napkin obsession and I store my stacks in old wooden clementine boxes. A good source for inexpensive but stylish napkins is World Market.

Have a kitchen trick or entertaining tip that involves reusing something? Let us all know in the comments.

Savory Style is a new occasional weekend feature highlighting great style and cool products for your kitchen, tabletop and home.