AisleDash

No, not the food. All that other stuff: flowers, centerpieces, candles. What do you DO with it all? NO, you do NOT throw it out! Not only is that environmentally irresponsible -- the landfill site does NOT need another 16 pounds of junk -- but it's a waste. I'll bet there are any number of places that would be thrilled to receive 57 candles or a dozen floral centerpieces. (Or a whole pile of cute little bride'n'groom teddies ... )

How about ... neighborhood community centres, old folks homes, hospitals, shelters for battered women, foster homes, daycare centers, consignment stores, craft clubs, the art department of a local high school, the caterer... Many of these organizations are always on the lookout for donations -- and you can feel good about helping them.

Perhaps your guests would like to take some home? Maybe they could be prizes for spot dances? An ad in a community paper (you can often put these in for free) might relieve you of those 32 surplus bon-bon dishes. There! No reason to throw it out -- share the wealth! You'll be glad you did.