FORBID CLEANUP
Either make sure plates and casseroles are disposable, or include a note insisting that your friend leave the (still dirty!) dishes in a basket outside the door for you to pick up.
Some ideas for: Pretty Plates
Pack sturdy (and disposable) bamboo plates that are more elegant than standard paper plates. They are biodegradable and come in three sizes—7, 9 and 11 inches in diameter. Veneerware Bambu plates, starting at $7.00 for packs of 8, branchhome.com.
Reusable Bowls
These sturdy watertight bowls store completely flat and snap together to hold chili or soup. They’re dishwasher-safe and come in cheery colors. Fozzils ThinkFlat Bowl, $5, amazon.com.
Cheerful Utensils
Dishwasher-safe plastic cutlery is available in a handful of bright colors and is packaged in a reusable canister to keep the set of eight forks, knives and spoons neatly contained. Preserve Cutlery, $5.50, recycline.com.
Fuss-free Food Storage
Pack the meal’s components in these virtually unbreakable containers made of polycarbonate. They are airtight and microwavable. Nesting Polycarbonate Rectangles, available in five sizes starting at $3.99, containerstore.com.
Keep it Cool
This lightweight tote is pretty and durable and is insulated to keep everything cool until the food can be transferred to a refrigerator (just drop in a few ice packs). The soft grip handles make it comfortable to carry and since it’s machine washable, you can use it again and again. Market Tote, large, $40, builtny.com.
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