In this Author POV, we highlight Party on Purpose: Your Complete Guide to Eco-Chic Entertaining by Cheryl Leutjen. The full-color guide brings sustainable living to the party with practical ideas for stylish, low-waste gatherings.
Combining party plans, decor ideas, menus, recipes, and environmental information, Party on Purpose approaches sustainability through the lens of celebration and community. Written for adult readers interested in entertaining, sustainable living, and building stronger connections, the book makes the case that caring for the planet doesn't have to mean giving up fun or style.
Can you introduce your book for librarians who may be discovering it for the first time?
Party on Purpose: Your Complete Guide to Eco-Chic Entertaining is a full-color hosting guide packed with bold graphics, easy-to-follow party plans, decor ideas, menus, and recipes, many shared by friends and family. It's built around one idea: gatherings that are stylish and sustainable, without the guilt or the headache. I'm a geologist and former environmental attorney, as well as the author of Love Earth Now, a Nautilus Award winner, and Madness on the Brink of Eco-Apocalypse. I'm based in Los Angeles.
What inspired you to write this book, and what core themes do you hope readers take away from it?
I'm deeply concerned about the state of Earth's life-support systems, especially for my children's future. But I learned from my earlier books that people don't want a lecture. What they're starved for right now is fun. Americans are more isolated than ever, and we need to gather more, so let's have fun doing it without creating piles of waste. That's the core of this book: joy is a renewable resource, and sustainability can be stylish. Instead of lecturing people about their values, put those values on display in a fun environment, where people are far more receptive. I wrote this book because I believe we need to party like the future of humanity depends on it. The themes I hope readers take away are that caring for the planet doesn't require giving up fun or style, that community and connection are forms of activism too, and that living your values out loud, at a party, over good food, with people you love, can do more than a lecture ever could.
What kind of readers or patrons do you see this book resonating with most?
This book is for adult readers, roughly ages 25 to 75, though there's no hard ceiling on who can enjoy it. It's written with grown hosts in mind rather than children or teens. It'll especially resonate with:
People who host, or want to host, and are looking for fresh, doable ideas
Readers interested in sustainable or eco-conscious living without wanting a lecture
Fans of entertaining and lifestyle books in the vein of The Art of Gathering or The Zero-Waste Chef
Community-minded readers who feel the pull toward more in-person connection and less isolation
What themes or discussion topics do you hope librarians highlight when recommending the book?
Combating isolation through gathering: The book makes the case that hosting and connecting in person is a form of care, both for each other and for the planet.
Sustainability without sacrifice: Living lighter on the planet doesn't mean giving up fun, style, or celebration.
Joy as activism: Finding fun and community is not frivolous, but a much-needed response to hard times.
Practical, accessible entertaining: The book includes real party plans, recipes, and decor ideas patrons can actually use, not just inspiration.
Living your values out loud: The book frames hosting as a quiet, welcoming way to model sustainable choices rather than lecturing people about them.
Are there any sensitive topics or content considerations librarians should be aware of?
This is a lifestyle and entertaining book designed to be uplifting and hopeful. There is one thing worth flagging, however: the book includes "Fast Facts" sidebars with real environmental statistics about waste, plastic pollution, emissions, and related health impacts that could feel heavy for readers already experiencing eco-anxiety. That's a small part of the book, though, and the rest is full of fun and practical ways to respond to the challenges we face.
If your book were part of a library display, what topics, themes, or comparable titles would you pair it with?
Party on Purpose would pair naturally with displays on holiday entertaining, sustainable living, and community building. Good comparable titles include The Art of Gathering by Priya Parker, The Zero-Waste Chef by Anne-Marie Bonneau, and The Forest Feast by Erin Gleeson, books that share the same spirit of thoughtful, joyful hosting. Beyond the fall and winter holidays, it also fits well in Earth Day or spring and summer gathering-season displays.
Are there companion resources librarians or educators should know about?
The Eco-Worrier Substack, where I write regularly about sustainable living, community building, and hosting parties
A "Find Your Party Style" quiz on my website, which helps readers discover which entertaining style fits them, along with a free downloadable party-style recipe card
A self-guided Bookstore Crawl party guide, available on my website
Downloadable party signage on my website that's playful and on-theme, such as a "BYOE Party" sign
Playlist links included throughout the book, so readers can set the right mood for each party style
YouTube videos featuring hosting and sustainability content tied to the book's themes
Which formats are currently available?
Party on Purpose is currently available in paperback ($36.81) and ebook ($8.99) through Ingram. Because the ebook uses a fixed-layout format, availability across some ebook platforms is more limited than with a standard reflowable ebook. There is no hardcover, audiobook, bilingual edition, or large-print edition at this time. The paperback ISBN is 979-8-9935110-0-9, and the ebook ISBN is 979-8-9935110-1-6.
How could this book be used in community events or themed programming throughout the year?
Earth Day (April): A natural fit, with practical ideas for sustainable entertaining and hands-on activities such as the book's party plans and recipes
Holiday season (November-December): A natural pick for patrons planning holiday gatherings and looking for hosting ideas
Community-building or "Third Places" programming: The book's core theme, that gathering in person combats isolation, fits well alongside library initiatives centered on connection and belonging
Summer reading and gathering season: Outdoor party plans and seasonal entertaining ideas suit summer programming
Do you offer author engagement options for schools or libraries?
Yes, I'm available for virtual visits, in-person events, and Q&A sessions with library and community groups. I'm happy to talk about sustainable entertaining, the ideas behind Party on Purpose, or broader themes around community, joy, and living your values. I'm based in Los Angeles and available for local in-person events, with virtual options open to any library or group.
Is there anything else you would like librarians, teachers, or educators to know about your work?
One thing I see again and again is that people are stopped in their tracks by the bold, full-color design of this book the moment they see it. The playful and engaging style makes it a book people want to pick up and flip through, even before they've read a word. It's an inviting addition to any display.
To learn more about Cheryl Leutjen, Party on Purpose, companion resources, and her work on sustainable living and entertaining, visit Cheryl Leutjen's website.
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