Obama’s got not just one, but two green inauguration balls planned in his honor! And if you’re like me, you’re — not going to either one. But just because you don’t plan to be in Washington DC, wasn’t on Al Gore’s guest list, and can’t afford a $500 ticket right now doesn’t mean you don’t have green party options!

For one, GOOD magazine’s throwing an inauguration party, and you can get in if you’re one of the first 200 to RSVP. The party — featuring a DJ and a champagne toast — happens Jan. 20 from 7:30 pm – 11 pm at GOOD Space, 6824 Melrose Ave, Los Angeles.

And at Recess, you can get your nails did while sipping champagne and watching the inauguration on the salon’s flatscreens. On Tues., Jan. 20, get 20% off spa services if you mention the promo code “Inauguration09.” You’ll also be entered into a drawing for a gift basket worth $200.

Or you can throw your own party! In fact, a couple friends and I are already planning a green inaugural cocktail party — partly as a thank you to the people who came to our fundraiser party for Obama last year. Tips for greening inauguration parties are all over the web — so I compiled them below for your partying pleasure:

1. Get there greenly. Walking, biking and taking public transit are always great options. I’ll be carpooling though because I’ll be transporting more baked goods than can fit into my bike basket.

2. Watch the festivities together. The people at Live Earth, the company putting together Al Gore’s green ball, suggests watching the inauguration as a crowd to save energy. I thought the inauguration aired early in the morning though — especially for the west coast…. Will Obama’s speech be rebroadcast at an evening party-appropriate time?

3. Opt for reusable serviceware. The Green Inaugural Ball’s renting glasses and china in lieu of disposable cheapies. Can’t afford to pay a rental company? Here’s my guide on how to de-bottle and de-plastic cup your party.

4. Serve local and organic yummies. The Green Inaugural Ball notes that local produce isn’t an option in January in DC — but it is in SoCal! Maybe I’ll make a local, organic fruit salad for people still on track with their new year’s resolutions. If you’re getting your party catered, pick a restaurant or catering company that supports local, organic food.

5. Go buffet style, which is greener than using individually-packaged servings, Live Earth points out. If you cook and bake your own yummies, you’ll even be able to avoid some of the excess packaging that tends to come with ready-to-serve foods.

6. Decorate Green. The Green Inauguration ball plans to have locally-grown flowers, and Live Earth suggests that you “use foliage and other things from nature and use materials you had left over from election night.” I’m not quite sure how foliage relates to the inauguration, but we do plan to reuse the Obama cutout (with me, right) we got for our fundraiser party back in October.

7. Recycle. But do remember to reuse and reduce first!

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