Summer is here, and it’s time to celebrate the season with outdoor events like weddings, graduation parties, and casual garden get-togethers. With your garden in full bloom, it’s the perfect opportunity to incorporate the natural beauty of flowers into your party elements. Whether you’re adding them to food, drinks, or even party attire, there are endless ways to use flowers at your summer garden party to make it a memorable and enchanting celebration. Let’s dive into some creative ideas for utilizing flowers at your next gathering.
#1. Create Stunning Centerpieces
A classic and elegant addition to any garden party is a beautiful flower centerpiece. Hydrangeas, with their large, vibrant blooms, are perfect for table arrangements. To create a centerpiece, simply cut the hydrangeas just above the leaf foliage, place them immediately in cold water, and keep them well-hydrated throughout the event. Pair these with roses or other large-flowered blooms to fill in the gaps and create a lush and colorful display. Extend the life of your cut hydrangeas by dipping the stems in boiling water or using an alum dip at the base to help them retain moisture. For added contrast, consider tucking small succulent flowers like stonecrop into the arrangements to add texture and depth.
#2. Add Edible Flowers
Edible flowers are an easy and elegant way to elevate your summer garden party dishes. They can be used to adorn cakes, cookies, salads, charcuterie boards, and more. After gently washing, simply place whole flowers on top of your baked goods or mix petals into savory dishes. When decorating with edible flowers, always ensure that the flowers are safe for consumption and have not been treated with chemicals. For instance, Flavorette™ Honey-Apricot Rose, with its sweet and fragrant petals, makes a beautiful and tasty addition to desserts. It’s also easy to grow and offers an abundant supply of flowers throughout the season.
#3. Get Creative with Container Plants
Container plants add flair and functionality to your garden party decor. Use them to create visual interest on tables or along pathways. Customize containers with small sculptures or seashells for a nautical theme. For sunny areas, combine contrasting textures like tickseed, yellow creeping Jenny, and ‘Bandwidth’ maiden grass. In shaded spots, pair hostas and ferns for a lush, green backdrop. Ensure that all plant pairings require similar amounts of sunlight and moisture to thrive.
#4. Make Delicious Drinks
Flowers aren’t just for food—they can also add a delightful twist to your party drinks. Use edible flowers like lavender, peonies, or violets in cocktails, mocktails, or refreshers. Trim the stems and steep them in your chosen beverage to infuse their flavors. For an eye-catching presentation, add edible flowers to ice cubes for bold color or garnish the rim of glasses with blossoms like roses or dandelions. Just remember to check which flowers are safe for both humans and pets before consumption.
Great Garden Recommendations:
- Lavender (‘Ellagance Purple’): Known for its pleasantly sweet and slightly bitter flavor, lavender adds a unique touch to spirit-based cocktails.
- Peonies and Roses: Their sweet, mild flavors are perfect for refreshing drinks.
- Wildflowers: Dandelions and violets taste great in simple syrups and can add a delightful flavor to summer cocktails.
#5. Create Party Attire
Add a personal touch to your summer garden party by crafting flower crowns for guests. It’s easier than you might think! Use pieces of wire and twine to form a circular base, then add cut flowers like hydrangeas, dahlias, tickseed, or geraniums around the circumference. Start with larger blooms and fill in the gaps with smaller flowers for a beautiful, customizable accessory. These flower crowns will be a hit and make everyone feel special at your gathering.
By incorporating these creative flower ideas into your summer garden party, you can turn an ordinary gathering into an extraordinary celebration filled with charm and beauty. Whether you’re focusing on centerpieces, food, drinks, or fashion, flowers will add a touch of nature’s elegance to every detail of your event.
