Decorate with Herbs This Summer

There is snow on the ground and the Christmas tree is still up, but I am already thinking of my Summer decorating plans. I made good use of window boxes and container gardening methods last year and was able to grow a surplus of herbs to not only cook with, but to decorate my home with as well. Here are some fun ways to celebrate the Summer season with herb based home decor.

Dress Up Simple Candlesticks. Wooden candlesticks to hold large pillar candles can be given a fun and festive summer feeling by wrapping sprigs of herbs around the bases. Rosemary, Parsley and Cilantro can be artfully wrapped around the mouths of the candle holder base to usher in the warm and relaxed months of Summer. Switch out the herbs as they dry and lose their fragrance. Fresh herbs draped over candlesticks smell heavenly when the candles are lit. I used this simple decorating trick for a summer birthday celebration and the reaction from my guests was very positive.

Add Some Herbs to Flower Arrangements. One of my favorite ways to make good use of a surplus of herbs is to mix them up with summer cutting flowers. Adding a few sprigs of sage or rosemary to an arrangement of California poppies, daisies or bachelor buttons is a terrific way to add some unique visual appeal to an ordinary centerpiece. The mix of lovely scents from the flowers and the greens adds a bit of fresh feeling to a room shut up from air conditioning too.

Make Lovely Summery Napkin Rings. Hosting a brunch for a summer birthday? Treat your guests to a little bit of your seasonal bounty by using herbs at your table settings. Fold a white or pale yellow linen napkin in half lengthwise. Lay your cutlery over the top of the napkin and wrap a six inch stem of herbs around it. Secure at the back with craft wire or ribbon. I decorated an entire table for ten last summer with these simple napkin rings and they definitely gave my midday party a real sense of style. The rings can be easily disposed of once the meal is served, but the delicious scent remains.

Hang Herbs in Galvanized Buckets. My girls know that Summer has arrived when our kitchen is filled with miniature galvanized buckets containing tons of fresh herbs. As you snip the sprigs from your garden containers, fill a row of tiny buckets mounted to the wall. Not only will they give your kitchen a terrific seasonal feeling, the natural ingredients will be close at hand for adding to all your homemade meals.

Go Simple and Sweet. Sick child or husband? Looking to add just a bit of seasonal flair to a toilet tank or end table? A pretty drinking glass or single stem vase can be used to dress up a small space or give some cheer to an ill family member. A lone rose bloom or other warm weather flower can be accompanied by a sprig of fragrant rosemary, sage or parsley to make a lovely and simple display. Place the glass in the corner space or add to a tray of goodies for the ailing loved one. The little bit of extra color and scent will bring your simple decor piece to the next level.