Best Color for Summer: Yellow.
Try carving lemons out and using them as votives (yes, they float - use as candle boats in pools, ponds or bird baths). You can also use carved out lemons as a vase for small annuals (like pansies) – give to guests as favors after the party – or fill lemons in a clear vase with flowers. Have fun with this cheerful shade of summer!
Be Resourceful.
Wrap leaves from your yard around the inside of a clear, glass vase and fill with your favorite flowers (Hosta leaves work well here), create an earth-friendly runner by gluing leaves from the yard/tree to a paper runner (cut out appropriate length and width for table – fun craft project for kids!), incorporate leaves and stems into pre-bought bouquets for a handmade touch, or place between two clear glass appetizer plates (fern or Hosta are recommended – be sure to keep out of direct sunlight). You can even staple oversized leaves to paper plates and use them as chargers. Need a centerpiece? Buy any perennial in bloom, wrap pot loosely with burlap and tie with twine. Plant in your garden or give as a hostess gift with a handwritten note after the party.
Set the Mood.
From solar to decorative to antique, lanterns come in all shapes and sizes. Hang a variety of oversized lanterns in trees or make your own using mason or olive jars and colored wire. Decorate with beads if you’re in a festive mood. Speaking of setting the mood, white wash terra cotta pots, fill with soil and candles, and line your driveway to welcome guests in style. Looking to add a water feature to your backyard fast? Convert a planter into a mini water feature (add water hyacinths for a splash of color). Ask our Bachman’s Garden Center staff for help getting started.
You Can’t Go Wrong With Herbs from the Garden.
Fill mini terra cotta containers with herbs and gift as favors. You can even display as a centerpiece arranged on cake pedestals (large pedestal on bottom, smaller pedestal on top) - accent with fresh cut flowers. Or fill small drinking glasses with sprigs of herbs (lavender, rosemary, thyme and dill work well together).
Flowers Make a Great Addition to Your Menu.
Some flowers, like violets, roses and lavender, bring a subtle sweetness to beverages, salads and desserts. Rose petal and pansy cakes are among our favorites. If you’re patient, try decorating the cake with petals as well, for a velvety, fresh in bloom finish. You can even freeze whole small flowers into ice rings/cubes for a colorful twist to your punch bowl. Note: be sure to use non-toxic flowers in all recipes.
Did You Know?
Bright-colored dishtowels can double as an outdoor napkin. The oversize is perfect for sweet corn, melon and bbq. Plus, they’re easy to wash and reuse. Ready for summer picnics? Keep food chilled by using frozen water bottles. When they thaw, drink away. No mess! Before serving ice cream this summer, remember to place bowls in the freezer for a couple of hours. It will make your ice cream last longer under the hot summer sun. Serve party fare on these reusable “paper” plates for a fun conversation starter (they’re not paper!).
Flowers and gifts from Bachman’s make any day a special one. When you order your flowers or gifts online, you know you’ll be getting a beautiful fresh floral arrangement from a trusted florist known for outstanding floral design, plus quality and service.
If you’re sending flowers or gifts out of town, you can rely on us to choose the best florist from either the FTD or Teleflora nationwide flower network. Florists who can be counted on to deliver the best fresh floral arrangements and gifts, even when doing a same day delivery.
