How to Use Herbs for Decoration

Rosemary is one of many kitchen herbs that can be used for decoration as well.

Herbs are not just for cooking anymore. Crafts and gifts can be made with them, including decorations. Decorations with herbs are not only fun to look at, but also fragrant and useful as well. Using herbs as decoration means that the herbs can also be used in the kitchen for cooking. This ensures that none of your money is wasted, and makes decorating with herbs a gift idea that is both thoughtful and useful.

Things You'll Need

• Assorted herbs
• Round floral foam ball
• Flowers
• Ribbon, 1/2-inch wide, any color
• Thick wire

Instructions

Herb Ball

1. Bend 3 inches of the wire in half and cut it off. Insert the bent piece of wire into the top of the foam ball. This will be where ribbon is later laced through to make the handle.

2. Cut the stems of the herbs so they are nearly uniform in length.

3. Push the stems gently into the foam ball. Mix up each type of herb, pushing some further in than others, depending on what you like. Repeat this step until the entire ball is covered in herbs.

4. String the ribbon through the bent metal and cut off at the length you want. Six or more inches is usually best.

5. Tie the cut ribbon to form the handle for the herb ball.

Wedding Decorations

1. Plant herbs of your choice weeks before your wedding so that they are in full bloom on the big day. Alternatively, buy herbs in pots just days before the wedding.

2. Wrap the potted herbs in ribbons or fabric that are the same colors of the wedding.

3. Write a card for each table inviting guests to take the pots home and use them as a remembrance of your wedding day after the ceremony and reception.

4. Place a card and as many pots as you wish in the center of each table.

Tips & Warnings

• The herbs that last the longest and therefore are best for decorating are rosemary, bay leaves and sage.

• For a wedding theme, the best herbs are those that signify something about a relationship. For example, ivy represents fidelity or faithfulness, marjoram represents joy, marital bliss and happiness, while rosemary is for remembrance.

• For the wedding centerpieces, a card explaining how to use the herbs in the kitchen or how to replant them in a garden can also be placed with the pots. This gives guests multiple uses for the plants. Recipes using those specific herbs are also a nice touch.

• If the herbs you are using for the herb ball are perishable, keep the herb ball in the refrigerator until you are ready to use it or give it as a gift. Wait as long as possible to make the herb ball to cut down on the likelihood of the herbs going limp or bad.

References

• Old Fashioned Living: Herb Gifts
• Signature Weddings: Use Herbs as Your Wedding Theme