Modern Herbs

Rustic herbs look modern on a tabletop when dressed in sleek metal containers.
Photo: Martha Stewart

Upcycled Plant Caddy

Fast food drink carriers can easily be converted into one-of-a-kind plant caddies. The caddies will serve as pretty spring centerpieces (invite guests to take the caddies home post-celebration).

Photos: I Do It Yourself

Spring Favors

Spring has (almost) sprung! Offer your guests pretty party favors inspired by the new season. Reused aluminum cans filled with bulbs are a charming and thoughtful take-away gift for any spring celebration.
Photos: Once Wed

Aromatic Jelly Jar Candles

Reused jelly jars are ideal vessels for votive candles. Create a rustic table setting by adorning a collection of jelly jar candle holders with pliable plant clipping (rosemary and eucalyptus are good options). Simple secure the ends of the clippings with a small piece of wire to create a one-of-a-kind eco-chic tabletop.
Photo: Martha Stewart

Nostalgic Ornaments

Put old seed packets to good use this holiday by transforming them into colorful eco-friendly ornaments. Don’t have any lying around? Look to online retailers and local botanical gardens for vintage seed packets that contain unique heirloom seeds (as well as beautifully nostalgic artwork). Come January consider putting the packets aside until the warm weather months when the seeds can be added to your garden.

Photo: Martha Stewart

Sprigs of Herbs

Looking to dress up a simple set of cloth napkins? Decorate cloth napkins with strips of linen, several sprigs of fresh herbs, such as aromatic lavender, and a snip of twine for a bit of rustic flair. 

Photo: Project Wedding

Sophisticated Earthy Décor

By selecting just a few well-edited accents, any hostess can create a party that is equally earthy and sophisticated. Natural wood accents, such as those pictured below, serve as unexpected, textural trivets while large potted herbs steal the spotlight as naturally stylish centerpieces. Trying to conserve paper? Consider neatly writing guests’ names on natural flat surfaces, such as smooth river rocks.

Photos: 100 Layer Cake

Rustic Mint Chandelier

Just because the long days of summer are slowly winding down doesn’t mean it is time to abandon the many natural décor “supplies” still available in your own backyard.  Create a rustic atmosphere by crafting a hanging chandelier made from small pots of mint or other fragrant herbs. Use clippings of the herbs as fresh garnishes for cocktails and entrées throughout the party.

Photo: Martha Stewart

Herb Centerpieces and Favors

This time of year, nearly every grocer, garden center and farmers’ market boasts a wide variety of fresh herbs for sale. This summer, take advantage of local agriculture by incorporating herbs such as thyme, rosemary and lavender into a bouquet. Fresh herbs, which come in a variety of colors and textures, also make fragrant additions to centerpieces. Not what you had in mind? Consider offering your guests small potted herbs as favors that they can take home and enjoy in their own kitchens.

Photos: Brides & Martha Stewart