Summer is here which means it’s barbeque season! Backyard BBQs are an American tradition to celebrate patriotic holidays and being able to gather outside with friends and family for food, fun, and outdoor festivities. Instead of just another ordinary backyard barbeque, though, kick it up a notch and impress your guests with a stylish and cool gathering by adding seasonal fresh flowers. The floral experts here at Julia’s Florist, Wilmington’s top flower shop, have listed below inspired style and decor tips to make this year’s BBQ from ordinary to extraordinary.
How to Use Flowers to Upgrade Your Backyard BBQ
Choose a color palette
If you are celebrating the 4th of July or Labor Day, choose flowers that are red, white, and blue to enhance the patriotic feel. Or, you could choose flowers in an earthy tone such as lavender, blue, and green. Summer colors of orange, yellow, and pink add bright pops of colors while a monochromatic selection of all white flowers makes a sophisticated statement.
Display flowers in a unique way
Place a bunch of flowers in a tin can or buck for a rustic feel, or place several buds in clear bottles and hang them from tree branches. Fill mason jars with colorful blooms and place them on tables. Get creative with the vessel – use an old teapot, spray paint old cans, or fill wire baskets, lanterns, or unused birdcages with fresh blooms to add instant style to your event.
Infuse your beverages with flowers
For a delightful surprise, add fresh flower petals to drinks. Make sure the flowers you use are pesticide-free. Go ahead and wash them with water if you like before adding to drinks. Flowers that work well in drinks include violet, roses, nasturtium, hibiscus, and lavender. For drink recipes that include flowers, go here.
Dress up everyday items with flowers
Add a single stem flower to a stir stick for an elegant touch. Or, place stems in a pair of rain boots. Create a floating bouquet by placing blossoms in a bowl of water. Instead of throwing away the eggshells you have leftover from making deviled eggs, place small blooms within each egg half shell for a unique and delightful display. For guests, place several flower stems in a paper bag tied with twine to place all about and then to give to guests as a parting gift they’ll love.
When choosing flowers for your backyard event, make sure to select hardy stems that can hold up to the heat and stay fresh and vibrant all day. Good choices include:
Sunflowers
Eucalyptus
Carnations
Wax flowers
Daisies
Lisianthus
Delphinium
Succulents
Additional Tips for a Successful & Memorable Backyard BBQ
Show off your grilling skills with items that go beyond burgers and brats. Expand your menu with simple, yet delicious, offerings such as grilled fish tacos, grilled chicken Caprese, and grilled flatbread.
Have separate areas for food and drinks to keep things organized. Ask guests to bring a side dish while you provide the main course and keep the food all on one table. Unique ideas for displaying drinks include placing beer and soda in a wheelbarrow full of ice and juice boxes and water in a small inflatable pool full of ice for the kiddies.
Bring out the games to keep kids and adults entertained: Corn hole, horseshoes, large-sized Jenga and Connect 4 games, Twister, Hula Hoops – there are many fun games to choose from.
Finally, be sure to provide plenty of seating for guests with folding chairs, blankets to sit on, or benches, and as this great party is likely to last into the night, string up some lights to enjoy the remaining company and the end of a wonderful day.
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