Try this eco-friendly alternative instead of buying fresh flowers for your next soiree. Display leftover fresh herbs -such as dill, parsley, basil, rosemary, cilantro, chives, thyme and lavender – in simple bud vases and use them as a centerpiece. Use a single sprig, a bunch of herbs or mix several different types together. Put the herbs in small vases, juice glasses or empty glass jars with the label removed (a great use for empty spice jars!) filled with a few inches of water. Group several herb-filled jars together in the center of your table for a more substantial centerpiece. Use jars that are different shapes, sizes and heights for visual interest.
Soak herbs in a bowl or sink full of cold water to clean and revive them. Spin the herbs dry in your salad spinner or secure stems with a rubber band and hang them upside down to dry. Be sure to dry the leaves completely to extend the life of the herbs. Most herbs, other than basil, last longer if store in the refrigerator and the leaves are loosely covered with an empty plastic bag.
