Prep for the Party
Along with invites (these plant swap invitations are cute), send your fellow green thumbs an herb assignment. Let ’em know they’re responsible for bringing the appropriate number of their particular plant to the bash.
Pick Sprouts to Swap
There are so many varieties out there, but we suggest picking herbs you like to cook with. Stock up on your own assigned herb seedlings before the get-together begins so you and your guests can get straight to swapping. (Because it’s already spring, you’ll be exchanging plants rather than seeds.)
Psst! For super simple planters, we suggest spray-painting empty food cans a pretty color of your choosing.
Stock up on Supplies
These gardening gloves are almost too cute to get dirty, but make sure there are enough to go around and dig in anyway. Aside from the gloves, cans and soil, you’ll want to provide a watering can, a few trowels and plant labels (we like upcycling clothespins). If you’re doing this on a budget, you could also ask friends to bring their own.
Make Herbaceous Snacks
For some seriously bright bites, infuse herbs into your hors d’oeuvres any way you can. For a hearty appetizer, try Lime & Dill Chimichurri Shrimp with a side of crusty bread. Minty Mango Salsa is an irresistible dip, too. And for dessert, look no further than the Lavender & Lemon Biscochitos. They’re show-stopping with their subtle floral flavor and pretty presentation.
Build a Butter Bar
Yet another bar we can get behind! Set out softened butter and let the guests do the rest. Encourage partygoers to snip leaves from their favorite herbs, chop ’em up small and stir into softened butter for another take-home treat. Spread it over toast, smear it on corn cobs—the choice is yours! Need inspiration? Start with these herb butters.
Serve Springy Sippers
And what’s a party without a big-batch beverage? The Rosemary Strawberry Daiquiri is a deliciously different cocktail that does the trick. Garnish the pink drink with rosemary sprigs and whole fresh berries. For a nonalcoholic beverage, turn to Rosemary Lemonade. Or simply muddle fresh mint into your fave version of the puckery drink. Freeze edible flowers in the center of ice cubes for some extra flower power.
Cart Your Herbs Around
A portable bar cart will come in handy all day. During the party, use it to display everyone’s potted herbs. Then, when it’s time to say goodbye, roll it to guests’ cars for easy transferring. Bonus: You can use it as a rolling potting table in your own backyard.
The post Here’s How to Throw a Sunny Herb Swap This Spring appeared first on Taste of Home.
Annamarie Higley