When we think of summer, we think of fireworks, beach days, ice cream, and the classic backyard BBQ. This year, it is time to crank up the heat and make your cookout with loved ones extra special. Aside from ensuring your burgers and brisket are up to par, give a little TLC to your outdoor decor to create a brilliant atmosphere. Your friends here at Gainan’s Flowers, Billings’ premier florist, have the perfect recipe for the best cookout yet.

How to Upgrade Your Summer Cookout

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

Nothing beats laughing with family, catching up with friends, and enjoying a delicious BBQ fresh off the grill. However, we know the recipe for a perfect cookout is incomplete without the season’s hottest blooms. Give your backyard or outdoor space a summer -spruce-up with quality flowers and plants from Gainan’s.

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