After recently being on the Martha Stewart Radio show to talk about my Lemon Bouquet idea, I thought it would be a good time to revamp my prior “how to” article and give it a fresh new upgrade. That said, as you know I love to use lemons in fun and creative ways, and decorating with them brings me, even more, joy. Years ago I learned how to use lemons like the professionals in a way that offers any hors d’oeuvres tray a fresh focal point, offering even a store-bought tray of cookies an updated professional look. It’s simple to do and can be made a day or two in advance. The best part is that you can be even more creative by incorporating your own personal style. The fundamental instructions will remain constant but the creative additions can vary from person to person.
Love the idea but don’t have any lemons? (Or maybe just don’t like them?) Enjoy making your own bouquets by expanding the instructions to other vessels like oranges, grapefruit, and even watermelon.
For this project, you probably have everything you need already. So gather some lemons and let’s begin.
What you will need for this project:
Lemons
Moss, Spanish moss or reindeer moss
Boxwood or any other evergreen clippings from the garden or garden center
Any flowers with a strong stem
If you are lucky enough to have a garden as a resource, take clippings that are no longer than the palm of your hand.
Turn the lemon on its side and cut about one-quarter inch off the top.
Cut the end of the other end of the lemon just enough so it can stand upright.
Add two to three-inch tall evergreen clippings by inserting them into the pulp at the top of the lemon. Insert 1 or 2 pieces, starting from the middle.
Add any strong stem flower or flowers to the lemon, building out from the evergreen clippings. Don’t be afraid to pack them in for a dense arrangement.
For that finished look, wrap a small section of your moss around the base of the greenery, where it meets the top of the lemon.
Now, simply place the Lemon Bouquets on your serving platters with the hors d’oeuvres and voila, you have a professional display!! These can also be used as place card holders and are great for small intimate dinners. Put one in a martini glass for some height on your table. Add fresh herbs for even more pleasure making it seasonal and even more fragrant — perfect on a cheese tray or a fish platter.
Lastly, stick toothpicks into the lemon at an angle close to the top opening. Then, attach the lemon top to the side of the lemon at a slight angle.
Lemons offer a burst of citrus color with a touch of earthy pleasure. Learn, have fun with the project and pass it on.
And there you have it.