Staying with the celebration theme of Lammas - Summers bounty, I thought I would have a look at edible centerpieces. So, lets begin.

Things you will need:a soaked Oasis (florists foam), a platter or a cake plate, Flowers, herbs, and scissors.

After you have soaked the Oasis, place it in the center of the platter, take flowers and herbs, and insert, snip ends in a slanted fashion, so that they may drink, while you eat. This isn't a hard craft, and your guests will OOO and Ahh over it, especially if you take the time to do a bit of research on each herb and flower. As well as make matching napkin rings.

Making the napkin rings are just as easy, you will need:
florist wire, rose wire cotton ball, snips.

Step 1:florist's wire for the base (twisting the ends to make the circle complete).sprigs of rosemary, use florist wire to attach to the ring,Overlapping the ring until it is completely covered.

Step 2:Select several ivy leaves (the older the larger). Hold one leaf upside down; stictch through and across central vein with rose wire. Gently pull wire ends level; fasten leaft to the ring. Group 3-4 leaves together.

Step 3:Cut individual flowers off main stem of larger blooms, leavinga short stalk. Wrap a tiny piece of wet cotton ball around end of stak to keep flower fresh, & then wrap cotton ball with florists tape to seal.

Step 4:Support stems of bluebells, stocks and cornflowers with rose wire. Positon flowers on larges flower in the center.Push supporting wires through floiage and bind around ring, keeping wires out of sight.

Step 5:Once main group of flowers is positoned; edge cluster and fill in gaps with small flowers (bluebells)Mist ring with water and store in refrigerator until just before meal.

Your guests will be amazed that you made these all yourself, and your mate will be enchanted.

I think this list of "meanings" behind these herbs will give you some ideas.

all spice = compassion

lemon balm = sympathy

lemon verbena= enchantment

marjoram = happiness

mint = warmth of feeling

oregano = substance

parsley = festivity

rue = grace

sage = good health

sorrel = affection

thyme = courage

angelica = inspiration

basil = love, good wishes

bay = glory

chamomile = humility

chervil = sincerity

cloves = dignity

coriander = hidden truth

dill = to lull

fennel = strength, flattery

lavender = devotion

lemon balm = sympathy

lemon verbena= enchantment

marjoram = happiness

mint = warmth of feeling

oregano = substance

parsley = festivity

rue = grace

sage = good health

sorrel = affection

thyme = courage