TIME INVOLVED

Assembly: 30 minutes

LONG ASSOCIATED WITH BRIDES AND WEDDINGS, this lovely, fragrant mix of herbs and flowers is used lavishly throughout wedding celebrations. Fill a small decorative box with it, attach a pretty card explaining the significance of the herbs, and give it to the newlyweds as a memento of the happy occasion. Or strew handfuls on the tables at the wedding reception, leaving a small card at each place setting listing the bridal couple's names, wedding date, and herbal meanings (see "Language of Flowers," pages 32-33). You may also want to fill some simple sachets with the mix and give them as wedding favors. Or heap beautiful silver or cut glass bowls with the wedding herbs and pass them to guests after the wedding ceremony so that they can shower the happy couple with herbal blessings.

Botanicals:

2 1/2 oz (75g) rose petals and flowers
1/2 oz (15g) marjoram
1/2 oz (15g) lavender
1/2 oz (15g) rosemary
1/4 oz (7g) myrtle

Tools & Utensils

Small kitchen scale with a weighing basket

Pruning shears

Paper bag

Very large container
(plastic box, stainless steel bowl, cardboard carton)

To ASSEMBLE THE HERBAL MIX
Place the rose petals and flowers, marjoram, lavender, rosemary, and myrtle in a large mixing bowl.

Stir them together with a stainless steel spoon.

The herbs and flowers called for in this recipe are not the only ones traditionally found in wedding mixes. Often included are sage, to symbolize good health, long life, and domestic virtue; ivy leaves, to signify friendship; blue salvia, to express ÒI think of you", and fennel seeds, to say "worthy of all praise."