Let’s talk about great tips and ways to use lilacs in decor. I first fell in love with lilac flowers in our first home.
We had a white lilac tree outside our kitchen window which was a common lilac. They were such a soothing color and the scent of lilac from the kitchen window made my day while doing dishes.
Ever since I have wanted a lilac bush and now we have five!
Finally Getting Lilacs
Getting My Plants
So, after living in our home for a few years we finally added lilac bushes in our own yard next to our deck. This is an easy way for me to reach the lilac blooms to cut and use in our decor. So, when we sit on our deck in the late afternoons to enjoy iced tea or a cocktail we enjoy the soft lilac scent. It’s truly AMAZING!
My only complaint about the lilac is the bloom time is short. So, when we began shopping for our lilacs I was thrilled to find a variety with multiple and longer growing seasons. And guess what we have these and they bloom three times a season. How awesome is this?
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Planting Our Purple Lilac Bushes
Our Lilac Bushes And Waiting For a Full Bloom
As I mentioned above, we planted these bushes next to our deck so cutting would be easy for me.
First off, we didn’t realize there were different lilac varieties. For example, there are old fashion lilacs that bloom once a season this is the type we had in our first home that I mentioned above.
And then to my surprise, we found varieties of lilacs that start to bloom in late spring into late fall. The variety we purchased is from Proven Winners and is named Bloomerang in a beautiful shade of dark purple. So, I highly recommend taking a look at these for your home.
This is the perfect spot because it gets full sun and these bushes love the sun.
I couldn’t wait to enjoy the smell of lilacs again. Of course, because we are impatient, the first year they did bloom we were disappointed because of their size.
Because, we thought they would be smelling beautiful and I’d be cutting flowers in abundance to bring indoors, filling pitchers, baskets, etc.
So, that’s what we did, and wait until you see what happened the next year.
Best Time of Day To Cut Lilac Stems
Time of Day To Cut Lilacs
A good tip is to cut lilac blossoms in the early morning. The best way to cut lilac shrubs is to use a clean pair of cutting shears and cut them at a 45-degree angle.
Also, as we cut the lilac flowers, we could still see a little moisture on their delicate flowers.
We also, bring a large bucket filled with cool water. So, after cutting each one, put their long woody stem in the bucket to drink. I also let them drink some water for a few hours after cutting in a dark place. Our laundry room is the perfect spot to prep freshly cut flowers for displays.
It’s best never to cut lilacs during the heat of the day. This may stress the lilac bush.
After a couple of hours, I begin getting pieces ready for great ways to use lilacs in décor. Next, I think of what places in our home I want to display the lilacs.
I also add these to areas in our home away from direct sunlight.
When The Blooming Began During Lilac Season
When The Blooms Began To Happen
As it began warming up in NJ and the lilacs started to grow excitement began. Namely, squealing, smiles, and a pitter-pat in my heart.
I knew I was going to have great ways to use these cut flowers. As the days progressed, so did all the squealing and smiles. See, patience paid off because there were blooms. And the lilac flowers kept coming on all four bushes.
My plans were coming true. As they were getting larger, and the buds were beginning to open so were great ways to use lilacs in décor.
As a result of seeing these blooms, I was getting quite impatient again. Seeing pictures of other lilacs on social media being in other bloggers’ homes.
Seeing pop of color in mason jars, baskets, and on coffee tables. The feeling of anticipation began however, I knew the time for fresh lilacs was around the corner. And boy oh boy was it worth the wait. Are you ready to see these gorgeous lilacs and great ways to use lilacs in decor?
Okay, here we go!
Great Ways to Use Lilacs in Decor
Idea 1: Ways to Add These Fresh Flowers to a Living Space
Ready, it’s finally time to see these lilac arrangements. I wish you were able to smell our home through the computer.
First up, to share great ways to use lilacs in décor, I add these to a glass jar filled with fresh water and a floral preservative. I do this because I add these to an antique Majolica pitcher on the kitchen table.
Smelling these as we walk in from our garage is a wonderful greeting.
Adding These as a Focal Point on Our Coffee Table
Idea 2: Add The Flowers to a Coffee Table
I immediately thought of adding these to this basket I found thrifting. It also adds great texture to the coffee table in our living room. The falling petals look romantic. What do you think?
How About These Blooms in a Jardinière on Our Buffet?
Idea 3: Add These to a Crate on a Buffet
Adding these flowers to my French antique Jardinière is a stunning choice in my opinion. Especially the way lilacs cascade over the sides.
I also, love purple and green together so the moss balls are the perfect combination.
Adding Lilacs to a Corner For a Bit of Color
Idea 4: Add These to an Unexpected Corner For Color
Lastly, I added the lilac flowers to our Florentine table in a McCoy pitcher. This is pretty with the topiary I made last year. This mixes rustic and elegance are a favorite. Green and purple are the best complementary colors. The French books add the perfect ending to a dark corner.
I hope you enjoyed reading and seeing great tips and ways to use lilacs in decor. I would love for you to let me know which is your favorite. Let me know in a comment below so we connect and become friends.
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Oh Cindy how pretty your lilacs are. The ones around here where I live are so gorgeous this year too. Love how you decorated with them. Happy New Week. xoxo
I am envious on everyone’s lilac arrangements. I love how you have yours placed in your home. Looks wonderful and I bet it smells great.
Thanks Terrie, the house smells amazing. They are sadly fading now.
Just beautiful!!
This post is so pretty!!!!! I love the way lilacs smell! Thank you for sharing all this inspiration!
Happy day!
KariAnne
Thanks so much! The house smells amazing
Your lilacs are stunning! I love the way you arranged them to use in multiple spots in your home.
Thanks Paula. The house smells amazing. Unfortunately, they don’t last long
Cindy, I am swooning over each and every arrangement. First, the beautiful antique majolica pitcher with lilacs is so pretty and perfectly French Country. Next, the jardiniere with the lilacs is absolutely stunning! I always swoon when you showcase that lovely jardiniere. I imagine that the fragrance from the blooms must be heavenly. I planted a lilac last year, but it is very tiny. I’ve read that it often takes several years for them to mature. Gardening sure does take a lot of patience. Wishing you a beautiful week ahead, sweet friend!
Thanks so much my friend! It’s fun using these pieces isn’t it. The house smells beautiful!
Lilacs are on my list to add to the garden! Beautiful. Thanks for sharing!
Oh I wish you could’ve smelled our home through your computer screen. Amazing!
Your lilacs are beautiful, Cindy and I love your arrangements. xo Laura
Thanks Laura
Well they look so gorgeous. I remember the smell and how it filled the house when I was little. I wish my allergies didn’t prevent me from having them in the house now. I guess there’s always faux… 😉
My favourite is the Jardinière. It looks amazing. I’d love to grow lilacs. I’m going to investigate whether I can grow them in my area. Thanks for the inspiration.
They’re gorgeous and I love each way you displayed them! Mine are blooming now too and I just cut some yesterday. Love this time of year!
Shelley
Thanks so much Shelley. Isn’t the fragrance amazing!
I planted two lilacs last year and they did not bloom this year! My consolation is that the peonies and tulips did well lol. Happy you got to enjoy your blooms!
Hmm, wonder why but thin about the Peony yo get to bring and enjoy!
Your lilacs are gorgeous. I wish we could grow them in Texas.
Thanks you, I love them. I’m sure you are able to grow great plants in TX
I love lilacs! They smell so amazing. I bet your home smells wonderful with all the pretty lilac decor.
Thanks Michelle, it does. Too bad they are fading and almost done.
They’re all so gorgeous Cindy! We did the same as you – planted my childhood variety at our grownup house! 😉 So fun – thanks for the inspiration!
I had no idea there were lilacs that bloomed 3 times a year, CIndy, that is so cool! I can’t wait to look them up and see if they grow in my area too. Love, love, love all these beautiful examples of how to decorate with lilacs. They’re all so fantastic! Hugs, CoCo
I waited a long time for these. I can’t wait for this year’s bloom.
Thanks so much!
Cindy, this is just stunning! I especially can’t get over how much I love them in your French antique Jardinière. So so beautiful! Looks like I’m going to have to add lilacs to my garden ASAP.
The house smelled amazing. I wish they lasted longer. Definitely get them if you can grow them in your area
Lilacs are the one old-fashioned shrub I do not have in the garden. I bet your whole home smells amazing, and the spots of color throughout are delightful! You are being featured at the FWF link party!
Thanks for sharing this delightful post.
I cannot wait for lilac season here in the Northeast! You have wonderful ideas here Cindy!!!
Me either. We have a ways to go for warmer days
Lilacs are such a beautiful flower and they smell amazing! I can only imagine how much enjoyment they bring you inside and outside your home!
They’re amazing!!!
That black planter is absolutely the perfect way to show off your lilacs. Lovely.
Thanks so much Rachel!!
So many beautiful ways to use lilacs for spring, Cindy! They’re on the cover of Country Home magazine right now and they’re beautiful. Love that you’re able to use them too! Hugs, CoCo
I waited a long time and I can’t wait for this year’s bloom.
Beautiful planter Cindy! Very clever to plant them around your porch so you can trim them, from what I recall, they do get pretty big. Lilacs take me back to my childhood. Growing up, my best friend had lilac bushes. We loved the scent so much we decided it would be a good idea to take a few stems, add water, and place them in a bottle thinking we were making our own perfume. I can tell you, it doesn’t work, when we removed the lid a few weeks later thinking we would have this lovely expensive scent, we nearly threw up! It was terrible. Needless to say, we gave up that dream! Thank you so much for sharing with Whimsy Home Wednesday.
They do get big so we gave them room. The story of you making perfume had ne cracking up.