There’s something wonderfully simple about spending a sunny afternoon picking peonies—their lush, fragrant blooms begging to be gathered. Whether you’re alone, savoring the quiet joy of selecting the perfect petals, or laughing with friends as you compare who found the fluffiest flower, it’s a little adventure that feels like summer in your hands.
Once home, arrange them in a big ceramic pitcher for a casual, romantic look, or float a few petals in a shallow bowl of water for an instant centerpiece. Tuck single stems into small bud vases and line them along a windowsill to catch the light.
For something extra, try a peony gin fizz: muddle a few petals with 50ml gin, 20ml lemon juice, and 10ml simple syrup. Shake with ice, strain into a glass, top with soda, and garnish with a fresh petal.
If you’re feeling crafty, press a few blooms between heavy books to use later in homemade cards or framed art. And don’t forget the scent—toss dried petals into a drawer or mix them with epsom salts for a fragrant bath soak.
Recipe ideas for peony petals:
- Peony petal ice cubes: Freeze petals in ice trays with water or lemonade for pretty drinks.
- Peony sugar: Layer petals with sugar in a jar; after a week, sieve out the petals for floral-infused sweetness.
It’s all about slowing down, getting your hands a little dirty, and bringing home a bit of that field’s magic.