Five herbs to plant now for holiday entertaining

Garden Girls right before a party

The holidays are right around the corner and we’d like to introduce you to 5 great herbs to grow and use for parties and entertaining! These herbs all love cooler weather and can bring festive flair to holiday entertaining, adding fresh flavors to seasonal dishes and drinks while also creating beautiful aromatic touches. Here are some ideas to impress your guests this holiday season:

Rosemary

Rosemary can serve a dual purpose in both culinary and decorative roles. For an easy yet elegant appetizer, try rosemary and sea salt roasted nuts. Just toss mixed nuts with a bit of olive oil, sea salt, and chopped fresh rosemary, then roast until golden and fragrant. Rosemary is also perfect for festive holiday cocktails: try adding a rosemary sprig as a garnish to a gin and tonic, or infuse simple syrup with rosemary to sweeten drinks like holiday sangria. For decorations, tie sprigs of rosemary onto cloth napkins or use them as natural place cards. Rosemary wreaths make charming, fragrant table centerpieces too.

Rosemary likes a sunny spot (6-8 hours of sun daily) and well-draining soil to prevent root rot.

Thyme

Thyme’s warm, earthy flavor is fantastic in savory holiday dishes. Use it to flavor classic holiday meats like roast chicken or turkey, either by adding it to a marinade or simply tucking a few sprigs under the skin before roasting. You can also make thyme-infused butter to spread on freshly baked bread or rolls. Thyme adds a lovely aroma to baked brie or goat cheese; just drizzle with honey and sprinkle with fresh thyme before baking until bubbly and golden. For a holiday twist, consider making a thyme cranberry sauce by stirring chopped thyme into your favorite cranberry recipe, bringing a depth that pairs perfectly with seasonal fare.

Thyme is a drought-tolerant herb that thrives with 6-8 hours of sun daily and well-draining soil. Keep it cut back so it doesn’t get too woody.

Mint

Mint can be a refreshing addition to holiday desserts and beverages. Try infusing cream with mint leaves for a festive chocolate mint ganache, perfect for drizzling over brownies or cake. Mint is also fantastic for holiday cocktails—think mint juleps, mojitos, or even a classic hot chocolate topped with fresh mint leaves for a twist. For something non-alcoholic, a warm mint tea with honey is both refreshing and calming. As a decorative touch, use mint sprigs in ice cubes for a festive and aromatic presentation that looks beautiful in punch bowls or water pitchers.

Mint loves the sun but needs some afternoon shade when it’s hot outside. Keep it evenly moist, but not waterlogged. Make sure to give mint it’s own pot because it will take over a garden in the blink of an eye. Keep it cut to encourage bushy growth, otherwise it gets tall and leggy.

Basil

Although basil is often associated with summer, it can still shine in holiday entertaining, especially in Houston’s mild winter. Create a delicious caprese salad with fresh basil, tomatoes, and mozzarella, and add a drizzle of balsamic glaze for a holiday appetizer that’s both colorful and delicious. You can also use basil to make a pesto spread for an appetizer platter, perfect for serving with bread, crackers, or veggies. Basil works well in holiday cocktails, too; try a basil gin smash with fresh lemon and a touch of honey for a unique seasonal drink. To brighten up your table, use small basil bouquets in glass jars for an herbaceous centerpiece that guests can pick from to add to their food.

Basil prefers warm weather making it perfect for our mild winters. Give it 6-8 hours of sun daily and keep it evenly moist in well-draining soil. Keep basil pruned to promote bushier growth. It’s a good idea to grow it in a pot so you can bring it inside when the weather turns cold.

Lemongrass

Lemongrass can add an exotic twist to holiday meals. Use it to flavor a cozy winter soup, like a creamy coconut butternut squash soup with lemongrass, ginger, and a touch of chili for heat. Lemongrass also pairs well with shrimp and chicken skewers—marinate your protein with a lemongrass, garlic, and soy sauce blend, then grill or roast for an easy yet flavorful holiday appetizer. For drinks, steep lemongrass in hot water to create a simple syrup, then mix it into cocktails for a unique citrusy flavor. You can also simmer chopped lemongrass with apple cider for a holiday drink that’s fragrant and comforting.

Lemongrass is a tropical plant that loves warm, moist conditions. Keep it evenly watered in well-draining soil and bring it inside when the weather gets cold. Lemongrass can be grown from stalks purchased at the grocery store: simply place the stalks in water until roots form, then transplant them into soil.

Using these easy-to-grow herbs creatively will not only elevate your dishes and drinks but also add a memorable experience to your holiday gathering!