Why Create a Rustic Rosemary Holiday Basket
When decorating for the holiday season, don’t forget to add a touch of whimsy to your kitchen window or outside near your front door. A rosemary herb basket is a simple yet elegant touch that can be created in just a few minutes.
A rosemary herb basket adds a simple yet elegant touch to a kitchen window.
Barbara H. Smith, ©2025 HGIC, Clemson Extension
Materials Needed for a Rosemary Holiday Basket
- A flat-back twig basket with a handle
- Fresh-cut rosemary
- Fresh holly berry sprigs or faux berries
- Small pinecones
- Spanish moss
- A piece of soaked florist foam
- Plastic storage bag
Caution: Never use faux berries in outdoor arrangements. Birds and small animals may mistake them for real berries, and eating them can be harmful or fatal.
Shown here are some suggested materials to use when arranging your herb basket.
Barbara H. Smith, ©2025 HGIC, Clemson Extension
How to Prepare the Rosemary and Florist Foam for a Holiday Herb Basket
Fresh rosemary does not need to be pre-soaked, as it can be allowed to naturally dry and used in the kitchen to add flavor to various recipes.
Cut a piece of florist foam that will easily fit in the basket opening and soak it for several minutes until it is fully wet. Never push the foam down into the water, as air pockets will form and prevent the foam from hydrating fully. Instead, place it on top of the water and allow it to sink naturally.
Tip: Avoid soaking the foam overnight, as this can weaken the foam’s structure, allowing harmful bacteria to form.
Place the florist foam on top of the water and allow it to sink naturally.
Barbara H. Smith, ©2025 HGIC, Clemson Extension
After soaking for a few minutes, the florist foam will be fully wet.
Barbara H. Smith, ©2025 HGIC, Clemson Extension
How to Assemble a Rustic Rosemary Holiday Basket Arrangement
Step 1: Line the Basket
If the basket has an open weave, place a layer of Spanish moss against the front to hide the florist foam and plastic bag.
Next, to prevent the florist foam from leaking, place it in a plastic storage bag and insert the bag into the basket.
Line the open weave of the basket with Spanish moss to hide the mechanics. Place the wet florist foam in a plastic storage bag to keep it from leaking water.
Barbara H. Smith, ©2025 HGIC, Clemson Extension
Step 2: Prepare and Insert Rosemary
Strip the lower leaves off the rosemary sprigs before inserting the stems into the florist foam. Save the loose rosemary leaves, as they are perfect for adding flavor to your holiday recipes.
Strip off the lower rosemary leaves and insert the bare stems into the florist foam. The stripped leaves can be used when seasoning your holiday dishes.
Barbara H. Smith, ©2025 HGIC, Clemson Extension
Step 3: Add Holiday Accents
Add pinecones, holly foliage, and berries for a colorful and festive touch. If you’re using faux berries, only use them inside to prevent them from being eaten by birds or other small animals. When used indoors, both fresh and faux berries should be kept out of the reach of pets.
A rustic rosemary basket by the door welcomes everyone with its fresh, aromatic scent.
Barbara H. Smith, ©2025 HGIC, Clemson Extension
Happy Holidays
Wishing all our readers a wonderful and safe holiday season!
