Travel the Fields of the World!

So, you didn't get to hop on a plane and head for Europe or the Far East this summer. But don't worry-here are a few great ways to celebrate summer and still share the world with your friends. With Fields of the World bouquets, you can enjoy the most exquisite floral varieties in the world-and be transported to faraway places at a fraction of the cost. With the Fields of the World on your table, you can transform your ordinary summer vacation into an exotic and exciting event!

Longing to see Great Britain? Invite your friends over for an Afternoon Tea. Make your table shine with lustrous china, sparkling crystal and gleaming silverware, along with the Fields of England as your centerpiece. This exquisite hand-tied bouquet was created by Jane Packer, recipient of the prestigious Prince Philip Medal for her groundbreaking career in floral design. Jane's gorgeous gathering of six breathtaking white roses (the national flower of England), double white freesia and double white bouvardia is beautifully accented with variegated pitt and variegated trailing ivy, to create an elegant atmosphere for your tea party. Find wonderful recipes and suggestions for your Afternoon Tea menu at the library or on the internet. Some suggestions: cucumber sandwiches, freshly baked scones and crumpets served with Devonshire clotted cream, tea sandwiches, Madeleine cookies, a traditional English trifle, tea (or coffee). Too hot for tea or coffee? Make it iced tea with a splash of lemon or a vanilla mocha iced coffee for a refreshing and unexpected twist on the ordinary.

In South America, there is a unique tradition of eating, dancing and drinking late into the night! Invite your friends over for a night of Spanish delights. Set the mood with the Fields of Spain centerpiece, which features a gorgeous bouquet of blushing pink carnations, accompanied by a hand-painted ceramic vase made in Spain. Next, put out trays of tapas. These bite-sized treats are popular appetizers that can range from simple items like olives or grapes with walnuts and goat cheese to ham and provolone cubes to more elaborate dishes like omelets, meatballs, crab cakes and more. Gather your friends together, whip up a pitcher of sangria or open a bottle of sherry, and enjoy. You can find tapas recipes for empanadas, omelets, fruits and vegetables, seafood, meat and more on the internet. Just put out bread plates (smaller plates work better) and encourage your guests to use toothpicks or their fingers-no silverware required. To make the night unforgettably sweet, serve your guests Spanish hot chocolate (more like warm pudding than a drink) and churros-a fried, thin donut that is perfect for dipping.

For a festive and unforgettable barbecue sensation, don't just hand out hot dogs and hamburgers-go for a Thai barbecue! There's nothing like Thai food to awaken the senses and have your guests clamoring for more. Dishes like Chicken or Beef Satay, Thai Barbecue Shrimp, Coconut rice, barbecued vegetables and more are sure to be a hit. Decorate your backyard with festive lanterns, red streamers and other decorations with an Asian theme (all readily available online or at party goods stores). Serve it with your favorite bottle of chilled white or rose wine or Thai Iced Tea (go online for lots of great recipes and ideas.) To make the atmosphere complete, don't forget to decorate your table with the Fields of Thailand. Our expert growers cultivate these exotic golden amber 'Mokara" orchids for a splash of vibrant color that sets the right mood either indoors on your dining room table, or out on a deck, especially in the evening!

Summer celebrations are fast, fun and easy when you've got the world at your fingertips! Some other great party themes: a fiesta with margaritas (and the Fields of Mexico); iced cappuccino, cannolis and gelato (and the Fields of Italy); a South African wine-tasting and dance party (and the Fields of South Africa) and more.Don't get stuck writing "I stayed at home this summer vacation" in your journal. Create a summer that's sizzling with excitement, where the possibilities are endless-and the Fields of the World are waiting for you!