Mosquitos: The Sworn Enemy of a Good Backyard Bash
They show up uninvited, hover over the food, and kill the vibe faster than warm rosé.
I can handle chaos, last-minute guests, and a lukewarm grill. But mosquitos? Absolutely not.
Mosquitos don’t usually come for me (shoutout to genetics), but they zeroed in on my daughter. We were at a Florida resort with multiple Michelin stars, trying to enjoy a top-tier meal. She had no choice but to bathe in bug spray just to survive dinner. The smell completely hijacked the food and the wine.
That was it for me. I needed a better solution—something that actually worked but didn’t kill the vibe. I started hunting for ways to keep the bugs off without ruining the table. And ideally? Something that looked like it belonged there.
Why I Love These (and You Will Too)
- They work. No DEET, no greasy arms. Just herbs, citrus, and oils that mosquitos hate.
- They’re gorgeous. These aren’t your average bug zappers. They look like they belong on a summer table.
- They smell amazing. Fresh mint, rosemary, eucalyptus, and citrus beat synthetic spray any day.
- They multitask. Bug repellent and centerpiece? That’s what I call efficient hosting.
- They’re customizable. Use what’s in your garden—or whatever works with your theme.
- They pop on camera. I used edible flowers to add more color—and yes, they’re totally photo-worthy.
What You’ll Need
You can improvise here, but this combo really delivers:
- A wide-mouth mason jar (or any clear vessel)
- Water
- Floating candle (citronella if you have it, unscented if not)
- Lemon, lime and/or orange slices
- Fresh rosemary
- Fresh mint
- Eucalyptus sprigs
- Scented geranium leaves (especially citronella or lemon-scented)
- Essential oils (citronella, peppermint, lemongrass, or lemon eucalyptus)
Optional eye candy:
- Flowering thyme, lavender, veronica
- African violets, edible flowers, or any seasonal bloom
- Twine, ribbon, or raffia to dress up the jar
How to Make Them
- Fill your jar ¾ full with water.
- Add 10–15 drops of essential oil.
- Slide in the lemon and lime slices.
- Tuck in rosemary, mint, eucalyptus, and geranium leaves.
- Add edible flowers or colorful blooms.
- Gently float the candle on top.
- Light when guests arrive.
Pro tip: The lemons and flowers will float. That’s part of the charm. Layer slowly and adjust until it looks effortless (even if it wasn’t).
Hosting Tips
- Place a few down your table runner for a soft glow and subtle scent.
- Use different sizes of jars for a layered look.
- Stick one near the food, one near the bar, and one near that one guest who always gets eaten alive.
- Refresh water and herbs every few days if you’re keeping them out between parties.
- Always extinguish candles before calling it a night. (Or hand it off to your co-host with the lighter and the strong opinions.)
These jars are my new summer secret weapon. They keep bugs at bay without ruining your table, your food, or your wine. Whether you’re throwing a full backyard bash or just having cocktails with friends, these do the job—and do it beautifully.
It’s the little things like this that make hosting feel thoughtful, intentional, and just a little more fun.
The one that looks like tablescape styling and smells like a garden—not bug spray.
Try It at Your Next Outdoor Dinner
Swap the spray for something prettier. Test one of these at your next backyard bash and tag me if you do—I want to see your spin on it.
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