Go casual. Canning jars become tea glasses, yard clippings are centerpieces and nothing really has to match. It's summer. You should be eating in your swimsuit!
Now I do understand that a lilac of one's own is not a possibility for everyone, for a number of reasons. If this is you I recommend throwing yourself into the arms of charity. Use the power of social media — I'm not even joking. Look how that worked out for my friendly acquaintance, the writer.
Despite the hardiness of the bush, the flowers themselves are quite delicate. Make sure to have a deep bucket full of lukewarm water as well as a pair of sharp trimmers. I smash the bottom of the branch with a hammer to facilitate the flow of water. Quickly strip the branch of leaves and plunge it into the bucket. If you want a bit of greenery, pick some separately. Once you're home, plunk them in anything. It's impossible to arrange lilacs unattractively
This lady , whose other writings I have enjoyed, who had a "deprived childhood" and lost a home to a fire sounds like a soul that would be my best friend if she lived near me.