Jubilee Tea Party

The sun finally came out this week and it felt warm for the first time in ages (posting this, now with a pink glow, warm seems a bit of an understatement) It was a perfect day for a spot of afternoon tea, shame I was just installing the Jubilee window display.

All the elements came together - garlands made, embroidery hoops filled with chintzy fabric, tables and tablecloths in situ, and red white and blue flowers in china teacups.

The teacups are part of a range that we hire out for weddings and events, and I found the lovely green tablecloth with red, white and blue poppies in one of the local charity shops. We are spoilt for choice with charity shops round here - I often pop out for a rummage in my lunch break.

The white cloth was borrowed for the display and we're still undecided whether the lacey edge is crochet or tatting. Any ideas?

Pretty Peonies - In the Pink

How pretty are these soft pink Peonies, and how lovely to receive flowers, even as a florist. I never tire of being surrounded by such exquisite blooms, and am really lucky to be able to enjoy flowers every day in my job as a florist.

Peonies don't really need elaborate arrangements as they are so big and blousy. Personally I prefer them on their own with a little silver/grey Eucalyptus, or mixed with a few sweet scented stocks, almost as if had picked them fresh from the garden (if only!)

I've never really been a big fan of pink, (it doesn't do anything for my olive complexion so I don't wear it), but ever since I have been working with flowers I have become more and more fond of it. Particularly really soft, delicate shades, like the colour of this pretty china tea cup and my pretty pink Peonies.