Caught short this weekend by a last minute invite to dinner, nothing left in my 'reserve' to take as a hostess gift, I had to scour the garden to see if there was anything left that could make a bouquet.
I was pleasantly surprised to find that the sedum was still just red, not brown yet from the frost, and that hidden away protected beneath the lower branches of the hydrangea, there were a few last blooms half green half red. I toyed with some rose hips, but they looked too orange, then turned to the ivy whose berries are beginning to turn from green to black.
Finally I added some sprigs of sage, which my friend may not totally appreciate, because it smells rather strong !! - I told her she could discard the sage if it got overpowering!
Not being a very organised person, I do not have a roll of florist's cellophane to hand, so my bouquet just had to be made up as a posy and held together with a ribbon.
What do you count on for last minute gifts?
A pot of jam, a cake, a favourite book?
Posts
Your flowers are beautiful, and you are welcome to dinner here anytime.
ReplyDeleteWow! That's awesome for last minute. What a stunning bouquet.
ReplyDeleteI am sure she loved your bouquet Sharon... I would... xv
ReplyDeleteI think your garden was most generous, offering up this late autumn abundance. Absolutely gorgeous.
ReplyDeletebeautiful bouquet
ReplyDeletehugs
Mari
just stunning, i love fresh flowers in the house.
ReplyDeleteHow I would love for you to arrive at my door with this lovely bunch. So nice, so sweet...
ReplyDeleteLovely flowers and a wonderful bouquet!
ReplyDeleteMarkus
Fantastic last minute bouquet!! Really gorgeous hostess gift. The colors are so rich and wonderful!
ReplyDeleteI would have loved to receive a bouquet like that!
ReplyDeleteI usually pack some pots of homemade jam together with some natural decoration ... et voilà!
Have a good week!
Fra
Beautiful bouquet! I am sure your hostess loved it. My absolutely last minute gift is a bottle of Finger Lakes wine, a delicious New York State Reisling. We always have some on hand...
ReplyDeleteI always keep bottles of good olive oil around for a last minute gift. The flowers are gorgeous, love the colors and the way you tied the ribbon.
ReplyDeleteWe always bring wine.
ReplyDeleteI am amazed at how much is still usable in my garden.
Mind you I don't arrange them as nicely as you have.
One time I did bring a bouquet completely made of herbs to a dinner party and it was very well received.
That bouquet is a beautiful gift - so lovely and so personal and so thoughtful.
ReplyDeleteI love giving my CDs away as gifts. If the personal already has my CDs, I like to bring a little of my homemade rose liqueur in a glass jar for them to enjoy.
That is a stunning bouquet! We grow Russian sage which is fragrant but a bit more subtle and I love adding it to bouquets for our centerpieces. Great last minute idea and the ribbon is a beautiful accent.
ReplyDeleteAlicia
Your bouquet is beautiful - lucky friend.
ReplyDeleteFor last minute gifts I usually rely on a jar (or pot) of homemade jam, dressed up with a tag and a bit of ribbon or twine.
What a stunning bouquet, it truly looks like a very expensive bought one!
ReplyDeletebeautiful.
ReplyDeleteI love your last minute bouquet, the colours are beautiful.
ReplyDeleteAnne xx
My husband and I have decided since he is retiring in 3 years and we will be 44 to take the plunge and live a little...we are moving to southern France. Our one daughter is in college and the youngest will be out of high school. After seeing your pictures it just makes our decision more perfect. We went as a family to France a few years ago and I absolutely think that of all the countries we visited, France was the kindest and the most relaxed. Beautiful pictures and amazing home.
ReplyDeleteHi Sharon, lucky you to have such a beautiful gardens. Wonderful colours and a beautiful bouquet that you created. I rely on Laduree for last minute gifts or one of my photos.. Carla
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful arrangement. It inspires me to look at things differently. I have a few favorite wines that I buy in multiples so that there is usually a bottle or two to take as a gift. Nice candles are appreciated as well.
ReplyDeleteStunning Sharon,
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful grouping,I'm sure your host must have been thrilled. I love sage, I often have sprigs of it around the house, I love the soft green.
Fiona
Sharon what a luscious gift - wonderful autumn tones - there's nothing nicer than something from your garden or something that you made. I give home made photo cards and gift tags.
ReplyDeleteI really would have loved having you for dinner and receiving that bouquet!! From the depths of the garden, it was beautiful!!
ReplyDeleteSo picture perfect and so natural, not too contrived, which I love. The colors are so fitting for fall!
ReplyDeleteFlowers are good for the soul, and your flowers are 'magnifique' Sharon.
ReplyDeleteWe all seem to be enjoying flowers and gardens, be it your Autumn or my Spring.
bee x
Oh, that is pretty! Looks professionally done, too.
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful bouquet. Hydrangea are always such a lovely flower to use ...
ReplyDeleteIt's amazing! Csodaszép!!! :)
ReplyDeleteI've got a "reserve" too. But for the moment I take one of the 50 jars home-made alcohol of cherry!
ReplyDeleteSharon, your bouquet is beautiful. The hydrangeas are just the perfect colour when they are speckled with those spots of deep pink. A perfect hostess gift, from the heart. N.
ReplyDelete