Floriography, The Language of Flowers, Mother’s day brunch ideas, 5 Mother’s Day gifts that cost nothing and more on Weekend Meanderings.
Good Saturday morning to you friends. It’s time for Weekend Meanderings with Kim and Juliet! This is our weekly series where we share all of the things that piqued our interests and caught our eye.
Sunday is Mother’s Day, a time to celebrate all moms, step-mothers, grandmothers and mother figures. I do not have children of my own but I do have two step-children and 3 fur kids and they are amazing. Unfortunately, I will not be spending the day with my mom this year but I know that my sister will have a wonderful celebration for her and she and I will celebrate when she visits next month.
What about you? What are your Mother’s Day plans? Will you be celebrating with your mom or your children? Or will you celebrate in spirit with your mom?
Ok, let’s get to all things Mother’s Day!
The Language of Flowers~Floriography
Did you know that flowers have their own language? Flowers have had symbolic meanings for centuries in many cultures around the world. But during the Victorian era when showing and displaying emotions was frowned upon. Floriography, the language of flowers became a way to communicate feelings.
Interests in flowers and their meanings also became a favorite hobby during the 1800’s in England, France and the US. In England, each household had a copy of a guidebook on “the language of flowers.” Sending and receiving flowers was a way to convey your feelings towards a prospective suitor.
The language of the flowers goes well beyond the flower, it is made a little more complicated by the color of the flowers, the amounts given and how they were received. I can see why they needed a manual, this is like learning a second language and code at the same time.
It was also popular to display, carry or wear these bouquets or tussie- mussie’s, as they were called, in little silver, bone or glass holders. Fun fact, when I was married I carried a vintage tussie-mussie holder as did my maid and matron of honor, what can I say, I’ve read a lot of historical fiction and stole the idea from them.
Do you remember when Kate and William were married? Kate had myrtle in her bouquet that was actually from a plant from Queen Victoria. It symbolizes love and fidelity.
Favorite flowers and their meanings
Rose – Love, passion, beauty
Sunflower – Adoration, loyalty
Poppy – Restful sleep, consolation
Orchid – Exotic beauty, strength
Tulip – Perfect love, elegance
Carnation – Love, fascination
Lavender – Serenity, calmness
Iris – Faith, wisdom, hope
Peony – Prosperity, good fortune
Lily – Purity, virtue, devotion
Daisy – Innocence, purity, new beginnings
Camellia – Admiration, perfection
Violet – Modesty, humility
Tulip – Perfect love, elegance
Daffodil – Rebirth, new beginnings
Jasmine – Sensuality, grace, elegance
Lilac – First love, youthful innocence
Marigold – Joy, warmth, creativity
Chrysanthemum – Friendship, joy, honesty
Hyacinth – Sincerity, constancy
Gerbera Daisy – Cheerfulness, innocence
Anemone – Anticipation, fragility
Calla Lily – Elegance, purity
Zinnia – Thoughts of absent friends
More about the language of flowers.
Floriography: An Illustrated Guide to the Victorian Language of Flowers
Flowerpaedia: 1000 Flowers and their Meanings.
The Complete Language of Flowers: A Definitive and Illustrated History
Are you giving your mom flowers for Mother’s Day? Why not give them in a vintage container? I shared a few ideas for flower arrangements and containers in this post.
Flower Facts
According to the NRF consumers will spend over $35.7 Billion dollars for Mother’s Day. One third of Americans will buy flowers, about 3 Billion dollars worth.
Guess what color is the most popular? Pink!
What do you think the most popular flowers for Mother’s Day Are? Peonies, roses, tulips and sunflowers
5 Mothers Day Gifts That Cost Nothing
Time
Time is the most precious gif there is because there is a finite amount and one it is gone it is gone, you cannot get it back. What better gift to give your mom then the gift of time. Plan a day with her, a long weekend or even a holiday. Enjoy one anothers’ company, talk, laugh and make memories that will last a lifetime.
A Handmade Card or Heart Felt Note
Cards are the second most purchased item on Mother’s Day. This year, go the extra mile and make a card or write a heart felt note if your are artistically challenged like me. I promise, your mother will love it more than a card from the store.
Pass on a Treasure
This is one of my favorite gifts to give, not just for Mother’s Day. Give something of yours away, a piece of jewelry, art, a scarf, a pile of books, all of these make wonderful gifts for your mom especially if it is something of yours that she has always admired.
Bake or Cook Somethings
Baking and cooking for the people you love is a gift. Your time, effort and love is poured into whatever you make and that makes your cake, brunch, lunch or dinner even more special.
Service
Is there something that you love to do or are particularly good at? Maybe you love to paint, garden, clean, cook, love interior design? All of these are wonderful gifts for moms, especially as they age. Maybe this year gift your mother a bedroom refresh? Paint her walls? Clear out her garden? The gift of service goes hand in hand with the gift of time.
If you want to get your mother something tangible in addition to these free gifts, I shared 10 Fabulous Mother’s Day Gifts last week.
Mother’s Day Brunch Menu
Instead of heading out tomorrow morning for brunch why not make mom something delicious at home? Here are a few easy recipes to make for your mom.
Caramelized onion and ham crustless quiche. This recipe could not get any easier, there is no crust so all you have to do is caramelize the onions and add everything else to a bowl with the eggs then pour into ramequins or a large tart plate.
Roasted blueberry yogurt parfait. Creamy vanilla yogurt with roasted blueberries, drizzle with honey and crunchy granola.
Strawberry and Fresh Herb Salad with Blueberries and Feta Cheese, perfect with quiche, eggs or mini ham biscuit sandwiches.
Why not make a cinnamon walnut coffee cake for those that like a little something sweet for brunch?
A sunrise strawberry mimosa is a delicious addition to your Mother’s Day brunch. Or try this cucumber Prosecco spritzer.
LINKS TO READ+WATCH+LISTEN
Why Your Breakfast Should Start With A Vegetable
How to Fall Back Asleep After Waking Up in the Middle of the Night
Everything You Need to Know About Planning a Trip to Paris This Summer
This is such a sweet backyard birthday brunch!
We Tried 8 Boxes of Pancake Mix — And the Clear Winner Tastes Exactly the Ones Grandma Used to Make
STUDIO INSPIRATION: INSIDE SÉZANE
I love these cute glasses.
And this dress, and this one too. These sandals look comfy.
Speaking of Summer sandals, Juliet and Kim joined forces this week to share their favorite summer sandals and there are so many beautiful picks!
In Case You Missed It
Monday I shared this outfit, a great movie, a books and lots more. Check out the post for all of the details.
Then I share my all time favorite chocolate cake recipe! If you are looking for an easy, delicious cake to make for your next celebration you will want to check out the post.
Last but not least, Friday Favorites! Books, recipes, fashion(including this outfit), decor and more. By the way, yesterday was National Shrimp Day and I shared several recipes I think you will love.
Including this red pepper fettuccini with shrimp.
UNTIL NEXT TIME
I hope that you enjoyed weekend meanderings. If you did please share the post on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter or Pinterest.
Have a great day, a wonderful weekend and a very Happy Mother’s Day!
Don’t forget to pop over visit my friends Kim and Juliet you can find the links below. If you missed any of the previous Weekend Meandering posts you can find them all here.
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On My Radar Books & Dresses
I have really grown to love reading your blog. All the links you provide have given me some inspiration and interesting reading. I love your photos too.
My mom passed away 34 years ago when I was 38. Mother’s Day is not the same and like you, I don’t have children. I’m a cat mom though and they often give me a gift ♥️. I will celebrate my mom by baking and cooking..using the skills she taught me and planting zinnia seeds in my flower bed.
Nanci, thank you! You made my day! That is so kind of you to say. Sharing a few of my favorite links and books each week is one of my favorite things, it is nice to know that they resonate with a few of my readers.
I am sorry for your loss Nanci, I hope that you find a small measure of comfort in your memories of your mom. What a wonderful way to celebrate her and you, baking and planting flowers! Zinnia are such a happy flower. I planted some last week and I cannot wait to see them come up.
Have a wonderful weekend.
Elizabeth
Good morning, Elizabeth! Your post is a feast for the eyes. Flowers make everyone happy. I’m not surprised pink is the favored color … it certainly is mine. My mom loved receiving flowers … who doesn’t?! So interesting reading about what each flower symbolizes. And … of my gosh, these fabulous recipes. Yum. I feel like I should make myself a Mother’s Day feast. In honor of my mom, of course!!! And we all deserve a Sunrise Strawberry Mimosa. Cheers to all of us who look after kids who aren’t our own as well as our beloved pets. Happy weekend! xo
Such a lovely post, Elizabeth! Pink flowers are my favorite and I loved learning all about the language aspect. We are celebrating Mother’s Day early, today, as it is my youngest son’s 25th, too. I hope you have a lovely day tomorrow celebrating with your fur kids and step children! Blessings, Kim