If there is a flower heaven I have most definitely visited it today!

I popped in on friends, EC & SC, who had a big birthday celebration recently (pinky promise not to reveal any ages ) and their home is just bursting at the seams with beautiful balloons of blooms.

I always love a pretty posy to lift the spirits so drop me in a whole field of flowers and I’m like the uncool kid on the monkey bar … you know, the one who is all uncoordinated arms, legs and falling all over the place … and the scent; totally giddy with the intoxicating fragrance wafting from room to room. H-E-A-V-E-N-L-Y!!!

Anyhoo, what really intrigued me was the style of the botanical masterpieces. All were tall and lanky with a whisper of wilt; almost as if they were caught in the floral dance of a gentle breeze. Well that or channelling supermodels with attitude and the flowering tier was about to topple

Apparently, smaller arrangements were not even considered (yes, I asked!), my host declaring that the impact of willowy flowering tiers created the drama in line with the theme of the celebration. No consideration was given to the suggestion that various heights could create the same impact (yes, I hinted ) which I found surprising. Especially so as being of the ilk that feels that high drama can be created with any type of flower.

Tinerate, with a bit more investigative digging (translation: nosiness ) it turns out that the flowers were inspired by a still life, painted in a much earlier century, that hung on the wall of the Drawing Room in her childhood home. I’m told this haven was always off-limits to the children, creating immediate mystique for both the space and the well groomed guests that disappeared behind the mahogany door. And then there was the laughter that emitted from this sanctuary, ringing off the walls and setting the room up for immediate intrigue in the young mind of my friend, EC, with a very active imagination. From the moment she sneaked a peek through the hinge of the coveted door into this fanciful retreat, she was smitten with the 17th century work of art and the portrayal of glamour of both it and the fabulous oasis in which it hung.

With age, the Drawing Room memories moved on but the vivid image of the still life stayed with her, consequently influencing many a thing in her adult life.

Anyhoo, I was so besotted with the towering flowering tiers that I am going to definitely steal the look. What do you think? Do these willowy stems hit the spectacular button for you?

Till next time.

Tipsy Pipsy xo