Pink peonies from “Stuart’s garden” at Fox Hall, intertwined with mountain laurel, was a centerpiece that I arranged for a dinner party. Did you know that the mountain laurel, the state flower of Connecticut, symbolizes achievement and perseverance, and pink peonies relay the beauty of marriage and love at first sight? Together, these two flower varieties offer a loving tribute, in the secret language of flowers, to my darling husband of 48 years!
Do you know the secret language of flowers?
Every day is perfect for giving, receiving, or admiring pretty flowers! But are you aware of the secret language of flowers? Besides merely admiring them, the color and the variety of various flowers can have a symbolic meaning behind them... a secret language.
During the Victorian ages, the language of flowers was an ingenious way of expressing intimate, romantic feelings to another, back when it was taboo to do so blatantly. The color and type of flower chosen was a silent dialogue. I was unaware of this lovely language until I discovered a precious little book about the secret language of flowers at my mother-in-law's charming Cape Cod house.
I was intrigued and enthralled because I adore flower arranging and I asked myself, "What secret message am I relaying with the flowers I give to others?" Not that the recipient would ever know, but it is amusing to consider.
Christian Dior was passionate about Lily of the Valley and chose it for his classic perfume, Diorissio. The symbol of Lily of the Valley means purity, a return to happiness, and humility. Coco Chanel adored the white Camellia (or Chinese Rose), symbolizing everlasting love and devotion. Oscar Wilde wore a green carnation on his lapel, which was his secret hint that he was a man who loved other men.
This classic arrangement of white roses at The Ritz Hotel in London represents, in flower language, a sign of purity and a symbol of respect, which is why they are often featured in bridal bouquets.
What do specific flowers relay?
Anemones: anticipation and good luck
Red Carnations: pride and beauty
Daisies: new beginnings
Gardenias: purity and secret love
Hyacinths: playfulness and constancy
Lilacs: (magenta) love and passion; (purple) first love
Lilies: purity and refined love
Peonies: a happy marriage and good fortune
Tulips: perfect love
What do the colors of flowers relay?
Red: A bouquet of red roses indicates romance, because the color red signifies love and passion. Roses are red, violets are blue, kiss me, and I'll love you!
White: purity and grace
Pink: gratitude, admiration/femininity, gentility, and elegance
Peach: gratitude
Yellow: joy and gratitude
Purple: enchantment, love at first sight, and success
Orange: enthusiasm and energy
Grandmillennial Tips:
Consider sending cut flowers without a vase to a hostess the day before a dinner party. She can then arrange them in a container of her choice before the party commences.
When giving flowers to someone you don't know or have never visited, specify the flowers as white or send a white orchid plant. White can be placed in any room in a house!
Incorporate the secret language of flowers in your centerpiece as an acknowledgment to the guest of honor. If you give a toast, share why the flowers were chosen and integrate their meaning into the toast you compose.
In honor of Lady Carnarvon’s visit from Highclere Castle (aka Downton Abbey) for a luncheon I hosted, I gave each guest a little container of flowers as a memento gift. Carnations originated in England, hence the pink carnations. The horse sculpture served as a nod to our mutual passion for horses, which we shared in the PBS “You Are Cordially Invited” episode here.
So, what flowers and colors will you give for Valentine’s Day? I am sending my love to you with a bountiful bouquet of PINK PEONIES!
Xx
Holly
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