Make Mine a Mimosa...

Mimosa is having a moment, and who wouldn't welcome a little brightness in the still-dark days of February? We love everything about this magical blossom, from its extensive symbolism and exquisite colour, to the fact you can actually eat it!

Google 'Mimosa' and the first thing you'll find is a cocktail (more on that later) but if you're mad about mimosa, read Aimee Farrell's fascinating piece in the Financial Times exploring the history and symbolism of this sunniest of flowers which has traditionally been gifted on Italy's La Festa Della Donna and has become an emblem of solidarity, strength and admiration on International Women's Day on 8th March.

There is nothing more likely to cheer and endear than an unexpected note of appreciation, so why not send some sunshine to the special people in your life. Perfect for that purpose is our new Mimosa card, the first in a series of designs which will explore Floriography, or more prosaically, the Language of Flowers...

Originating from the Greek words ‘mimos’ meaning ‘actor’ or ‘mime’, and ‘osa’ meaning ‘resembling’, Mimosa’s sunny yellow flowers appear from January to March, symbolising joy, abundance and light. Beautiful but fragile in appearance, its leaves react quickly to temperature and touch, yet the plant is prolific and often thrives in difficult environments. This association with both sensitivity and tolerance has led Mimosa to become the official flower of International Women’s Day on 8th March, exchanged as a token of admiration, strength and solidarity in the fight for equality.

From today until 6th March, I will hand-letter any Mimosa card with your friends' name on the front in exchange for a donation (min £10) to Amnesty in support of the ongoing protests for Women's Rights in Iran. Please just leave a note at checkout of the name you would like and send a confirmation of the donation by email.

If you're feeling particularly generous, you could also send these beautiful branches from Paul Thomas Flowers (you can read their recent interview with me here) or even better, post an entire Mimosa tree! It's notoriously tough and very resilient so should thrive however green their fingers. And for the scent of mimosa all year around, Verden's new Hortosa candle is irresistible...

I like any excuse for a party, so why not gather your best women together on March 8th. Here are a few suggestions for the menu & decorations -

Mimosas, of course - but how to make the best ones?

For a sweet treat to share, bake a traditional Italian torta mimosa (if this recipe by Leititia-Ann Clark tastes a good as it looks it will be worth it!), or flip to p40 of Kitty Travers' b rilliant book and whip up her Mimosa Blossom, Seville & Orange Rice...

Mimosa is in season from January to March, so visit your local florist for a bunch, put sprigs in jam jars and send everyone home with some at the end of the night...

Last but not least, swag the place with our Mimosa & Pistachio hand-sewn streamers and if you're setting a table, add my bespoke sunshine yellow menus and place cards.

If you've yet to emerge from hibernation and don't much fancy throwing a party, here are a few other things to enjoy from your sofa, plus an unmissable workshop in March...

Stay up late watching Sharper, a deliciously dark and clever film with an incredible cast including Julianne Moore...

Find out from Vogue what happened to THAT yellow dress and other tales from Kate Moss' wardrobe...

Counting the days til this workshop at Kettles Yard with ceramicist and gardener Frances Palmer that includes one of her vases and a private tour of the new Lucie Rie exhibition. Run, don't walk to book your place (and if you do, I'll see you there!)

Pour a glass, pick up your favourite pen, write a list of the wonderful women in your life, and then send them all a Mimosa card to let them know what they mean to you!

Image Credits:

Molly Goddard | Monica Nelson Edible Flowers | Paul Thomas Flowers | Kitty Travers | Tim Walker Studio