Nosegays

A friends birthday was coming up and she wanted everyone to enjoy the Symphony.  Because of this and that; and that and this, as it ended up, we weren’t able to all sit together for the concert.   We all felt a little isolated as we went our separate ways down the aisles after a quick dinner.  

I thoroughly enjoyed exotic Dejan Lazics’ moody performance of Rachmaninov’s Piano Concerto #2, holding my nosegay and taking an occasional sniff.   As I contentedly listened to the music, I was thinking of how such a small gesture as a waiting nosegay can make someone feel so pleased and appreciated.

After the concert, all of the friends gathered together to celebrate with our birthday girl and a wonderful time was had by all.  The nosegays certainly put everyone in the right frame of mind.

Nosegays became popular in the Victorian era.   Their purpose was to keep a ladies nose “gay”, by masking foul smells which may waft in from the streets.  You may come across antique ornate silver “nosegays”, pretty holders in which a small selection of flowers can be arranged.

I’ve dissected the floral pleasure a little, so we can all see how simple it would be to assemble a nosegay for friends, or anyone we want to make feel especially welcomed.

These little plastic tubes come in handy for many different flower needs, they can be bought at Michael’s craft stores or in at a wholesale florist shop.  Once they are filled with water, they are topped with a soft rubber lid.  The top has a crisscross opening, which allows flower stems to enter, but helps to prevent water from leaking out.

A bright yellow ribbon was attached to these messages which were printed out, cut and hole punched.

Green, double-sided satin ribbon was knotted repeatedly up the shaft to cover the plastic vial. 

The message was attached using the yellow ribbon.  The green ribbon was tied in a knot at the top.   The ends of the ribbon may need a final trimming with sharp scissors if frayed.