Pop the kettle on and pull up a chair, because this is a special one.
Welcome to the very first issue of the Mayflowers blog, my little corner where I’ll share behind-the-scenes stories from the studio, the raw truth of my life as a florist and some of my most treasured floral photos. To kick things off, I’m taking you inside my own backyard garden party, an over-the-top birthday celebration complete with a hanging floral installation, a golden harp and all my best china. It’s proof that any suburban backyard can become something truly magical with a little vision, some careful planning and a whole lot of flowers.
Turning a suburban backyard into something special
This celebration is proof of what’s possible in an ordinary suburban back garden. With some thought and careful planning, any outdoor space can become something truly special. It doesn’t have to be a lavish or expensive exercise, either. What matters is having a clear vision and creating something that reflects your personality. The best events fill up your creative cup and make you giddy with excitement, so dare to be different and let yourself dream a little.
Setting up events like this is one of our favourite things to do at Mayflowers. If there’s a look you’ve always dreamt of for a birthday, backyard garden party or celebration, we’d love to help you bring it to life. Please get in touch.
I’m no shrinking violet
I’m a big believer in going completely over the top and living out your visions, no matter how extreme they may be. Never hold back on your dreams. Use the good china, dress in your best every day and wear your pearls even when you’re spending the day at home. It’s never too late to pivot and begin a fresh chapter in your book of life. As my mantra goes: make the world pretty and look pretty in your world.
The childhood birthday cake that inspired it all
As a child, my mother threw me the most beautiful birthday parties. She would sit up until all hours decorating and baking my birthday cakes. One year, I desperately wanted a Miss Piggy ice cream cake. My birthday falls in the heart of winter, but Mum spent two days moulding Miss Piggy’s head out of ice cream with her bare hands. Her hands were cold and blue, but she nailed that cake. When the liquorice eyelashes began running little black puddles down Miss Piggy’s cheeks, it only made it more of a talking point.
I’ve never forgotten that cake. As an adult, I now realise how much heart and soul went into making it for me. I suppose being born to a creative mother rubbed off on me, because the creative gene landed well and truly in my heart. Transforming spaces and making people feel inspired and beautiful through my flowers is what I love most and it drives me every single day. Thank you, Mum xo
A 50th Birthday celebration, take two – a backyard garden party!
I spend my days creating beautiful spaces for weddings and events, but this time I wanted to make my own heart go pitter-patter with a vision of my own. COVID spoilt my very significant 50th birthday, so I decided to have a second go and do it all over again, only this time completely over the top. Halfway to 60 and newly an empty nester, I’m no longer holding back.
How often do we treat ourselves, our family and our friends to something truly lavish and spectacular? Not often enough. So for this occasion, I let loose and went all out.
Going all out: harp, fine food and bespoke stationery
Karen from Wedded to the harp played the most exquisite golden harp and a wonderful local chef and cake artist Wonderland Kitchen fed us the most mouthwatering food. My dear friend, Ashleigh from Wish Boutique Stationery designed the most divine invitations, place cards and fabric covered menus. I chose my photographer Matt Streatfield from Matts Photography for his incredible eye for detail. There were goody bags, beautiful gifts from my loved ones and then, of course, there were the florals.
Most importantly, friends and family travelled from afar to share the day with me and that meant the world.
The hanging floral installation
Every floral piece was created right here in the Mayflowers studio. My lovely florist friend Teesh spent days up on the table building the most perfect hanging installation of cottage-style blooms in my dream colour palette. She placed every single flower herself, while my only job was to critique and point out any gaps. The poor darling was exhausted by the end, but she went above and beyond to make it so beautiful and that made it all the more special. I’m so fortunate to have Teesh working beside me in the studio. Thank you for everything, Teesh xo
I also made a pretty floral arbour for photos under, which I thoroughly enjoyed creating. All my best china, silver cutlery and glassware came out for everyone to enjoy and the sun shone all day long. I couldn’t have asked for more perfect weather.
Luxe stationery and a surprise glass sign
My friend Ashleigh from Wish Boutique Stationery designed the invitations, place cards and completely over-the-top fabric-covered menus. They were luxe and absolutely to die for. Then, when she arrived as a guest on the day, she surprised me with the most beautiful leadlight-inspired glass sign with “Mayflowers” written down it. I love, love, LOVE it! It would also make the perfect welcome sign for a wedding. Talk about being treated like royalty.
The sparkle
My family and friends gathered around our big table beneath billowing flowers, sipping champagne, enjoying amazing food, listening to the sweet sound of the harp and laughing together. It was honestly the most wonderful day. I soaked up every moment of this backyard garden party and it’s now etched into my very soul. Moments like these are stitched in gold for me and I’ll never forget them.
You are worth celebrating
You must embrace these occasions and take the time to cherish your own dreams and visions. Why put them off or cast them aside? You are worth celebrating and making a fuss of. It’s not the “stuff” that makes the party. It’s the giddy excitement, the precious moments with the people we love and the memories we get to look back on.
My favourite part of the day was quietly looking around the table at the amazing women who are woven through my life. They help shape the person I am. They carry me through the hard times, celebrate with me in the good, and always make me smile. I loved pulling together a seriously glorious day for all of them to enjoy. They’re part of the reason I live and breathe each day, and I am truly blessed.
Yours in flowers,
Melanie x