Mother's Day Gifts

A Mother's Day gift is easier to choose by starting from her home rather than from a list of ideas. This selection brings together rose, peony and tulip stems, ready-made bouquets, vases and scented candles.

Start from what she already has

First look at the vases in her home, their height and the width of their neck. A narrow vase calls for two or three tall stems, a rounded vase needs a fuller bouquet. When in doubt, a vase given with the flowers settles the question.

A ready-made bouquet or hand-picked stems

A ready-made bouquet is given as is and stands without arranging. Stems chosen one by one tell a different story: her favorite variety, the color of her living room. The thought shows, and it only takes a little attention.

The candle, the other sure bet

A scented candle pairs well with flowers, because it appeals to another sense. Choose a subtle scent for a room where meals are shared, a more enveloping one for a bedroom. Set on a tray next to a small bouquet, it turns a simple gift into an arrangement.

Frequently asked questions

What vase height for peony stems?

The tall stems exceed eighty centimeters and can be trimmed with pliers to fit the vase. Aim for a vase about two thirds the height of the finished bouquet.

How many stems for a bouquet that stands upright?

Five to seven stems of the same variety are enough in a medium vase, and an odd number looks more natural. Add one more stem if the bouquet opens outward.

How do you choose between a glass vase and a ceramic vase?

Glass shows the stems and suits light arrangements, while ceramic hides the base of the bouquet and holds heavy branches better. For a gift, ceramic is more forgiving of an imperfect arrangement.