(Nothing But) Flowers 12.09.24

NEWSLETTER #16

Light through the darkness

“Trust that life unfolds in seasons. If you look closely, inside every flower is the winter that came before it.”

-Caroline Cala Donofrio

Thinking about the cycles of nature, as there’s activity happening in every season, whether it’s visible to the outside world or not — with all living things in the natural world, and within us, too. I love Caroline’s thought, as it’s such a good reminder that everything that’s going on now, as complex or challenging as it might be, is in anticipation of a full bloom ahead.

And sometimes we aren’t fully aware of what’s happening inside of each of us before that flowering — the experiences we’re accumulating, the knowledge we’re gaining, the strength we’re building, and the people we’re continually becoming.

As we approach the darkness of the coming winter solstice, here’s to all of us having a few moments of calm this month to reflect and gather strength for all of the light & growth ahead.

Xoxo,
Kristen

01.

Floriculture

Seeing the world through a floral frame

Scarlet Bloom Cocktail Recipe

Winter always needs a little extra sparkle, and this vibrant bourbon-spiced cocktail offers a bright blend of warmth and fizz. It’s a perfect choice for cozy evenings or special gatherings — and it can also easily be made as a mocktail!

02.

Discover

A community of artists & botanical entrepreneurs

From a Forest-y Cabin to a Vintage Bungalow

After moving from the mountains of California to the Midwest this summer, artist & New York Times–bestselling cookbook author Erin Gleeson launched Forest Feast Supper Club, a fun newsletter that’s packed with all of her trademark creativity, botanical-inspired art, and plant-based recipes.

03.

Shop Florals

Botanical-inclined picks for your home, closet, & more

Floral Finds: Gift Edition

From edible treats, blooming decor, and photography books to patterned accessories, botanical bath products, and live flowers, take a look at our favorite nature-inspired gift ideas from Liberty London, Blandat, Aēsop, Marni, Anthropologie, Diptyque, Phaidon, Terrain, Eat Your Flowers, John Derian, Assouline, and more.

Wrapped in Blooms

Packed with deep-hued florals, dramatic blossoms, and unmistakably cheerful prints that can brighten up chilly days, our latest botanical-patterned apparel finds include pieces from Stine Goya, Hutch, Ramy Brook, Borgo de Nor, Etro, Alice + Olivia, Rails, Milly, Lela Rose, RHODE, Diane von Furstenberg, Frances Valentine, and more.

Disclosure: In order to grow our small business, Superbloom may earn revenue via affiliate marketing commissions for some of the products we link to—though you’ll never pay more for them because of that. See our full disclaimers & disclosures for more information.

04.

Etcetera & Ephemera

What we’re growing & things we’re digging

Detail of a wreath made from fallen redwood branches, ferns, firecracker fuchsias, and pineapple sage; new work from fave artist Kerry Simmons

WANDER: Could spend days exploring the more than 800 Victorian-era botanical paintings at the Marianne North Gallery in the Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew 

READ: This recent issue of T magazine has it all: amaranth, marigolds, lotus flowers, lei makers, waterlilies, roses, and azaleas - and we’re loving the cover headline, of course

BREATHE: Take a bit of time to rest this season, because we all need to, and stop to embrace some friluftsliv outdoors, too!

DECORATE: Winterthur Museum, Garden, & Library shared photos of this year’s holiday tree filled with dried flowers, an annual tradition dating back to 1985

REFLECT: Recreating famous past fashion shows in an immersive, bloom-filled space in London

Holiday brunch table decorating idea: mix up random things you already have & just do whatever you want!

INSIDE: Natural maximalism within a historic home in Maine

RELAX: Would love to be able sit with a glass of wine at Moonflower in NYC 

GROWTH: Flowers from all the women you were before

LISTEN: Hearing Ina Garten read her memoir while on a morning walk each day is a truly balm

VISIT: Botanical gardens are aglow once again with light exhibitions this winter, including Blossoms of Light in Denver; Illumination near Chicago; Longwood Gardens near Philadelphia; Gardens Aglow in Maine; Lightscape in San Diego, Galaxy of Lights in Huntsville, Alabama; Nights of a Thousand Candles in South Carolina; and Garden of D'Lights and Holidays at Filoli in the San Francisco Bay Area

Dried botanicals are a fun way to decorate for the season, too - get the details for our floral gingerbread house how-to here; loving this vintage seed packet inspo as we leaf through catalogs to order for the coming season

Current vibe…

Have a wonderful holiday season!

Xoxo