A floral flourish
Flowers might not be an obvious consideration for a Burns Night celebration, but they were one of the Scottish Bard’s great inspirations in his poetry – so a few choice stems, as your table centrepiece or a bouquet for your host, could be the perfect way to channel the romantic spirit and add a touch of Scottish beauty to proceedings.
What is a Burns supper?
Burns Night is a celebration of the life of the 18th-century Scottish poet Robbie Burns, which is held on his birthday on January 25. The Burns Supper has become a nationwide event, and typically involves a meal of haggis, a plentiful supply of whisky and recitals of some of the great poet’s work.
The poet’s muse
A pioneer of the Romantic movement, Burns was inspired by the beauty of the Scottish countryside with flowers not only being a recurring theme but the stars of some of his most acclaimed works.
To A Mountain Daisy laments the fragile beauty of the ‘wee, modest, crimson-tipped flow’r’ after it has been turned over by the plough (For I maun crush amang the stoure / Thy slender stem: / To spare thee now is past my pow’r, / Thou bonnie gem).
In A Red, Red Rose, the poet compares his love to the vibrant summer-bloomer: ‘O my Luve’s like a red, red rose / That’s newly sprung in June’.
Flowers also provide the backdrop to the story of Willie and Nelly in On A Bank of Flowers, where Willie finds the beautiful Nelly lying peacefully with her eyes closed, on a bank of flowers – and dares to steal a kiss.
Flowers fit for the occasion
Red roses and daisies look pretty together for a simple table centrepiece. Or opt for a wintry Scottish-themed display with prickly purple thistles, sprigs of heather and branches of Scots pine.
Inspired by the old romantic himself? Woo that special someone with a beautiful bunch of their favourite flower and share the results with us.
