Tussie-mussie
Floral trends are reflecting our penchant for nostalgia and the tussie-mussie, a small hand-held bouquet of fragrant flowers, is decidedly back in vogue. Also known as a nosegay, meaning to “please the nose,” these hand-held bouquets have existed in some form since at least medieval times, when they were carried and held to the nose to mask the unpleasant odours one would encounter on the street.
The term tussie-mussie was coined in the Victorian era when the small bouquets became a popular fashion accessory. Typically, tussie-mussies included symbolism from the language of flowers, often sent as a gift with a ‘message’ for the recipient.
Today tussie-mussies are replacing the corsage for weddings, a decidedly charming hostess gift, or for any occasion, simply as a token of friendship.
I put together my own fragrant tussie-mussie incorporating anemone, ranunculus, hyacinth, fressia. Queen Anne’s lace, astilbe and sweet pea. Perfect as a hostess gift, pop the arrangement in a vase of water to brighten any room.