Dear Hip Chic,

Oh, I LOOOOOVE peonies. They smell like quint beauty and are so pretty.

And I don't really have a really big fondness for roses either. I'm all for trying some liberal things in design, but roses should not be used liberally. Unless they have some symbolic meaning, like your beau gave you a yellow rose on your first date because you're a Texas Cutie, then I say "use with caution."

    Peonies


 Ranunculas (Brilliantly Deceptive, huh?)

But another very similar flower to the beautiful peony that I so love is Ranunculus. Cheaper than the peony but just as cute, if not cuter. And it won't break the piggy bank. They don't have as potent of a yummy smell, but they come in wonderful bright colors and are very cute: dainty yet different. When I'm commissioned to design for weddings or events, I like using them in single stems in unique glass holders that I collect from thrift stores. They look great in two's and three's bouquets, or by their lonesome. 

   

 
Warmly,