This sylvan summer was a dream, albeit within a larger nightmare. I was lucky enough to spend Labor Day weekend upstate with dear friends. When I happened upon a row of beauty berry bushes (Callicarpa americana), at a friend's home, the wheels in my mind started turning. We were celebrating a Reggie Young's (www.hvhouseparts.com) birthday that evening, and flower crowns seemed a fitting way to celebrate both his birthday and the end of summer. 

I collected beauty berry, clematis vines, cinnabar polypore mushrooms, unripe cherry tomatoes and mimosa leaves to create the crowns. Went to the hardware store to get some sturdy wire for the frames and green tape, and we were off to the races. We had a grand old time creating crowns. We put six magnificent crowns together, reserving the cinnabar polypores for the lucky birthday boy.

We had the best time, thanks to our generous hostess Amanda Rubin. Barbara Klar (www.barbaraklar.com), the incredibly talented jeweler, and a dear friend, created the best crown for the man of the hour, featuring cinnabar polypores and curling mimosa leaves. 

It was a magnificent weekend. The memories of that night shall take the chill off the fall evenings ahead. Wishing you a very happy autumnal equinox!