Flowers in Paris

   I recently returned from a trip to Paris and Rome (you know, no big deal), and I noticed that so many people buy fresh flowers in these cities. It seemed like everywhere I looked I'd see people carrying pretty bouquets wrapped in simple brown paper. Suddenly "brown paper packages, tied up with string" became one of my 'favorite things' as well. You must agree, it's a far more charming way to present a bouquet of flowers than the pink-tinted cellophane wrapping you find in the grocery stores here.    I just loved the idea of these Parisians taking a quick stroll or bike ride down to the local flower shop and bringing them back to their tiny kitchens to arrange in a vase before they cook Sunday dinner. 
There was a flower stand near our apartment in Rome that we noticed was always open, even well past midnight! I thought it was absurd, but then I realized a man could be on his way to a late dinner party and want to pick up some roses for the hostess... because that's the kind of thing that people do in Europe.  It's such a nice idea. So different from here in the US.       Do you make a habit of keeping fresh flowers in your house or do you only buy them for special occasions? It seems like such a lovely way to appreciate your life and add a little extra beauty to it.   Have a wonderful weekend! XO, Christina   (Photos courtesy of smithsonianmag.com and unabellavitablog.com)