What about a boutonnière?

**KD Burke** · 17th May 10, 02:47 PM

I have, for reasons of my own, begun to wear a small red poppy lapel pin throughout the year whenever a jacket is appropriate. It is unobtrusive and goes unremarked save for those who recognize its meaning.

I am considering the possibility of using a fresh cut red poppy as a boutonnière when available. As I am posting in the "Traditional" forum, I am obviously interested in comments on the boutonnière in highland attire. Is it done? On what occasions?

Secondarily, has anyone ever considered using a silk flower as a boutonnière when the genuine article is unavailable?

I ask on the assumption that ignorance is curable!

Thanks!

**Lyle1** · 17th May 10, 03:22 PM

I'll let someone else address what is done in the Highlands, but I will say "no" to the silk flower, anywhere. The little red paper poppy would be acceptable, but not a silk flower. I can't explain why; it would simply be very wrong.

**DougC** · 17th May 10, 03:29 PM

The red paper poppy will be well worn at the end of the month. KD, hope you didn't lose anyone close to you.

**JSFMACLJR** · 17th May 10, 05:52 PM

I frequently wear a flower in my buttonhole. ALWAYS a real one! I'm not sure if a real poppy would hold up to much abuse, though. They wilt quite quickly.

**cajunscot** · 17th May 10, 06:18 PM

The British & Canadian Legion, as well as Australian RSL offer metal poppies to be worn as lapel badges. A friend of mine in Queensland sent me one that I wear every 11 November, Memorial Day, ANZAC Day, etc.

T.

**Panache** · 17th May 10, 07:11 PM

A gentleman's boutonnière should be a real flower.

Cheers

Jamie

**piperdbh** · 17th May 10, 07:16 PM

This is from americanmeadows.com
I've never tried it, but it just might work. Let us know how it turns out.

It’s true that the flowers [poppies] are very fleeting, lasting in a vase sometimes only for hours. They don’t wilt, but the delicate petals begin to fall quickly. To avoid this, there is something you can do. As you cut the flowers, take only the freshest. Then use a large match or cigarette lighter, holding the cut end of the stem over the flame, and let it sear the end of the stem until it’s almost black. This seals the milky juices into the stem, and usually at least doubles the life of the flower in water.

If you had a water pick to stick the stem into, you might get by without searing the end of the stem.

**Alan H** · 17th May 10, 07:28 PM

First, I cannot conceive how anyone could get upset at someone wearing a boutonnierre in their lapel, while wearing a kilt. It is totally beyond my comprehension how that could be offensive to anybody, at all, for any reason, whatsoever.

I will simply point out that the Nor Cal Rabble, many of us, wear artificial dandelion blooms on our glengarrys and balmorals at many a Nor Cal Highland Games. Nobody gets upset in the slightest.