Home Design with Kevin Sharkey

I don't mind saying that the most charming and exquisite Mother's Day bouquet is indubitably a cluster of David Austin roses. Thoroughly English—but now available for delivery in the US!—these specialty roses are the life's work of hybridizer David Austin, who has contributed more than 200 unique rose varieties to the English gardening scene. Haven't popped a card in the mail? It isn't too late to have a bouquet of these heirlooms delivered to mum's door directly from the prestigious family-owned business.

David Austin roses combine traditional properties such as rich fragrance and densely spiraled forms of English varietals with familiar colors and bloom patterns of modern roses. Martha loves David Austin roses, and doesn't she look at home amongst them in the photo above? It was the cover photo from our June 1997 Martha Stewart Living issue. I especially love what an angelic spectrum of deep pink and blush hues they envelop her in—you can almost smell the roses in that picture!

I made a few arrangements for my own apartment recently featuring the creamy peach "Juliet," raspberry red "Darcey" and magenta pink "Kate." These deeply cupped rosette-shaped blooms have scent profiles ranging from fruity tea to rich and intoxicating Myrrh. What better way to show gratitude for Mom's love, support, and patience than a bouquet of these? If anyone deserves them, it's her!

I appeared on the Martha Stewart Show a few years back to teach Martha how to glitter roses for a beautiful bouquet. There are three techniques: one that covers the whole rose in a thin coating of shimmer, a tiny tear drop effect that puts a little glistening dew-like drop on the petals, and a third that adds hints of twinkle to the tips of the blooms. I love how this adds a little something extra to an already beautiful bouquet. Click to see the show and get even more Valentine's video how-tos.

Watch the How-To

I wanted to dedicate this entire week to celebrating my favorite holiday, Valentine's Day. As I started thinking about my v-day love campaign, I found myself reminiscing on some of my favorite "Good Things" from Martha Stewart Living.

Birch Love Vase 

Flowers are a timeless way to say "I love you," and this birch-bark vase with carved initials from our February issue (created by floral designers at Prudence Designs and Events in New York City) is a beautiful twist on a classic. Great presentation is key to a great gift.

Finish with a Bow

Even if they don't have a sweetie to snuggle up with on Valentine's Day, gift recipients will still have sweet dreams if you give them cozy flannel sheets wrapped in a luxurious pink bow. My friends loved receiving this gift last year.

Stenciled Gift Bags

This Good Thing is so simple, yet impactful. Personalize the stenciled letters to make them extra-special. These would make great gifts to surprise my coworkers with when they get to the office Thursday. For even more cute Valentine's Good Things from our craft department, pick up the February issue of Martha Stewart Living.