Postcards from Berlin: A Birthday Weekend in February

Out of the Studio

Mar 4

A Little Birthday Escape to Berlin

Last weekend, I swapped my flower press for a boarding pass and headed to Berlin for a two-night birthday escape. Just a little city break - the kind where you wander without too much of a plan, follow the sunshine, and say yes to coffee and cake whenever the mood strikes.

And oh, the sunshine. Eighteen degrees in February! It felt like the universe had arranged the weather especially for my birthday trip.

Our Home for the Weekend: The Hoxton, Charlottenburg

We stayed at The Hoxton in Charlottenburg, and I LOVED it. It’s ever so stylish without trying too hard. The plant game in the lobby and bar was strong (you can imagine how much I appreciated that): lush greenery everywhere, beautiful textures, soft lighting. It felt relaxed and creative, which is exactly my kind of place.

The food was absolutely delicious. So good, in fact, that we ate there twice. And the coffee? I’m still thinking about it.

Mooching, Wandering, Taking It All In

We spent our days simply mooching and sightseeing. We stood in front of the remains of the Berlin Wall, a powerful moment that makes you pause and think. We walked along the River Spree in pure sunshine, coats tied around our waists like it was April instead of February. We wandered around Museum Island, soaking in the grandeur of the buildings (even just from the outside, they’re breathtaking).

At a little art market, I treated myself (birthday rules!) to the most beautiful pair of earrings shaped like calla lilies - delicate, sculptural, and very on brand. I also picked up a floral Berlin poster, because apparently I cannot go anywhere without finding something botanical to bring home. Truly, if it’s floral or plant-inspired, I’m drawn to it. Some habits run deep.

We walked underneath the beautiful Brandenburg Gate, and as the day slipped into evening, we headed up to the dome of the Reichstag Building for sunset: watching the city glow in golden light felt quietly magical.

A Birthday Highlight: Berlin Zoological Garden

Before flying home, we made one very important stop: Berlin Zoo. I was so excited to see the giant pandas - genuinely childlike levels of excitement! And they did not disappoint: watching them munch on bamboo and roll around without a care in the world was just the sweetest thing. I could have stood there forever; it was a very special way to round off a birthday weekend.

When I’m Not in the Studio…

This little trip was a reminder of how much I love exploring new places - wandering streets, noticing architecture, trying new foods, collecting tiny botanical treasures. When I’m not in the studio carefully pressing wedding bouquets and preserving floral memories, this is what fills my cup: nature, travel, and yes… floral earrings and posters that somehow make it into my suitcase.