Harvest Halo Fall Centerpice

Since Thanksgiving is only a few days away, here are a few quick and easy ideas for decorating your house with flowers. With a dash of creativity and the help of a local florist, these simple flower decorating tips will your guests making plans to celebrate at your house next year.

1.  Decorate the mantelpiece with colorful fall flowers. When your loved ones gather around the fire, everyone will love the way that the light of the fire accentuates the beautiful shades of your amber, red, brown and burgundy fall flowers. A few miniature pumpkins and gourds will give this mantelpiece a finishing touch that can be carried over through the rest of the fall season.

2.  Liven up the dinner table with a Thanksgiving centerpiece from your local florist. Having your florist create a colorful centerpiece saves you time and effort but still allows you to add some personal touches once you arrive at home.

3.  Hallway tables, unobtrusive corners and other places are often overlooked. This Thanksgiving, turn your whole house into the place to celebrate by brightening these nooks with arrangements of fall flowers or buying a houseplant from a local flower shop.

4.  Where tablecloths and runners begin the decorations of the food table, finish it off with a few vines of ivy or ask your local florist to create an elongated floral centerpiece. The dimensions of these will draw the eye to the ends of the table, giving the mind a chance to enjoy a glance at the many delicious foods.

Look hard upon the beautiful Narcissus
It’s grace never failing to enthrall
This thing with so much intrigue
It’s hard to imagine a more perfect bloom
The young daffodil that stirs us all

When I learned that Narcissus is the birth month flower of December, I began rereading the story of Narcissus in Greek mythology. Though the story itself is somewhat tragic, it leaves quite a lot to be said for the remarkable beauty of the Narcissus. Continue reading “December Babies Can’t Resist The Narcissus!” »

Being from the south, the relationship between a funeral and flowers is a strong one. In the south our need to show sympathy for one’s loss is great and flowers are our way of expressing that sentiment. Upon hearing that someone we know has lost a loved one, we immediately call our florist and send flowers to the funeral home. Unfortunately in my lifetime this has been my experience too often. But I know that with each sympathy arrangement sent the compassion and caring I feel for the recipient is expressed. I also know that in some small way those sympathy flowers help the recipient through the grieving process. I can’t keep some one from grieving; but, I can do my part to help them through it and flowers are a nice way to do just that.

But I really didn’t know just how important flowers were to the grieving process. That was until recently. First let me say, we all understand how someone can grieving for a mother, father, brother, sister, husband, wife or a friend. We have all grieved for a loved family member. What we forget is that to some of us our family extends beyond humans and often includes the wonderful creatures of this earth. The love for these family members is often as strong as the ones to their human counterparts. In these cases, the grieving process is just as intense requiring the same compassion and support from others.

Six weeks ago I lost my beloved Dudley, our 6 year old beagle/golden retriever mix, to cancer. His death was unexpected and a very emotional time. At the time I was inconsolable and for the first few days after my husband and I cried at the mention of his name. Fortunately for us, we have a great family and friends who showered us with sympathy in the form of cards and phone calls. But one special friend did what all southerners do at a time like this — she sent a beautiful sympathy flower arrangement.

This sympathy arrangement was delivered the day of Dudley’s memorial service (family and friends gathered to spread his ashes in our flower garden).

Orchid Sympathy Arrangement

When they delivered the flowers I cried but at the same time it touched me that someone was acknowledging my sorrow.  Now I know that when you send funeral flowers, you don’t want them to make the recipient cry, but that is part of the process.  For the next few days every time I passed the flower arrangement I thought of Dudley.  At first it made me sad, then the flowers made me remember how much Dudley loved our flower garden.  Although this sympathy arrangement isn’t the only thing that helped me through the grieving process, the message conveyed through the flowers was an influential factor.

Sending funeral flowers is a gracious way to let someone know you care and support them during a difficult time. So, if you have ever been hesitant to send sympathy flowers when someone you know loses a loved one, please remember flowers really do soften the pain.

My grandfather is a Sagittarius who is now entering his 79^th year. Shopping for birthday gifts can be a bear sometimes as I convince myself that he has received everything at some point before my birth. Certain that I’m the best gift he’s received since that glorious day, I find it difficult to commit to a gift. My heart breathes a sigh of relief this year because I have found the solution! Papa is getting a unique zodiac-inspired plant. Being very close to his family, I’m also very sure that I can avoid any faux pas with this clever present.

Grandpa is like most other Sagittarius. He is warm, open, optimistic, sociable, honest to a fault, and sincere. He has a fantastic sense of humor and clever wit. He’s not detail-oriented but he has big dreams and sees his plans through to completion. His tenacity is inspiring and the very reason that I have chosen several berried plants for his birthday gift this year. My mother is helping him tend a garden in his city home which will be beautifully accentuated by the berried plants.

As a retired farmer, Grandpa may be more inclined to care for a plant but other Sagittarius may wish for a beautiful flower arrangement inspired by their winter zodiac sign. To please the charming nature of your Sagittarius, contact your local florist to create an astrological flowers arrangement filled with eremerus, eustoma, liatris, carnations, crocus, anemones, or muscari.

Pretty carnation flower arrangement for your sweet Sagittarius!

Everyone in my life can attest to my deep love of the Fleur-de-lis symbol. Fleur-de-lis literally means flower of the lily but is often represented by the iris which is a member of the same scientific class. I read about flowers all day and it’s hard to turn off the research button when I get home. One night I was lazily clicking through the Internet when I saw one of the fleur-de-lis decorations on my desk. I knew what the symbol and its flowers means to me but I had no idea what the rest of the world felt they came across colorful iris flowers.

Iris flower arrangements bring regal beauty to your home.

It just so happens that I knew exactly where to find information about the iris as Flower Shop Network has a large list of flower meanings. Convenient? Yes. Helpful? Even more so. I quickly discovered that when you send iris arrangements from a local florist you’re saying “Your friendship means so much to me” or “My compliments.” As part of the fleur-de-lis, the iris represents faith, wisdom, hope and valor. I’m not a particularly emotional person but I know that I would certainly swoon if my beloved ever sent me a bouquet of flowers that speak these great things of me.

What’s great about the iris is that it fits the personality of almost everyone. People who thrive around colorful things love the many vibrant colors of the iris such as brilliant blue, purple, white, red and more. Those who care about décor know that iris have a distinctive appeal and unique impression in a room. Iris flowers are very versatile in that they can be both an accent piece and a focal point. There is no end to the creative uses of iris flower arrangements.

I hear a lot of positive comments about different flower shops across the country. One shop in particular really caught my attention. The one that stood out to me is Butterflies Florist in Hernando Mississippi. Florists usually pride themselves on customer service, but Butterflies Florist goes above and beyond to deliver customer satisfaction. One customer notes that they have “the best service in the area” and that “they make dealing with them a pleasure.”

I absolutely adore people who make it an exciting adventure to enter their store. I have worked in retail for many years and understand just how difficult it can be to plaster a smile on during the bad days. I have been a customer and walked away upset by someone who failed to help even though my mind (and probably my mouth) kept saying, “It’s their job. You shouldn’t take your bad day out on a good customer.” The shops with people who engage you in conversation, assist you with a smile, and fail to make you feel like an inconvenience are the stores that I frequent.

I do not think that I’m alone in this which is why I wanted to give Butterflies Florist two big thumbs up, a pat on the back, a tip of my hat, and a slight nod. Way to go! So if you’re ever interested in a florist in Hernando Mississippi who will put the excitement back into sending flowers, visit Butterflies Florist. I have butterflies in my tummy just thinking about it!

Thanksgiving Unity Floral Centerpiece

Every year I’m invited to an elaborate Thanksgiving party, and must greet the occasion with an air of Southern hospitality. Many people have heard the common rule, “Never arrive to a party empty-handed.” It’s one of those understood rules of etiquette that can be a bit hard to carry out in a unique way for yearly occasions such as Thanksgiving gatherings. However, I recently learned of a very fun and festive gift for the hostess.

Jamie and I were recently discussing our upcoming plans for Thanksgiving. Though I think my presence is gift enough, I still wanted to find a great gift for the ladies in my family that are hosting our Thanksgiving dinner this year. Jamie is wise in the ways of the world and suggested a unique fall floral centerpiece. We brainstormed for a bit about all of the ingredients in a gift like this such as miniature pumpkins, colorful foliage, fall flowers, berries and more. When we put all of these things together, I knew that I just had to share this great gift idea.

Nature's Bounty Cornucopia

Imagine how beautiful a carved pumpkin with flowers brimming over the top would look next to the turkey. Want something a little smaller? Try surrounding pillar candles with a wreath of fall flowers. These very traditional Thanksgiving centerpieces are tried-and-true gifts. For the real traditionalist, a cornucopia filled with fall flowers and festive fruits is a great way to liven up the table.

If you don’t feel up to the task of creating your own fall centerpiece but are still interested in sending flowers to your host, contact your local florist whose creative fall centerpieces will soon become the life of the party!

Working for Flower Shop Network and in the floral industry, it has been my great privilege to hear some of the many many many wonderful sentiments on the cards sent along with gifts of flowers. Some are sweet and some are silly, but the ones that touch my heart the most (and that’s hard to do) are the flowers sent just because.

Just because I love you…
Just because I care…
Just because it’s Tuesday…
Just because your dog is a dalmatian…

With that in mind, I’ve decided to list some the top 5 reasons why it’s important to send flowers “just because.” Enjoy!

1. Sending flowers just because puts a pep in the step of the recipient. It makes that person feel special, loved, adored, considered, thought of, appreciated, and worth your time. Who wouldn’t move a little more spryly with those feelings in mind?
2. It’s a great way to let someone know that you’re thinking of them. Sometimes circumstances happen in life that prevent us from being able to see our loved ones or share our feelings with them in a big way. When times like these make us feel distant, sending flowers with a sweet card attached lets everyone know that it’s not by choice that we’re separated.
3. Sending flowers just because is a good way to butter up a woman. Women are just fun creatures like that. We love to be spoiled. We love to be treated like queens. Once we’re in a good mood, we’re putty! Well, maybe not all of us but the rest of the roost tends to be happy when the woman is in a good mood. Buttering her up with a gift of flowers is a great start!
4. Sending flowers to a friend lets them know that you’re always there for him or her. Sometimes a friend just needs a little reminder that you’ll be an open ear and a shoulder to cry on during the rough times. It’s also a good way to say that you’ll be a cheerful companion in the great times. Cloud nine to the lowest valleys, you’re BFFs for life.
5. A “just because” arrangement is a great way to do a random act of kindness. As much a treat for you as for the recipient, sending flowers just because is one of the best ways to surprise someone just by being nice for the sake of being nice.

Alright, I didn’t just pull this blog’s theme out of the air. My friend Tracy received flowers at work last week (shown above). Envious though I was, everyone was very happy for her because they weren’t sent for any special reason. They were just a sweet reminder of how much her honey loves her. During the rest of the day, it seemed that all of the conversations between the other woman and our significant others took a turn toward her flowers. Like I said, it makes a woman feel special especially if there are a lot of people around to tell her how special she is!

No matter what your non-occasion, sending flowers for no apparent reason is a fun and unique way to say “I love you” to someone. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to make someone’s day. Oh, and pass the message along to my honey! Ha!

Ask the Expert: re Lucky Bamboo

Hello I have just purchased 3 Lucky Bamboo .
Two questions I have for you…
1) Mine has root “hairs” coming out not only at the bottom of the stem but on a couple of places further up the stem….so should I put in sufficient water to cover up to the highest roots on the stem.
2) My container is a tall blown glass vase bulbs at the bottom …then waisted….then flared out at the top. The 3 stems are well supported but do they need stones/marbles/glass beads or semi precious i.e. rose quartz…for food or energy value? Thank you for reading this. Rose.

November is a beautiful month. The weather changes from the cool first days of fall to the brisk chill that fills the air until December’s snowy cold. As fun as this weather can be for hayrides or bonfires, the chilly weather is terrible for maintaining beautiful fresh flowers. Arrangements should be carefully placed to maintain an optimal shelf life whether to be used as fall flower decorations, centerpieces, fall wedding bouquets, or the many other excellent uses for flowers this month.

Sending flowers to a friend or loved one through with the help of a local florist? He or she is probably very aware of the dangers of leaving flowers unattended in the cold. Providing the florist with the correct contact information is very helpful. When sending flowers to your loved ones, remember to provide the florist delivering your gift of flowers with this information:

• Recipient’s name — this may seem silly or obvious but not always. If the recipient goes by one name to friends and another at work, providing the correct name may make the difference between an accepted delivery and a rejected delivery. It also saves the deliverer time and effort in sorting out the misunderstanding.

• Full and proper address — many large cities and even some small towns have more than one street with the same name. To avoid any confusion, include all relevant information such as the street’s direction (North, East, et al), apartment number, the road’s proper indication (street, drive, avenue, et al), and any other helpful tidbits.

• Best time to contact — Does the recipient attend school during the day? Have a night class? Work late on Thursdays? Take junior to soccer practice on Fridays? It is often helpful to include a designation for delivery such as “after 5,” “at work before 3p,” or “during the daytime.”

• Correct phone number — Most people these days have house phones, cellular phones or both. Including a house number, cell number, work number, or combination of these may prevent the delivering florist from making several trips or arriving at an inconvenient time.

Your gift is very important and should be kept at peak quality as long as possible. Help your gift of flowers maintain its exquisite beauty as long as possible by providing proper information to avoid these flowers being left in the cold.