By now you've probably got all of your Christmas decor up, shopping mostly done, and are looking forward to the last of the holiday parties. Have you gotten a hostess gift yet? If not, your florist has you covered! Skip the busy mall and visit your local flower shop for the best selection of holiday flowers and gifts.Think flowers are a bit old fashioned? Think again!! Contemporary Christmas floral styles are incredible and will have your hostess' jaw on the floor!

From traditional red and green, to bright and colorful, your florist can do it all! Going to a themed Christmas party, or know the specifics of your hostess's decor? It's not to late to order something completely custom! (But you better hurry)

Need a last-minute gift for the person who has everything? Flowers of course! Order now and your florist will take care of all the hard work for you! Your beautiful Christmas arrangement will be delivered right to their door. No wrapping, on time and hassle free — what could be better than that!?

Just check out these DAZZLING styles:

Continue reading "Jazz Up your Christmas Decor With A Little "Holidazzle" From Your Florist" »

If you haven't taken the time to stop by your florist this season, what are you waiting for?? In addition to great holiday flowers and centerpieces, your local flower shop will also have unique holiday decor, the best poinsettias, gifts and most importantly, TONS of holiday inspiration!

The photo above is the inside of Trig's Floral & Home in Minocqua, WI. You could walk around this store for days and still not see everything worth seeing! Here you can find the best in holiday gifts and decor, why would you need to go anywhere else?? This florist is a one-stop-shop for the season!

Need gift ideas? Check out this florist's shop in McFarland, WI. The Petal Patch truly has something for everyone! Whether you need something for your niece, brother, or that friend who has everything, they've got your covered!

Continue reading "The Holiday HotSpot: Your Local Flower Shop" »

Life seems to speed up during the holidays. Our extra time is devoted to decorating, shopping, gift wrapping, and we seldom think of much else. Well, we want to remind everyone to be generous during the holidays. There are so many out there who won't be getting anything this year.

Gift Baskets Are A Great Way To Be Generous During The Holidays

Come up with a way you can be generous this holiday season to those in need. Here are a few ideas:

• Have your local florist deliver a fresh-fruit gift basket to a nursing home.
• Have a gift basket delivered to your local shelter.
• Send a gift basket to someone's home who can no longer get out

You can also show your generosity by:

• Volunteering at your local shelter or soup kitchen
• Donate to your local food bank
• Volunteer at a local nursing home or hospice
• Donate old coats and jackets to the needy
• Donate to kids in need through programs set up by local schools
• Donate toys for kids in need through local charities.
• Encourage friends to do the same

If we all do just ONE thing from these lists, imagine the difference it could make in the lives of so many.

My Story of Holiday Generosity

One of my favorite memories of the season is actually from my high school years. There was a teacher who got a little wrapped gift for every single student in the whole high school, from 7th to 12th grade. This teacher didn't drive a fancy car, or wear fancy clothes, or live in a big fancy house. She was admittedly poor herself, but her heart wouldn't.. no, couldn't let a single kid go without receiving something for the holidays. The gifts she gave were nothing fancy either. You might get a pair of used wool socks (I did one year) or some little hand-me-down something from one of her kids, but we knew she gave all she could. She didn't see the gift as the important part, but the act of giving and generosity was something she wanted those who knew her to focus on. I will never forget you, Mrs. Lopez.

Continue reading "Remember To Be Generous This Holiday" »

Can you believe it's the first of December already? The holiday season is in full force. With the big sales after Thanksgiving and everyone getting their Christmas shopping done early, it's no wonder most people are taking time in early December to relax. What better way to de-stress than by ordering beautiful flowers for your home?

This December, our favorite flower arrangement is Winter Wishes. This non-traditional design is perfect for those wanting a little fun in their holiday decor. It features everyone's favorite flowers, red Gerbera daisies along with shimmery silver ornaments that ring in the Christmas Spirit! With it's bright red carnations and playful white snapdragons, this flower arrangement is perfect for all ages. Move over poinsettia, this fun holiday design is coming through!

Remember, always shop local when buying flowers. Flower Shop Network is here to help you connect to a real local florist.

Continue reading "December's Favorite Arrangement" »

This weekend was such a BUSY shopping weekend — Black Friday, Small Business Saturday, Cyber Monday. Well, we decided tomorrow should be Treat-Yourself Tuesday. Why not pamper yourself with all the money you SAVED over the weekend? Ever girl loves flowers; start your day of pampering by having flowers delivered to your home or office. It only takes about 5 minutes to order (remember local, local, local!), and your whole week will be enhanced by the beautiful flowers and lovely fragrances. Your florist will take care of everything and deliver them right to your door! (Santa better look out!)

If you shopped as much as I did, I know you need a pick-me-up this week, and fresh flowers are just the ticket! Some might hesitate at buying flowers for yourself, but why not? Forget red roses, you can choose a style that is all your own with your favorite colors and flowers. You might be surprised just how many beautiful types of floral designs are out there. Tell your florist about your favorite things, and let them create a custom arrangement just for you.

Flowers make your day better, but don't stop there! Continue Treat-Yourself Tuesday with a nice hot bath, your favorite teas or wines, a good book. You've spent all weekend thinking about gifts for others, make this Tuesday all about YOU.

Flower Shop Network is an advocate for real local flower shops. To find your local florist, click here.

There's been a real buzz this year about shopping LOCAL, and we couldn't be happier! (In case you're new to the blog: Flower Shop Network is a network of ALL local florists.) We just want to remind you of all the wonderful things florists have to offer during the holidays.

• Holiday Centerpieces – Take your Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner to the next level with a beautiful holiday centerpiece.
• Holiday Wreaths – No matter what your Christmas style is, your local florist can create something stunning to match your theme, most florists offer real OR silk flowers.
• Holiday Decorating – Need a hand to help with holiday decorating? Your creative florist will have lots of fabulous ideas for making your house a holiday dream home.
• Gift Items – Many florists carry more than flowers in their shops. You can find some really unique and amazing gift items for those hard-to-buy-for people on your Christmas list.
• Gift Baskets – A gift basket is also a great idea for those on your list who have EVERYTHING! Your florist can customize your gift basket to match your friend's personality and interests.
• Long-Distance Gifts – Your local florist makes sending gifts to far away relatives incredibly EASY! They have the ability to send flowers and/or gift baskets to other local florists anywhere you need!
• Christmas Tree Decorating – Want your tree to have the WOW-factor of trees you see in displays? Whether it's one tree or a Christmas tree in every room, your local florist can HELP!
• Holiday Flowers – We can't NOT mention simply flowers. During the winter, the warmth of holiday flowers make our hearts happy. When you've got the winter blues, or just want to liven up a room, order flowers for yourself! You can also send flowers to friends to put them in the holiday spirit.

These are just SOME of the great things your local florist can help you with during the holidays. I'm sure the florist in your area can do even more! Give them a call and see just what's possible for your holiday celebrations.

Continue reading "Shop Local This Holiday Season With Help From A Local Florist" »

An easy way to take your Thanksgiving decor to the next level is by incorporating harvest-themed flowers. The colors, fragrances, and beauty of the flowers can make any buffet table look like it was composed by Ms. Martha Stewart herself. Let's take a look at the different styles available; try to imagine each of these on your holiday table.

The Cornucopia – Holiday Decor

How gorgeous is this beautiful cornucopia design above? Wouldn't you love it adorning your holiday buffet table, or even as a centerpiece? It's rustic fall leaves mixed with deep red flowers and orange mums are enough to dazzle any Thanksgiving guest.

The cornucopia (or horn of plenty) has an incredibly interesting history itself, dating back long before our current Thanksgiving holiday. The word 'cornucopia' actually dates back to the 5th century BC. It derives from two Latin words: "cornu," meaning horn (as in the name of that one-horned creature, the "unicorn") and "copia," meaning plenty (a relative of such words as "copious" and "copy"). Read all about the history of the cornucopia (horn of plenty).

More Examples of Cornucopias:

The Thanksgiving Centerpiece

You cannot go wrong with a beautifully designed centerpiece featuring flowers in all the colors of fall. A true feast is just not complete without the adornment of a beautiful, fall-colored centerpiece. Continue reading "Thanksgiving Flowers – A Style For Everyone" »

When we think November, giving thanks usually comes to mind. Sure, there's Thanksgiving… but there is a holiday before then that deserves more 'thanks' than we can ever give — Veterans Day. (November 11, 2011)

Veterans Day is the official day set aside to thank and remember all of our selfless, heroic veterans for the sacrifices they made in their lives to protect our freedom. Unlike Memorial Day, where we remember our lost heros, Veteran's Day is for us to thank and celebrate ALL veterans, living or dead, wartime and peacetime.

How To Celebrate Veterans Day

• Attend a Veteran's Day program, concert or parade.
• Wear a red, white and blue corsage or boutonniere.
• Take a moment of silence at noon, on November 11, to honorably remember those who served and died.
• Place red flowers, such as roses or carnations, or a red, white and blue bouquet at your local military memorials and monuments.
• Contribute to a Veteran’s Day ceremony in your community.
• Place a Veteran’s Day 'thank you' ad in your local newspapers, community newsletters or church flyers. Continue reading "Celebrating Veterans Day" »

It's the biggest wedding day of the year, November 11th, 2011 (11-11-11)!  But the romance doesn't have to end at just weddings, why not make 11-11-11 your day of romance and send your sweetie 11 red roses!?

11-11-11 A Rare Date

11-11-11 only comes around once a century! The last time this date sequence occurred was in 1911, and won't happen again until 2111! Chances are this is your last chance to celebrate, and what better way to celebrate than with romance? Your sweetheart won't be expecting flowers, or anything on this rare date. Surprise them with a big bouquet of 11 roses.

Sure a dozen roses is the standard, romantic gift, but on Friday, November 11th, it's all about the number 11! Check with your local florist about the possibility of delivering this gift at 11 a.m. for even more 11 fun!

Add Romance With Personalized Flowers

If you know your sweetie's favorite flower, order 11 of those for a personalized touch. Roses are typically associated with romance, but knowing her favorite flower wins you big points! Who wouldn't want to be surprised on 11-11-11 with 11 of their favorite flowers — you just can't go wrong with flowers just because!

Order your flowers now, Friday will be here before you know it!

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We all celebrate Mother's Day in May, but what about Mother-In-Law Day? Well, it's coming up so now's your chance!

Mother-In-Law Day is October 23rd. Just like Mother's Day, this holiday is all about showing your spouse's mom just what she means to you and your family. Express your feelings with a beautiful flower arrangement from your local florist. Effervescent Blooms Bouquet, pictured above, is a sweetly-scented garden-style arrangement any mom is sure to love. (You might also browse our Mother's Day flower arrangements for something more fitted for her unique style.)

• If flowers aren't your Mother-In-Law's style, try sending a yummy gift basket filled with all of her favorite treats.
• You might also like these Mother's Day card messages.

Your Mother-In-Law will be delighted you were thinking about her on this special day.

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