Fall Color – Page 2

FSN’s Favorite Flower Arrangement For November

November 1, 2010 by Mandy Maxwell 3 Comments

Thanksgiving Day Cornucopia

There’s no way to pick a November favorite without picking this gorgeous Thanksgiving cornucopia filled with fresh fall flowers, feathers and wheat. FSN’s Earth’s Abundance arrangement is the perfect Thanksgiving centerpiece to complete your festive feast this year.

Just imagine this beauty sitting in the center of your Thanksgiving dinner buffet table. As family members pass by filling their plates with holiday yummies, they won’t be able to take their eyes off of it’s radiant fall flowers. This arrangement instantly creates the classic Thanksgiving Day atmosphere.

Contact your local florist today and order the Earth’s Abundance cornucopia to complete your Thanksgiving decorations.

This post is brought to you by local Portland OR florists.
Not in Portland? No problemo. Use Flower Shop Network’s directory of florists to find a real local florist near you!

Filed Under: Flower Suggestions Tagged With: Fall Centerpieces, Fall Color, Fall Flowers, Fall Inspiration, Thanksgiving Centerpieces, Thanksgiving Flowers

New Fall Color Trends For Floral Design

August 14, 2010 by Mandy Maxwell 1 Comment

Upcoming color trends for the 2010 fall season are all about using new and exciting colors. Now, I know what you’re thinking… falls colors have been the same forEVER! Reds, oranges, yellows, browns… Don’t get me wrong, those are very fun colors to use, but this year add in accent colors like lime green, magenta, or orange cream.

Check out these great palettes, get inspired and start planning your fall season!

Express Your Gratitude with Fall Flowers

October 1, 2009 by Flower Shop Network Leave a Comment

Flowers And Thanksgiving – A Natural Pairing

Thanksgiving Day is the perfect time to brighten the season with fall flowers. The colors alone are enough to bring a smile to a loved one’s face or bring warmth to a cold November day with shades of red, gold, orange, brown and plum.

Flowers communicate in ways that other decorations can’t. They say that the day is blessed and the guests or recipients are valued. When you add the natural beauty and aroma of a fall flower arrangement to the aromas associated with Thanksgiving—roast turkey, cranberry sauce, stuffing and pumpkin pie—you can really make someone’s day.

At the very first Thanksgiving in December 1621, the Pilgrims thanked God for their bountiful harvest of crops and expressed gratitude to the Native Indians for their help in surviving their first year in America. Their feasting tables were laden with duck, turkey, venison, fish, clams, lobster, berries, watercress, dried fruit and plums.

Not only did the Pilgrims get to eat from their bounty, but their harvest also decorated their tables. Wheat stalks, pumpkins, squash, berries, plums, corn and sunflowers arrayed their tables like a kaleidoscope of autumn colors. The hearty flowers that grew back then no doubt were tucked into the bounty to bring splashes of color and beauty.

Flowers as a Hostess Gift

As a guest at a Thanksgiving Day gathering, this day is a wonderful opportunity to express gratitude to your host, whether your parents, grandparents, aunt or friend. It is always impressive when guests are thoughtful enough to bring a hostess gift; like a bottle of wine, baked goods or gourmet coffee.

But when you arrive with a beautiful fall flower arrangement of mums, gerbera daisies and berries, that takes the cake. An arrangement can be as simple or as lavish as you want. You can choose several stems of fall flowers tucked in a decorative vase or a lavishly-wrapped flower bouquet; either will be well-received. Pairing seasonal fruits such as oranges, apples and pears with flowers makes an appealing combination. You not only show your appreciation for being part of the celebration when you bring a flower arrangement, but it is also a tangible expression of your gratitude for all to see.

Flowers to Enjoy Indoors and Outdoors

Potted chrysanthemums are a fall favorite for making your home come alive for the holidays. You can use them as an indoor decoration during the holidays; at an entryway, on a mantel or stairwell, then plant them outdoors to enjoy year-round. Potted mums, ornamental cabbage and curly twigs tied with raffia make festive decorations at doorways, mailboxes and on porches. Golden sunflowers and fall leaves make an inviting door wreath to welcome family and friends.

You can also send these kinds of versatile flowers to loved ones you can’t be with at Thanksgiving. It’s a very thoughtful way to show appreciation to those you love. Flowers in bloom, whether indoors or outdoors, remind us of those special to us and shared memories with them.

Flowers provide that perfect, finishing touch as a centerpiece to a Thanksgiving table. Florists do so many creative arrangements with miniature pumpkins, gourds, flowers, grains, curly willow and calico (aka Indian) corn.

For a symbolic twist, flowers can be arranged in a cornucopia or “horn of plenty”, a horn shaped container which symbolizes the the meaning of Thanksgiving. It represents the overflowing abundance of the Earth’s harvest. Cornucopias are especially beautiful as Thanksgiving centerpieces with flowers, leaves and berries flowing from them.

Many times, holidays can be difficult for families who have lost a loved one. A flower centerpiece can be an especially beautiful reminder of those loved ones. Thanksgiving is a wonderful time for families and friends to reminisce about times past, especially the funny memories to brighten the mood.

Flowers as Decorations

Just as important as the family feasting and prayers of thanksgiving is decorating for the season. Wreaths with fresh and dried flowers evoking the warmth of autumn and a spirit of gratitude for daily blessings are the decor of traditional choice.

In keeping with the Thanksgiving tradition, you can use fresh flowers, nuts, leaves and candles (in fragrances like Mom’s Apple Pie, Cinnamon Cider, and Candy Corn) to decorate fireplace mantels and entryways. Small places like guest bathrooms and kitchen windowsills are just right for miniature flower arrangements and a single votive candle. Don’t underestimate the impact a small vase of flowers will make in a bedroom, bathroom or a coffee table to make guests feel at home and welcome.

Whether you are an American celebrating on November 26^th or a Canadian celebrating on October 12^th, Thanksgiving Day is a holiday anticipated year after year. It’s a time to get together with family and friends, eat homemade comfort food, root for your favorite football team, take a long nap and relax from the everyday routine.

This holiday, in particular, reminds us of all the ways we are blessed and to give thanks for those blessings. It prompts us to say “thank you” to parents, siblings, grandparents and those who have been an influence in our lives.

There is no better time to express our gratitude to those we love (and who love us!) than Thanksgiving. Flowers are a simple and heartfelt way to do this, but their impact will last a lifetime. Your local florist can help you express your gratitude this Thanksgiving with a custom designed flower arrangement.

Filed Under: Gift Ideas, Newsletters, Seasonal Flowers, Seasonal Ideas Tagged With: Fall Color, Fall Decorations, Fall Flowers, Hostess Gift Ideas, Thanksgiving Centerpieces, Thanksgiving Flowers

Fall In Love With Fall Wedding Flowers

September 15, 2006 by Flower Shop Network 1 Comment

Fall wedding flowers burst upon the scene in a kaleidoscope of colors. Paint an idyllic wedding picture on this fall’s canvas when using a rich palette of the season’s colors.

Whether the celebration takes place during the sun dappled day, or in the crisp autumn air of evening, the fall wedding introduces a season of excitement. September, October, and November bestow bright flowers and abundant foliage – just the right ingredients for a fabulous fall ceremony.

Deciding on the type of fall floral arrangements will often determine the style of wedding. Consulting a professional florist can be of invaluable help when considering the theme and cost of the wedding. Don’t hesitate to convey what you envision for your wedding along with a review of your budget.

When meeting with your florist, it’s wise to discuss the size and location of your wedding and reception. And, don’t forget to include the number of attendants and guests. It helps if you provide your favorite wedding photographs, color preferences, and fabric samples when talking about your ceremony. A professional florist can assist in creating a plan that helps you to make informed decisions, which can save time and reduce stress.

A CORNUCOPIA OF COLORS

The fall season lends its self to vibrant colors. When selecting fall wedding flowers consider the colors of: Yellow, Gold, Bronze, Orange, Red, Dark Pink, Burgundy, Rust, Brown, Purple, Egg Plant, Green and Tan. Although the types of wedding flowers are usually chosen by the bride, the color palette of the flowers are often determined by the color of the bridesmaids’ dresses.

A professional florist can explain your floral options. Discussions will include the difference between selecting flowers that are in season, as opposed to choosing flowers that are out of season. Out of season flowers increase prices significantly.

With nature’s brilliant colors, here are just a few of the fall wedding flowers that are in season:

ROSES (Rosa) – Many people tend to think of roses as either traditional red or delicate pink. However, the colors of roses range from gold to chocolate. Brides may want to consider the radiant rose colors that include golden apricot, tomato-red, deep yellow, red-orange, tangerine, dark burgundy, coral-orange, burnt- orange, or chocolate brown. These striking shades make beautiful wedding bouquets, floral decorations, and arrangements.

DAISIES (Gerbera) – There are a number of varieties from a single petal to a double petal. The bright colors and varying sizes of this flower make for beautiful bouquets and eye-catching arrangements.

SLIPPER ORCHIDS (Paphiopedilum spp.) – This fall flower’s colors of brownish red, green and yellow can set the seasonal tone.

CALLA LILY (Zantedeschia) – The “green goddess” has deep green leaves and generous blooms. This is a sophisticated flower that often stands on its own. Not only do calla lilies come in the traditional white, but they also come in the rich and beautiful shades of cream, yellow, burgundy, and bronze.

GLORIOSA LILIES (Gloriosa rothschildeana) – A glorious bloom that makes a bold statement. The strikingly curved petals in lustrous red will certainly turn heads.

ORIENTAL LILIES (Lilium Oriental) – Versatility is the key. Colors include white, cream, yellow and burgundy. One of the most famous hybrids is Stargazer, which has a white background with reddish/pink markings and dotted throat.

HYDRANGEAS (Hydrangea quercifolia) – The late blooming Oak Leaf Hydrangea gets its name from the shape of its large leaves. These beautiful leaves often turn colors of brilliant yellow, orange, red, and burgundy.

SUNFLOWERS (Helianthus annuus) – When you think of autumn, picture the Sunrise Sunflower. The medium short deep double yellow petals and dark center make an excellent choice for use as cut flowers that have a long vase and arrangement life.

CHRYSANTHEMUMS (Chrysanthemum indicum, Chrysanthemum x morifolium) – The word chrysanthemum is taken from the Greek, chysos (gold) and anthos (flower). This fall flower is generally found in the following forms: button, daisy, decorative and spider (or quill). The size, color, height and time of bloom make it one of the most popular fall flowers for bouquets and arrangements.

BABY’S BREATH ( Gypsophila paniculata) – This is the delicate name for the “work horse” of arrangements. Colors range from white to pink to blushed purple. Baby’s breath can be coupled with flowers and greenery to create fullness and depth or stand-alone in an interesting container, or elegant vase.

THE ORNAMENTS OF AUTUMN

Fall wedding decorations can be more than colorful cut flowers. A medley of textures such as beautiful berries, fall foliage, and autumn accessories create the look of a bountiful harvest.
Consider the use of berries when decorating tables, window ledges, archways or columns.

Autumn Berries

Rusty Rose Hips
Red Nandina
Red or Black Aronia Berries
Flaming Pyracantha
Orange Pepper Berry
Orange Cotoneaster
Rustic Bittersweet Vine

Burnt Sienna Hypericum Berry
Pink Pepper Berry
Blue Privet Berry
Fall Blueberries
Green or Red Viburnum Berry
Cranberries

Cuttings from fall foliage make stunning centerpieces and arrangements.

Autumn Foliages

Red Oak Leaf Hydrangeas
Red Dogwood Branches
Red Huckleberry
“Redbore” Kale
Liquid Amber Branches
Yellow Maple
Vine Maple Branches
Eggplant Smoke Bush

Green Cherry Laurel
“Illumination” Periwinkle
“Bright Lights” Swiss Chard
“Ogon” Japanese Sweet Flag
“Yellow Ripple” English Ivy
Black-Eyed Susan Vines
Grapevines

Don’t forget autumn accessories add interest.

Autumn Wedding Decorations

Apples, Pears, Persimmons, Pomegranates and Artichokes
Grains, Nuts, Melons, and Gourds
Dried Garland or Flowers
Spanish Moss

Ribbons that reinforce the color scheme
Raffia
Woven Baskets
Colorful Pottery

FALL WEDDING DECORATING TIPS

Continue an autumn atmosphere your guests will remember by considering the following areas for decoration. These locations may be enhanced by the use of flowers, berries, foliage and accessories.

THE WEDDING CEREMONY: The altar, columns, candelabra, backdrop for the ceremony, archways, podium, for Jewish weddings the chuppah, the aisle, end of pews, communion rails, vestibule, guest book table, doors leading to the sanctuary, and stair rails outside the entrance.

THE RECEPTION: The entry area, place card table, buffet table centerpieces, table arrangements, head table design, free standing decorations, candles, stage decor, wedding cake and cake table and restrooms.

The wide variety of fall wedding flowers and large array of berries, foliage and accessories make autumn a wonderful time of year for your special celebration. Whether your theme is large and elegant, or intimate and casual – let a professional florist customize an unforgettable fall wedding for you!

Photo by C & C Sensations, a local florist in Waynesboro VA.

Find a local florist to help create your fall wedding flowers.
Planning a wedding? Check out Wedding and Party Network for all of your wedding needs.

Filed Under: Floral Design, Trends, Wedding Flowers Tagged With: Autumn Flowers, Autumn Weddings, Fall, Fall Color, Fall Flowers, Fall Inspiration, Fall Trends, Fall Weddings, Flower Trends, Wedding, Wedding Bouquets, Wedding Ceremony Flowers, Wedding Decorations, Wedding Flowers, Wedding Reception Flowers, Wedding Tips

Autumn In The Pumpkin Patch

October 12, 2001 by Kelly Curtis Leave a Comment

The autumn season brings with it the freshness of crisp, cool air, the glow of rich, warm colors, and an abundant harvest of floral materials. As the leaves begin to display their brilliant hues, we find ourselves irresistibly drawn to the natural symbols of fall pumpkins and gourds, dried wheat and cattails, berries and pods, and of course, vibrant fresh flowers and your local florist has just what you need to complement your seasonal decorating theme.

Celebrate the Bounty of Autumn

We can celebrate the bounty of autumn and simultaneously welcome our guests with a seasonal wreath of dried and permanent materials placed on the front door. A circular frame of grapevine or twigs can be embellished with any combination of fall leaves, preserved eucalyptus, artificial blossoms or fruits, and grasses or pheasant feathers, all coordinated with a patterned ribbon.

We’ve all seen pumpkins carved into jack-o-lanterns, but a fresh pumpkin can also become the container for a novel autumn centerpiece, such as the one shown here.

Flowers of Autumn

Fresh flowers for the autumn season include soft-textured red or green amaranthus, velvety celosia, tall purple liatris, a variety of asters in a wide range of colors and sizes, bristly orange safflower, cheery golden sunflowers, delicate montbretia, and crunchy yellow or purple statice. Of course, roses, alstroemeria, carnations and gerberas are available year round in a palette of autumnal hues such as orange, red, burgundy, and gold. For an interesting contrast in form and texture, consider using the waxy, mahogany-toned hypericum berries (better known as St. John’s Wort), or bright red-orange bittersweet on it’s tendrilled stems.

The Quintessential Flower of Autumn

Perhaps the quintessential flower of autumn is the chrysanthemum, which is available in a tremendous selection of colors, sizes and shapes. “Spray” chrysanthemums feature several individual flowers on one stem, whereas “disbuds” have their lateral shoots removed as they grow, resulting in one, large flower at the top of the stem. Football mums, spider and fuji mums and “Red Rovers” (with a large, reddish- rust colored, daisy-type flower at the end of the stem) are all examples of disbuds. Spray chrysanthemums are available as “cushion” or “daisy” types, as well as small, round “button” varieties, and anemone-flowered, or “duet” styles, which feature semi-double, ruffled centers.

Spray chrysanthemums are one of the best flower values around. They are inexpensive, they have many blossoms per stem, they offer a huge choice of colors and styles, and they are long lasting, often enduring for up to two weeks or longer in a vase. It’s no wonder they have been so popular for so many years.

Bring the blaze of autumn colors into your home or send some to someone you know. Call or visit your local professional florist to see what’s been harvested for you!

Fall arrangement inside a pumpkin by Old Dominion Florist, Tazewell VA

Filed Under: Newsletters, Seasonal Flowers, Seasonal Ideas Tagged With: Fall Color, Fall Flowers, Fall Trends, Fruit and Flower Arrangements, Pumpkins

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Express Your Gratitude with Fall Flowers