Find Your Local Florist:Everything you want to know about flowers!
We all have people in our lives that are difficult to shop for. Whether it’s your mother, dad, step-mother, step-dad, mother-in-law or grandmother, finding a unique present they’re going to actually appreciate is stressful. Instead of spending hours walking around the mall looking at every possible store, shop online for a beautiful gift that shows how much you care.
Buying flowers for Christmas is always the right choice. It’s a personalized gift (You did buy them at your local florist … didn’t you?) that injects a bit of happiness into anyone’s day. The challenge with any floral gift lies in the card. What are you going to say? Here are five options to help give you the right words.
Did you enjoy these Christmas card messages? Find a variety of card messages for any occasion here!
Have some ideas of your own? Write them in the comments below or put them on our Facebook page.
Christmas is just a few short weeks away. Have you found gifts for everyone on your list? Your local florist has exactly what you need, even for that family member you struggle to please.
This holiday, give the gift of flowers!
What gift do you buy the person who has everything? It’s a question that plagues us all during the Christmas season, but the answer is easier than you think. It’s flowers, of course!
A magnificent floral arrangement has its own style, so you never have to wonder if it will suit the person you’re giving them to. They are also a source of happiness for anyone who receives them, and that’s always a win in the gift-giving department. And do you think it’s possible to have too many of them beautifying the home? Of course not! If they already have beautiful flowers, that’s okay. They’d love more!
Of course, the best place to buy those flowers is through your local florist. These men and women work hard to provide you with something gorgeous designed to take your breath away and that anyone on your list would be thrilled to receive. And the best part? You can speak to them face-to-face so you know you’re getting exactly what you ask for!
Christmas is the largest gift giving holiday in the world. Shouldn’t you be giving flowers?
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:
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!
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.
Come up with a way you can be generous this holiday season to those in need. Here are a few ideas:
You can also show your generosity by:
If we all do just ONE thing from these lists, imagine the difference it could make in the lives of so many.
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.
Yummy Gifts From Because You’re Special
We had to give a shout out to Because You’re Special, an Indianapolis florist and FSN member, for sending us all of these delicious goodies! They were actually sent to our Order Transfer department to acknowledge their hard work throughout the Christmas rush. Thanks so very much, guys! We will put them to good use!
Use Flower Shop Network to find a real local florist in your area today!
Have someone on your list who’s just impossible to buy for? Either they have EVERYTHING or are so PICKY it’s a hopeless mission finding anything they would like. Well here’s a little help…
This year, don’t stress yourself over finding the perfect gift for them, send Christmas flowers. Nothing lifts the spirits like a beautiful bouquet of fresh blooms, which is exactly what we need in the later part of December. Add an element of surprise by sending flowers to your picky recipient’s office. (Especially great if the person you have in mind is a boss or co-worker!) They will be thrilled to be the envy of everyone at the water cooler. Sending flowers to one’s work doesn’t always have to be done by the hubby or boyfriend, but it IS ALWAYS a great surprise!
If your recipient is as fast paced as you are during the holidays, give them a gift certificate from your local florist. This is an especially great gift for someone who hosts a lot of parties, or simply loves to decorate their home. They can use the certificate just before their big New Years party for a stunning, winter centerpiece.
If your picky someone-special’s gift budget is bigger than a bouquet of Christmas flowers, ask your florist about their year round flowers club. Many local florists have a special year round flowers program. This would be quite a special gift! (I know I’d love it!) Each month, your giftee will receive a new bouquet of fresh flowers (matching the appropriate season or holiday) to decorate their home. Who wouldn’t LOVE that?
So the next time you’re stressing over what to buy rich Aunt Sally or your picky big sister Karen for Christmas, think flowers — they ALWAYS fit.
This post is brought to you by local Charleston WV florists.
Not in Charleston? No worries, use Flower Shop Network’s handy directory of local florists to find a florist near you.
We couldn’t possibly have a newsletter in December without making it all about the holidays! Here, we have highlighted some of our favorite posts from this month. So keep reading for great Christmas ideas, tips and fun!
At Christmas, All Roads Lead Home — Don’t Forget To Bring Flowers! This Christmas, take home a gorgeous flower arrangement, in a style everyone will love! Whether it’s for mom, the wife, girlfriend, family or friends — everyone is sure to love Seasonal Style. This is our hands-down favorite for this month! It’s unique colors and shiny Christmas ornaments make this a holiday flower arrangement you won’t soon forget!
If you can’t make it home for Christmas, flowers make the perfect gift! Simply call up your hometown, local florist, or use Flower Shop Network’s handy local florist directory to find a local florist. They will create a spectacular design, (this one’s great, but pick your favorite!) and deliver it right on time to the one you love!
Are you tired of the traditional red and green we see every year at this time? You’re not alone. Many people are opting for a more quirky Christmas look. This year, opt for the Glitz & Glam Christmas!
For this outrageous look, channel your inner child and go wild and crazy when selecting your Christmas decorations and ornaments. Pick bright and playful contemporary colors like hot pink and electric blue. Use over-sized Christmas ornaments and trendy Christmas tree picks to take your look to the next level (literally).
See more Glitz & Glam Christmas Decor…
Whenever I think of a Christmas cactus, I am reminded of the large one my Grandmother had while I was growing up. It sat on a shelf in a back bedroom and had long green arms of the unique-shaped leaves that spilled out everywhere around it. Only a few times can I remember seeing the beautiful white tubular flowers blooming on it. I always enjoyed seeing the plant when I visited and wished to have one of my own.
Red Christmas Cactus
During a visit while I was in college, I took a few clippings with me to try and start one of my own. The leaves did not survive the plane trip from Nevada to Arkansas, and I was disappointed to hear that the plant had died a few years later. I have since enjoyed the wide array of Christmas cacti bloom colors now available. In fact, I look forward to purchasing one this year to enjoy with my family.
With the holidays right around the corner, you may be thinking about your own Christmas cactus. Will it bloom soon? Perhaps you will look for another one this year, or maybe you will send one as a gift for a loved one to enjoy. The plants can be found in a wide variety of bloom colors, including white and shades of pink, red, purple and orange. If you do not have a Christmas cactus, this is the time of year they can be found in your local florist shop. With a little care, the Christmas cactus can become an heirloom, living long and providing beautiful blooms up to twice a year. It can truly be a gift that keeps on giving.
Christmas cacti (Schlumbergera x buckleyi) are native to Brazilian rain forests and have been cultivated for commercial purposes for many years. In nature, the cacti are commonly found growing in decaying plant matter in tree branch crevices: here temperatures remain moderate and water runs off easily, keeping the plants moist but not damp. Because of these characteristics, the cacti make great houseplants.
The cacti require little care and can live and thrive for many years. The soil should be kept moist, but not wet to touch and should not be allowed to dry out completely. Temperatures should be kept moderate, and the plants should not be placed near a heat or air source, or too near a window that gets direct sunlight. A little houseplant fertilizer can be given before or after the cacti have completed their blooming cycle. With the right conditions, your cactus should bloom twice a year, but can be encouraged to bloom several times during the year. Extremes in moisture, temperature and feeding during blooming time can interfere with the length of blooming and the ability of the cactus to maintain buds and blooms.
Christmas cacti belong to a group of Holiday cacti (Schlumbergera) that include Thanksgiving cactus (Schlumbergera truncata) and Easter cactus (Schlumbergera bridgesii). There are a few differences between the three cacti, including leaf-stem shape, flower style and structure. The most distinguishing difference is the time period in which the flowers bloom. Thus, the Christmas cactus typically blooms late November to early January. While the differences between Thanksgiving and Christmas cacti can be minor, you may want to check with your florist to see which one to choose, if you want a cactus that blooms repeatedly during one holiday or the other.
Schlumbergera blooming in stores during October and November are probably Thanksgiving cacti. Although Christmas cacti can be found in early November, they have likely been grown under special conditions and may not bloom during the same time period next year.
Pink Christmas Cactus
If you’ve had a Christmas cactus for many years and the stems could use a little trim, you may consider propagation. After the cactus completes its blooming cycle, let it recover for a month. Then, cuttings of at least two leaf segments can be made from the tips of the stems. A fourth to half of the cutting is then placed in pot with potting soil. Be sure to place three or more cuttings per pot to ensure a full healthy plant. In a few months you will have another Christmas cactus to enjoy.
A Christmas cactus can also be forced to re-bloom. While you may think that temperature is a factor in blooming, daylight length is actually the key. Christmas cacti are triggered to bloom during short days. This can be achieved by placing the plant in a dark bedroom or by covering the plant for 15 or more hours a day. It may take up to a month to trigger the plant to produce bloom buds, but once the buds appear the plant can be returned to its usual viewing location. Remember to avoid extreme temperatures that would trigger bud release.
Regardless of whether you will purchase your first Christmas cactus this year or have an old one, this is perfect time to take pleasure in the plant’s distinctive green leafy stems. Celebrate the exquisite blooms as they appear, knowing you have a spectacular houseplant that can be shared, gifted and enjoyed by all.
