Once thought of as morbid, floral experts say black is back when it comes to choosing flower color.

"The trend comes from the fact that black goes with such a range of plants," chief horticultural advisor at the Royal Horticulture Society, Guy Barter, told the London Evening Standard. "People feel a pressure to get the combination of flowers right in the garden, so black and white flowering plants are safe because they go with anything." ... Read More

Today's post is from expert florist Tim Farrell of Farrell’s Florist in Drexel Hill, PA, www.farrellsflorist.com.

With summer weddings in full swing, we just can't help wondering what's new with brides, grooms and flowers.

So we asked an expert to give us the scoop. Tim is one of our 20,000-strong network of floral specialists; your local florist can help make any event an affair to remember!



Summer weddings of 2009 are taking on a few new twists! Brides today are looking for something to make their special day different, especially if they are in a circle of friends who frequent each other's weddings, as if they were all members of the wedding-of-the-month club.

“Signature” looks seem to be what are selling best these days. Brides are becoming more open to letting go of all of the formality and stuffiness in lieu of a look that is fun or memorable and unique to “her special day”.

Some of the looks that are selling well for bouquets for brides and bridesmaid are collections of flowers that are unexpected. Orchids have become very important and many brides are pairing them with contrasting texture. Thistle or celosia make for a very interesting bouquet.

Green orchids are tres chic at weddings.

Greens continue to be a favorite. When paired with whites, they are perfect for a summer bridal bouquet. Green flowers like buplerum, green dendrobium orchids, and green ranunculus have been very popular.

Specific varieties like Super Green Roses have been strong….and “Alice Anderson” is a green cymbidium orchid that has a chartreuse green color accented with a burgundy marked throat . Combining “Alice Anderson” cymbidiums with gloriosa lilies is exceptionally dynamic.

One other stunning green orchid is a member of the Lady Slipper orchid family. It is called Paphiopedilum maudiae and is a green orchid hooded with a white canopy striped in green. It really is stunning. When nestled in a pillow like bouquet of white stock, you have a most interesting contrast of texture.

Receptions are also being influenced by these trends. Brides are now enjoying the option of varying the centerpieces at the reception venues. Sometimes we will have a variety of containers….maybe all different copper vessels….maybe antique glass…filled with similar combinations of flowers. Design styles even change from table to table, but the combination of flowers unify the whole event.

In any case, brides are looking for something that will make their wedding a unique celebration and the flower designs created by a professional designer can make all the difference in achieving that look!

Today's post is from the trend-setting designers known as the MiGi Girls, Michele Adams and Gia Russo. MiGi and Teleflora have teamed up to create a fabulous line of baby bouquets.




A baby shower is a memorable occasion – a time for friends and family to come together in celebration of the imminent arrival of a new life, and an opportunity to provide the expectant mom with the necessary items she’ll need to care for her baby.

When most women think about hosting a baby shower they get overwhelmed. Don’t fret, for the next two-blog postings, we’ll be providing tips and ideas on how to throw a stylish baby shower. This posting focuses on the invitations and décor.

The second posting will focus on the menu, party favors, and the gift giving. After these postings, you’ll have the tools and confidence to throw a stylish / affordable shower your friends and family will be talking about for years.

Through our many years of throwing parties, the first thing we consider to kick-start the planning process is to choose a theme. A theme gives direction to the celebration and helps determine the important elements – the décor, the color palette, the menu, and the favors. A theme can be as simple as a fruit, color, or an icon.

One of our favorites is a flower theme. Daisies, tulips, roses, and orchids are some examples of perfect flowers to incorporate into your baby’s shower theme.

1. The Invitation – the invitation is the first design element your guests will receive. The invitation will share all of the important information about the event and give a sneak peek of the shower’s theme. There are several ways to incorporate a floral theme to an invitation:

* Select a design online; there are endless great floral themed invitation designs (see below).   

* Create a design of your own on the computer by incorporating a floral border around the card, cluster flowers at the top of the invite or in the corners of the card or glue flower appliqués to the invite. Another idea is to tie a flower printed ribbon around the invitation.

 

MiGi with Petite Alma for Tiny Prints / Sweet Tulips Baby Shower Invite

2. The Décor – now the fun begins…go back to the floral theme and incorporate it in all of the focal points in the space. A buffet or set table is a great place to start. Cover the table or tables in linens in your party’s colors or a small pattern such as gingham. Create the main tables décor with flowers. For a buffet, place an odd number of flower vases down the center of the table. Mix in small bowls of floating flowers and votives.

We suggest mixing in small bowls of flowers and votives next to the main centerpiece for a set table too. When creating the arrangements, have fun exploring the container options. Some of our favorites are: footed glass bowls, metal cake pans, juice glasses, matte colored pots, and painted galvanized buckets. Our baby containers for Teleflora make the perfect centerpiece for a baby shower.

                          

To complement the floral arrangements, add simple touches to place cards and napkins. Fold the napkins and create a pocket. Tuck the flower stem into the pocket. This detail will welcome your guests to their seat and complete the table’s decor. For the place cards, glue a flower appliqué to the card.

The MiGi signature to a party space is hanging many paper lanterns in various sizes and colors above the main party space. Paper lanterns are inexpensive and can be used again and again. You can also tie ribbon streamers to the base of every lantern for another fun simple party detail.

Today's post is from expert florist Matthew McDonald of Bookshelf Florist and Gifts in Gaffney, SC, www.bookshelfflorist.com.  


For those who have lost a loved one, a funeral service is of extreme importance. Grief counselors will tell you that the family and friends need a chance to get together to grieve for the loss and to share memories of the deceased. This is very comforting during the first few days.

The most appropriate expression of sympathy is sending funeral flowers. Flowers provide a thoughtful and beautiful distraction from the grief of survivors.

Even if the family has expressed a desire for a financial contribution to their favorite charities, flowers should still be sent. Even though the notice may read “In Lieu of Flowers” or “Sympathy memorials may be made to the charity of your choice” flowers are always appropriate.

Floral tributes can be customized to reflect the personality, culture and traditions of the deceased. In South Carolina, standing sprays and funeral baskets are the most requested.

Flowers help people express feelings that are difficult to express. Flowers show respect for the dead, add warmth to the service and provide visual support. With flowers, the atmosphere becomes more pleasant and mourners more comfortable. The value and importance of flowers sent in sympathy can never be overstated.

Flowers and greens have always played an important role in burial traditions. Humans and flowers are both products of nature, testaments to the mystery of being. With their essential but fleeting beauty, flowers remind us of our own existence and the temporal quality of our human lives.

In ancient times, herbs were used to anoint the bodies of their loved ones, and they also held “wakes.” Ancient civilizations across Europe and the Middle East also burned, buried or entombed flowers with the dead.

Matthew McDonald
Bookshelf Florist and Gifts
www.BookshelFlorist.com

Whether his taste is classic or contemporary, the key to choosing flowers for a man to wear is to select blooms that reflect his personality. Here are some terrific tips from Marie Ackerman, who runs the Teleflora Education Center in Oklahoma City. Thanks, Marie!

The traditional boutonniere is a single flower pinned to a jacket lapel, often matching the lady the man is accompanying. One of the first flowers for this purpose was cornflowers; they were called “bachelor buttons.” Perfect flowers for a traditional boutonniere include the rose, carnation and stephanotis.


You can never go wrong with a single rose for a traditional boutonniere.

That said, the possibilities are endless so be creative. What about a feather with some beads, a small wreath of fresh herbs or a tiny British flag pin backed by a fresh English ivy leaf?

Always consider the guy who is wearing the flower when you select the flower. Some men won’t wear a pink flower – or something he considers too feminine.

Be sure to “size” the boutonniere to the guy – meaning you don’t select a full size flower for a 5-year-old ringbearer – it would look silly. Many flowers have miniature versions that can easily be used for this. The goal is to not have the boutonniere seen before the man.

Another way for a guy to wear flowers is a “pocket square” made of flowers. Flowers are glued onto a cardboard square and inserted in the outside pocket of a tux or suit (where a colorful handkerchief might be placed.)

For less formal events (like beach weddings), the groom or groomsmen might wear leis of flowers around the neck or even braided foliage or shells.

Use a pro. A Teleflora florist will prepare the flower/foliage, make sure it is hydrated and spray it with sealant to increase longevity. They will also reinforce the stem with wire and floral tape, which prevents the stem from staining the jacket lapel. Also, most florists will provide pins for wearing the boutonniere.
 

Matthew McDonald of Bookshelf Florist and Gifts in Gaffney, SC, http://www.bookshelfflorist.com/.   

Come back to tomorrow to read more money-saving tips!
 

Today's post is from expert florist Matthew McDonald of Bookshelf Florist and Gifts in Gaffney, SC, http://www.bookshelfflorist.com/.  



When it comes to flower arranging, a simple look will take you far. Yesterday, I discussed the simple elegance of a container of ten tulips or an iris or three in a vase. And I talked about tapping the floral glory of your own back yard with blossoms and blooms such as hyacinths, forsythia, cherry or peach blossoms, camellias and the flowering shrub spirea.

Go for greens
And don't forget greens, which also spring to life at this time of year. Acuba (with its yellow speckled leaf), red tip, and other shrubs as well as the ever-popular magnolia are just a few. Magnolia trees are primarely found in the Eastern North Americas, Central Americas and West indies. Curly willow can add height and a bit of character while the acuba can be used as a filler for your arrangement.

There are many other shrubs in your area that are not in the Southeast. Try placing a cutting in a vase (remember to remove foliage from below the water line for all arrangements or cuttings) and see if they will last. Some green shrubs do not tolerate being cut, thus wilting or sagging.

Green shrubs allow you to have foliage at the base of the arrangement or mixed in higher as you would with roses. It is always nice to have something different and not the traditional leatherleaf fern. If you are arranging flowers and greens, remember: there is no perfect arrangement and what you may like someone else may not.

Color, form, flower type
If you use one color, try the same flower or different flowers of the same color. By choosing different flowers of the same color you add texture and depth.

That said, using different colors in an arrangement is fun so try using the colors in a color palette. Primary colors such as red, yellow and purple along with white may look better together than pink, bright yellow and orange. In designing, remember to place flowers so they form a triangle. Using odd numbers of flowers is always best.

The flowers' lifespan depends on many factors. Heat as well as bacteria in the water shortens the lifespan. I change my water every other day and keep my arrangements in a cool place, out of the sun.

When using tall stems, use a taller vase. A good rule of thumb is the arrangement should be 1-2 times the height of a vase. So if the vase is 12 inches tall, my arrangement is 24 to 36 inches high.

The next time you have a luncheon you might want to float a camellia bloom in a low container or saucer, three or more add a great simple look and are a great conversation starter, try it you will be amazed.
 

Today's post is from expert florist Matthew McDonald of Bookshelf Florist and Gifts in Gaffney, SC, www.bookshelfflorist.com.  



With spring in the air, flowers and nature come to bloom to awe and inspire us.

There are many possibilities for flower arranging when you have fresh flowers growing just outside your door. From the fragrant hyacinths, showy iris, ever-popular tulips, to the flowering shrub spirea with beautiful white blooms on its long stem.

Spireas are among the easiest flowering shrubs to grow. Spireas have over 80 species, some of which have dozens of varieties. They are a member of the rose family and are tough plants. All spirea have small leaves and fine, twiggy branches.

There are two distinct kinds of spireas: the bridal wreath type, with clusters of white flowers on arching branches in spring; and the smaller, shrubby, much lower-growing type, which has pink, red or white flowers clustered at the end of upright branches from late spring through to fall. Spireas prefers partial to full sun. Spireas are tolerant of many soils except extremely wet. The plant also likes mulch and summer watering.

There is something for everyone and every taste. Let's not forget the forsythia, cherry or peach blossoms, camellias and the many other greens. A long-lived evergreen shrub, the camellia plant is a beloved Southern shrub with graceful blooms that have been enjoyed by gardeners for years. Camellias are well suited for part shade but are not available everywhere in the US.

When arranging, we often think of many different flowers in an arrangement. However, the simplicity of one type of flower or a single flower can be as elegant if not more elegant. Take for example a vase of ten tulips, which is simple in its design while an iris or three in a vase can be eye catching due to their unique look.

While on the subject of iris and tulips, these flowers, as well as hyacinths, are bulb plants and when given or received as a potted plant can provide years of enjoyment if they are planted outside once they have bloomed out.

I hear too often of people discarding the bulbs instead of planting them in the ground due to their busy schedule...etc. With the many different colors of hyacinths such as I have in my yard, and daffodils, tulips as well as other flowering plants, It truly makes a show.

For those of you looking for that larger, more grand, statement the forsythia or spirea is an excellent choice. The forsythia with its yellow blossoms on the stem in a tall container/vase is great for filling that large area. I have used it numerous times for church arrangements.

Come back tomorrow for Part Two!
 

Today's post is from expert florist Gerard Toh, AIFD.



In addition to being Teleflora’s Educational Specialist/Industry Relations, Mr. Toh serves as:

*Creative Director, Sherman Oaks Florist, http://www.shermanoaksflorist.com/;  

*Creative Director, Human Resources, Century City Flower Mart, http://www.centurycityflowermart.com/;  

*Special Projects Art Director, Bride and Bloom magazine, http://www.thebrideandbloom.com/.  


Last week, my partner and I decided to make a trip up the coast to San Francisco for a design workshop. We went up Interstate 5, which took us into the agricultural heartland of this state. I expected to see the usual deserts, ranches, farms and of course the huge herds of cows corralled close to the freeway.

It is always such an experience driving through the cow zone. We try to go as quickly as possible, holding our noses to no avail as the waft of stench from accumulated dung creeps into the vents of the supposedly air-tight car. We laugh giddily, wildly, trying not to gulp large doses of that foul air. Fun times!!

What I didn’t expect was that all the fruit trees were in bloom. It’s not that I haven’t seen a peach, apple or cherry tree in blossom but to see thousands of them was intense. Set in rows and rows, and grouped in varieties blooming in shades of blush white to hot pink, we went through hundreds of miles of them. Some of the farms came right up to the highway and I could see each tree and the way they lined up, packed with color.

The aisles too were covered with fallen blossoms and from afar it looked like snow on the ground. It was surreal. I can only imagine how it would be to walk among these trees or, better yet, can you imagine having a wedding there? Walking down the tree-lined aisle, peppered with blossoms, and having reception tables lit by tons of hanging paper lanterns. As a famous interior designer on HGTV puts it, "How Divine!"

Visit your local florist for blossoming branches this time of year. Just a few branches in a simple tall vase are enough to brighten any room. For a party feel, cut out butterflies from colored card stock and hang from the branches with thin ribbon for an added accent.

Spring is also the time for spring cleaning, not only for my house but my workplace as well. It's great to reuse old containers in a creative way instead of throwing them out. Tin cans stripped of their paper labels and painted with a solid color (see below) create a makeshift herb garden for the kitchen.



For more color, cover them in wallpaper discards or just place them in different sizes of brown bags and singe them with some raffia. Place the grouping on a windowsill in the kitchen and you will have an instant herb garden.

Old jelly jars are another source of containers for flowers. Place them between two twigs and tied with twine. Filled with flowers, they will exude an air of farmhouse charm. Flower shops always have some sort of specials going on in spring. Tulips will be in bloom soon and the daffodils are following closely so check them out periodically.

Friends of ours are planning to get married in their yard and they decided to line vintage bottles down the reception table. The small intimate party of twenty will be sitting down to a long table set with these vintage bottles. We are planning to put California poppies and feverfew in each of them.

I suggested putting a runner of sod first and then the bottles on the grass. Small votives on the table, some tied with ribbons and hung from the orange trees in the yard, will provide a magical glow for the evening’s festivities.

If you want a more sophisticated look, use old plastic containers from past take-home meals and place them in wood boxes covered in beautiful fabric. Check out the ones from http://www.thebrideandbloom.com/. Depending on the style of boxes, heap mounds of mood moss on the table for a natural look or glass beads for an urban chic feel.

To decorate an Easter table, use old lamp stands or candle sticks as risers for egg-shaped orbs of green, white or lavender button mums, each accented with butterflies made from feathers. Or cover old bottles with a mosaic of egg shells and set several on a table with stems of yellow Asiatic lilies.

Accent the table with more eggs tinted with various colors, set on a bed of colorful shredded paper. For even more color, use polka-dot ribbon to tie onto each chair. Then dangle colored eggs off the ends as tassels.

Whether you are planning a party to celebrate a wedding or just to celebrate spring, recycling is good for the planet, good for your pocketbook and just plain good fun.
 

Today's post is from expert florist Gerard Toh, AIFD.



In addition to being Teleflora’s Educational Specialist/Industry Relations, Mr. Toh serves as:

*Creative Director, Sherman Oaks Florist, http://www.shermanoaksflorist.com/;  

*Creative Director, Human Resources, Century City Flower Mart, http://www.centurycityflowermart.com/;  

*Special Projects Art Director, Bride and Bloom magazine, http://www.thebrideandbloom.com/.  

One cold spring day, I walked out to a gray and wet world. It was raining and the skies were clouded. It was not a day to go outside. I turned back into my warm and cozy house. Here is where we have surrounded ourselves with things that bring us joy and comfort. Here is also where we surround ourselves with perpetual color.

Ever since man discovered the element of color and could put it on a cave wall we have been fascinated and enthralled with it. Color literally covers our world. The pairing of different colors from analogous, complementary and triadic mixes drives our fashion and decorative-arts industries.

The eighties saw mauve and gray. Lately it has been brown and blue. Earth-conscious eco chic has brought us green, which is the new brown, which is the new black. It is always changing to suit our insatiable appetite for something new. Today, color trends move even faster since Generation X and Y are incredible consumers of change.

Purple has seen a resurgence of popularity in contemporary floral design.

In the world of flower design, this is true too. Contemporary color mixes that are popular today include hot pink and tangerine with pops of apple green, and light blues, creams and gold. Even purples are making a comeback. For containers, metallic is in; this time in mixes, like gold and silver, brush chrome and gunmetal.

Cheerful mixes can include almost every color of the rainbow. An arrangement of red, orange and yellow gerbera highlighted with hot pink mini gerberas looks hip and young set in an acid green cylinder.

I also like to make arrangements with even more color but limit the shapes so that it is more cohesive visually. For example, I would use a bunch of gerberas in red, orange and yellow with purple anemones and hot pink matsumoto asters thrusting out from a base of deep purple/blue hydrangeas tucked in tight.

This arrangement would look great in a low cylinder wrapped in several layers of matching ribbon to create a rainbow of stripes. This would work well for a kid’s party. Grouped in threes and set in taller cylinders, this color pairing would be incredible for a spring or summer wedding, especially arranged on an equally bright solid-colored tablecloth.

As floral artists start experimenting with other elements to complement flowers, we are turning more to containers in myriad forms and materials. Color mixes can be simple to achieve with just a few flowers.

Try floating blue and red anemones in a grouping of porcelain bowls in red and blue. Alternate the colors and place them in a line down a long dining table for an informal look. Gerberas work well for this setting too.

The carnation, with all its color choices, look great made into orbs and placed in glass cylinders of different, staggered heights. When lit by small votives on a mantle or entrance console, they make an incredible impact.

As floral artists, we are paying more attention to the overall site where flowers are placed too. We would consider the color of the wall or adjacent drapery. Red gladiolus in full bloom collared with white hydrangea in a metallic gray vase looks great against a gray-and-black striped wall.

Pink protea is an excellent choice to anchor an arrangement. Here, it's paired with red roses and river bamboo.

Pink anthurium spraying to one side anchored with pink protea and artistically placed in several tall glass cylinders or matched ginger jars are contemporary and cutting edge against a bright apple-green wall. Tall white callas in tall white slender ceramic cylinders against a gloss white wall accented with white vinyl drapes on a glass and chrome table are sophisticated and ethereal all at once!

Like notes of music, the colors of the rainbow are also limited to a specific number. Yet like the incredible range of different types of music that can be created by musicians, floral artists can be just as creative with colors in flowers. I am passionate about flowers and truly I have found that I can color my world with them.
 

Today's post is from expert florist Gerard Toh, AIFD.



In addition to being Teleflora’s Educational Specialist/Industry Relations, Mr. Toh serves as:

*Creative Director, Sherman Oaks Florist, http://www.shermanoaksflorist.com/;  

*Creative Director, Human Resources, Century City Flower Mart, http://www.centurycityflowermart.com/;  

*Special Projects Art Director, Bride and Bloom magazine, http://www.thebrideandbloom.com/.  

Weeds!! I see the rascals poke their thin green spikes up from the ground. Peeking up from cracks in the pavement, pushing sideways from under a rock or just filling the still-dormant flowerbeds.

Spring has come early to my California home and, I am sure, to the envy of my many friends who live in regions still either shrouded in snow or blown by bone-chilling wind and rain. When I first bought my home, I used to love the look of these weeds. There were so many varieties that they covered my humble patch of yard. It is fascinating to get down close and really look at them.

Their placement in relation to each other really is an arrangement designed by the great visionary and Creator. In our hurried times, fraught with issues of economic uncertainty and climate threatened to global proportions, we are turning to the earth, looking for the comfort of a less troubled past.

Weeds indeed are such an extension of our longing for this simpler time. I have seen this developed in all facets of design, like Lalique’s bucolic collection. In the floral design field, wild flowers are making a comeback.



After all, what are weeds but wild flowers before the advent of the overly cultivated garden? Instead of that compact cluster of monochromatic, mono-botanical humdrum, the look is now an exuberant mix of colors and textures.

The tight geometric form is giving way to a dimensional and casual arrangement of an exotic assortment of flowers and greenery. Yes, greenery. I love the look of some leaves peeking out of a cluster or some errant vines trailing out from the bunch. It is such a natural look. I see it more and more in magazines as designers take the eco hint and pour on the innocence of the flower-child hippy era.

Grandma’s vintage flowers are also making a comeback. Clover, pansies, even bachelor buttons, are appearing in the mix as bridal bouquets loosen up and even open up more with spike flowers like belladonna delphinium/larkspur.



The greenery is homier too, continuing with the vintage garden look of geraniums and herbs like rosemary, thyme and mint all mixed in with that just-picked-from-the- garden look. Stores like anthropologie and urban outfitters are capitalizing on that look. Indeed, we could do with something that invokes the comfort of trouble-free memories.

Ordering flowers from local growers and designing with a “local” style so to speak will support a neighborhood economy and also lessen the carbon footprint on transportation. Finally, we are home sweet home.

 

Today's post is from expert florist Tim Farrell of Farrell’s Florist in Drexel Hill, PA, www.farrellsflorist.com.  



Want your party to be an event that all of your guests will remember? Just add the right flowers. Your local florist can create beautiful bouquets to elaborate on a theme, complement any décor, or just add a fun-filled sense of creativity and beauty to an evening of fun and friends.

Want to transfer your space into a tropical paradise? Try adding just a few blooms to an carved wood vase. Stems of heliconia or anthurium are bright in color and unusual in form and you only need a few combined with one or two beautifully patterned leaves to create a dynamic arrangement. Pour a bit of sand and a few shells at the base of your design and you are all set for some Jimmy Buffet music!

You can easily create an Arabian Nights theme on your table by scattering multicolored silk scarves across your table and adding in an arrangement of intensely toned flowers. Look for velvety red roses (I personally recommend a variety called “Charlotte”) and pair them with purple lisianthus and orange Mokara orchids. The bold colors lend themselves to a feeling of opulence. Dim the lights and place about a dozen or so candles on the table and you have a setting fit for Rudolph Valentino.

Another fun party could be themed around the four seasons! You can accent one room with an arrangement consisting of sunflowers and lemons. Lay out many pairs of sunglasses and have guests wear them as long as they are in that room. In another room, scatter artificial fall leaves on a table and group different sized pumpkins around vases of orange lilies.

Have your guest sport Halloween masks as long as they are gathered in this place. Feature winter in a third room with vases of all white flowers like larkspur or stock, nestled these vases in mounds of ice cream salt…..it looks just like crushed ice….but no mess. Mittens are a must when you enter this room!

Lastly, group bunches of tulips, iris and daffodils in clay pots throughout your spring room. Fun old-fashioned Easter bonnets could be available for the women, and you can keep the guys happy with an assortment of baseball caps to celebrate the onset of spring training! Whatever your theme……your local florist will most likely be able to come up with a creative suggestion to make your party memorable.

 

Today's post is from expert florist Tim Farrell of Farrell’s Florist in Drexel Hill, PA, http://www.farrellsflorist.com/.  



As we approach the beginning of spring, we begin to see the lineup of fundraisers pop up on the calendar. Usually themed events, socials provide a fun night out for guests, while at the same time raise much needed funds for various charities. The most popular themes in recent years are, hands down, “Red Carpet” events.

It seems like, in today’s casual world, everybody is looking for an excuse to get dressed up and you can really pull out all the stops for an Oscar Party.

Flowers are probably one of the most versatile elements used to lend glamour to any party. Endless combinations of colors and textures can be achieved with skillful and guided choices by your local florist.

If you are after a look reminiscent of old Hollywood, opulent arrays of beautiful orchids and roses in tall vases will fit the bill. Why not make your own red carpet of rose petals across a buffet table? Using rose petals to make a “table runner” is a beautiful addition to any table. And because roses are available in so many stunning shades, any décor can be complemented.

Callas (above) always look lovely at parties and and mini callas make stunning boutonnières.

Another retro trend that would be a fun party idea would be to have trays of beautiful blooms available for your guests to pin on or add into their hair. Gardenias are wonderfully fragrant and elegant to wear. Mini callas and dendrobium orchids make simple but stunning boutonnières. Even gladiola blooms picked off the stems are easily pinned and will certainly last the evening.

Whatever your event, make sure to include flowers as an important part of the planning process. Just the presence of beautiful arrangements at your fundraiser will lend to the success of the evening. There is an old adage which says “to be successful, you must look successful.” And flowers are the perfect place to start!
 

Today's post is from expert florist Tim Farrell of Farrell’s Florist in Drexel Hill, PA, http://www.farrellsflorist.com/.



Oscar parties seem to be all the rage this time of year. Many of our clients are having their own night of glamour and dreams as they gather to watch the winners of the Academy Awards each year. In keeping with the true Hollywood feeling of opulence and luxury, flowers are becoming more and more important at these parties.

The most popular themes we are seeing are those requesting all white flowers. Some are even more specific: looking for Art Deco-inspired designs. To achieve this, we are coordinating sleek ceramic and metal containers with flowers such as callas, peonies and tuberose.

Other options include combinations of hybrid white lilies in varieties like Siberia or Casa Blanca. There are also some beautiful orchid sprays that also fit in nicely. White Phaleanopsis sprays are breathtaking by themselves in a vase.

More economical orchids include members of the dendrobium family … smaller flowers on stems usually about 12” to 18” in length. My personal favorite at the moment is a variety known as “Liberty”. It is a white bloom with chartreuse-green markings and is very stunning. One more simple but elegant look is that in which bunches of long slender French Tulips are casually placed in a tall vase and allowed to gracefully “fall as they may.”

Quite often, red becomes the dominant color for flowers at Oscar parties. Those choosing to go the red carpet route follow through with blooms in shades ranging from raspberry through burgundy. Red tulips, carnations, roses and alstromeria are the obvious choices.

But why not consider a few less predictable choices and impress your guests with flowers like amaryllis, ranunculus, anemones and gerbers. There are also some tropical flowers in vibrant reds that are quite eye catching. Try pairing red ginger with scarlet-colored anthuriums or ruby-colored heliconia.

One last tip: Why not have a single flower to present to each guest attending the party? Who wouldn’t feel like a star carrying a beautiful rose during the party?

Whatever your theme, make sure flowers play a starring role. Who knows ... you might even be nominated for “Best Host or Hostess.”
 

All year long I've had white flowers on the brain.

Turns out, so do the trend forecasters.

According to Rebecca Cole, a New York City floral and interior designer, on About Flowers aboutflowers.com: "A palette of white and silver adds elegance to a holiday table and is expected to be a popular color scheme for the upcoming holiday season."

White is often associated with purity and innocence, but it also conveys the simplicity and confidence of true chic. And of course it mixes perfectly with what you already have, especially red and green.

Additionally, white flowers are an excellent choice if you are giving flowers for Hanukkah, which starts Sunday, Dec. 21.

Aaah, gardenias, lily of the valley, white roses, hydrangea, calla lilies ... all have their own unique variations and tones of white. Vincent Van Gogh once said there are no less than 80 shades of black. I'll be the same is true of white.

Read more about Christmas floral trends at: http://aboutflowers.com/holidays_b11.html.  

Flower Fact of the Day: The lily gets its name from the Greek word “leiron” (referring to the white Madonna lily). The Greeks believed it sprouted from the milk of Hera, the queen of the gods.
 

Need to decorate in a hurry? Just pick a theme.

“Look at how many weddings are themed,” says Carol Caggiano, freelance floral designer, AIFD, PFCI. “Beaches or seashores – places you enjoyed visiting – or things you love. Bring that into your floral decorating with color and a few representative elements. Christmas is definitely a time to be eclectic.”

For example, it’s easy to add a fiesta flair to Christmas by using bright vases and calla lilies. Then add chili peppers to your tree, wreath or floral arrangements. Bright chunky candlesticks and some fresh greenery can also play into that theme.

And she points out: If you have souvenirs from a trip, you won’t have to buy anything new.

Combine red, black and green for a Moulin Rouge/Parisian vibe. Red carnations and green button mums pair well with strings of sparkling holiday lights, which come in all kinds of fun shapes. Accent with shiny black ribbons.

Teleflora's Island Blooms adds sleek chic to your decor.

Tropical Christmas? A bottom layer of shells or stones adds depth to your flower arrangements. Trendy gardeners know that lush, exotic plants like bougainvillea, bananas and angel’s trumpet are increasingly being grown in colder climates. So, choose from your garden if you can; otherwise just stick with bright floral colors.

Asian/contemporary: At a time when many of us are cutting back, the simplicity of Asian design is particularly appealing. Try grouping mums in Chinese take-out containers (you can buy from restaurants and they’re fun for kids to decorate) and displaying a few lanterns. Then add an arrangement from Teleflora’s Zen line and you’ll really change the look of a room.

As Carol always says, the idea is to have fun and be creative!

Flower Fact of the Day: Are you a flower fan who loves to read? Then be sure to check out Anne Raver’s roundup of garden books in the New York Times: nytimes.com/2008/12/11/garden/11garden.html.  
 

There’s a lot to love about Thanksgiving.

Counting blessings. Not counting calories. Being with family and friends. The chance to decorate and create a look all your own.

No matter how you celebrate, you might be in need of some easy and elegant ways to use flowers this Thursday and beyond.

With that in mind, I turned to Carol Caggiano, freelance floral designer, AIFD, PFCI, for help with creating festive floral decorations that adapt easily from one season to the next.

• If your budget is tight, stick with mums, carnations or stock. If you have a bit more to spend, tulips, amaryllis, orchids or calla lilies are terrific choices.

Whatever you choose, instead of one big centerpiece, cluster several smaller vases of simple flowers down the center of the table.

For Thanksgiving, try orange-tone calla lilies paired with burgundy hydrangea and red hypericum berries, accented with salal (see below). For Christmas or Hanukkah, try white mini callas with hypericum. Red tulips with lavender heather is a fun combination. Or what about hot pink roses and seeded eucalyptus?

• Bowls and baskets are easy ways to transition from fall to winter. Fill these containers with mini-pumpkins or gourds for Thursday. If you don’t want to buy a lot of produce, fill the containers with a base of sticks (no need to buy, just step outside) and place the pumpkins on top. Using the sticks as a bed will make it look like the whole thing is filled.

Then, next week, replace pumpkins with apples and/or pomegranates. Tuck in some evergreen sprays, pinecones or holly. Tie some shiny ribbon around to make it even more festive.

• Decorative birds, butterflies, ornaments and ceramic eggs also can top baskets and bowls. Accent with bud vases of a single flower or votive candles. A tapered square vase is a great way to make an impact because you don’t need a lot of flowers to fill it.

• Running out of space in the kitchen? If it’s above freezing in your garage, store your flowers there until you are ready to arrange them.

• Running out time? Contact your Teleflora florist today. He/she can help you select the perfect flowers to do your turkey proud!

Happy Thanksgiving.

Flower Fact of the Day: Do your outdoor flower boxes need a face-lift for the winter season? The Oregonian newspaper features some great tips at: http://blog.oregonlive.com/homesandgardens/2008/11/perk_up_
outdoor_flower_boxes.html.  
 

Yesterday I wrote the first installment of creating a special floral touch at birthday and anniversary parties.

Today I'm sharing some more.

As you read, remember these key tips: 1)Think about the person or people that you’ll be honoring and what theme, colors or mood best reflects their personalities. 2) Party planning may seem overwhelming, but you don’t need to do a lot to make an impact – it’s more important to get creative and have fun.

Yellow roses are one of two traditional flowers for the 50th wedding anniversary. The second flower? Iris.

Here are the rest of my suggestions.

• Use an ice ring with edible flowers for the punch bowl.

• Make a floral cake or cupcakes (made from flowers and floral foam) next to the real desserts.

• Want a groovy vibe for a 50th b’day party? Fill clear glass containers with 1.5 to 2 gallons of red, orange and lime JELL-O. While the mixture is still liquid, insert flower stems, leaving the petals just above the rim. Surround the containers with clear votive candles.

• For a big party: In addition to adorning the buffet area and individual tables, flowers look pretty next to the guest sign-in book and seating-assignment cards, perhaps blended with a collection of photos.

• Once you’ve had a bouquet of roses for a week or so, the petals will fall off easily, just shake the stems. Then you can dry them and fill containers to add a burst of bright color anywhere you desire. This can be done weeks in advance of your event.

• Unless it’s a surprise party, a lovely gesture is for the guest(s) of honor to write each guest a brief note, describing a treasured memory or fun time. Put the notes at the place setting or attach to the slip of paper indicating table number. Of course, this needs to be done in advance!

Flower Fact of the Day: Here's an entertaining tip from event planner and author Rena Sindi, as reported in November's Allure magazine. allure.com. "I mix purple hydrangeas with forest green hydrangeas for my parties." A top spot to hold parties? Swifty's in NYC.
 

As the holidays approach, many of us will relish the opportunity to decorate and make our homes festive. And I look forward to sharing flower décor tips in the upcoming weeks. But first, what about birthday and anniversary parties that call for a special touch?

This is the perfect time of year to make a statement with flowers and plants. Two key tips: 1)Think about the person or people that you’ll be honoring and what theme, colors or mood best reflects their personalities. 2) Party planning may seem overwhelming, but you don’t need to do a lot to make an impact – it’s more important to get creative and have fun.

Orchids are the traditional flower for the 14th wedding anniversary, but these are elegant enough for any occasion.

Here are some suggestions to get you started.

• If you know that the guest(s) of honor has a favorite flower, incorporate it into the invitations, then feature that flower in unexpected ways at the party – say filling martini glasses with individual blossoms.

• Use curly willow to make quick and easy arrangements. Use three or four branches in a low bowl or a cylinder filled halfway with small pieces of frosted glass.

• To add a little glitz, say for a silver or golden wedding anniversary, spray the willow (or other branch) with silver or gold paint and use floral glue to attach small crystals to branches.

• You could also hang crystals from the branches with ribbon. At the opening of the vase, add a “collar” of hydrangea or carnations.

• Or try filling a ceramic pot with curly willow and Algerian or English ivy overflowing at the base. Hang party favors from the branches.

Come back tomorrow for more party tips.

Flower Fact of the Day: Always give your party flowers a water source to keep them looking their best.
 

Whoever wins the next presidential election will definitely have a huge job on his hands and fixing the economy is a top priority.

It’s hard to turn on the news or read a paper without being reminded of the economic downturn.

So it’s not surprising that consumers are taking a less-is-more approach to lots of purchases, including flower buying.

Take casual parties, for example. Since the all-perfect, all-matching look is out anyway, we’re seeing a move toward using monochromatic (all one color) flowers or monobotanic (same flower, different colors) in several simple mismatched containers instead of big mixed centerpieces.

And as for what the containers are made from, rustic materials rule. Try ceramic jars and pots or textured glass in darker tones like brown, burnt orange and violet. Clear glass is best left to spring and summer.

Teleflora's Williamsburg Golden Pitcher is a great example of the vintage trend. And if you buy it, you'll be entered in an exclusive sweepstakes. For details, go to: teleflora.com/williamsburg.asp.  

And a personal touch is taking on a whole new meaning. Tom Simmons, president of Three Bunch Palms Productions threebunchpalmsproductions.com  in Palm Springs, CA, puts it this way: “There’s a movement toward vintage looks, especially in terms of containers, such as an antique pitcher or your great grandmother’s china pieces.

Simmons says he’s also seen a vintage butterfly brooch pop up in a bouquet as well as a maid of honor’s longtime collection of decorative bumblebees adorning a small tree of hanging place cards at her sister’s wedding.

“It’s personal and at the same time it’s comforting,” Simmons says. “People tend to be drawn toward that comfort. It’s a soothing, homey atmosphere without being generic.”

So the next time you’re entertaining with flowers, take a quick trip down memory road for your inspiration.

Who doesn’t need a little comfort right about now?

Flower Fact of the Day: I was glad to see that I’m not the only one who sees the cool side of chrysanthemums. Financial Times weekend columnist Robin Lane Fox recently wrote about the pleasures of this flower: http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/e49233f0-959a-11dd-aedd-000077b07658,s01=1.html?nclick_check=1.  
 

Halloween lets you tap your creativity in so many ways it's scary! :)

But really, what other time of the year can you change your identity completely and not feel guilty stocking up on candy?

Closer to the day, I'll post a picture of one of my favorite Halloween costumes; feel free to borrow the idea. Hint: Think Hitchcock.

It's a great time to get festive with flowers and the fall harvest. Buy a few extra pumpkins in various sizes to use as natural vases. Floral foam will let your flowers drink and you can also paint some of the pumpkins black or get fancy and choose a metallic like gold or bronze.

Carnations work well in holiday arrangements because they last and last. And they're easy on your wallet. Hydrangea is another great floral choice because you can make a big impact with only a few stems. For a high-end, elegant look, try calla lilies. The arrangement below uses roses, lilies and mums. And I love the draping amaranthus!

Over the weekend, three friends of mine, all men, told me that they’d love to get flowers as a gift. One’s a gardener so that wasn’t a shock. The other said he puts flowers on his desk the first day of starting a work project because the bouquet helps him focus. The third liked the novelty of it.

Whether birthday, anniversary or no reason at all (my favorite reason), you can be sure you’re giving a unique and memorable gift.

With that in mind, I’ve made a list of the top 5 fall flowers (because they’re in peak season, prices should be very reasonable) and checked it against the wedding anniversary list.

If you’ve sent flowers to men, I’d love to hear about the experience. Drop me a note and tell me about it.

Carnation
A classic fall flower that will look good for up to two weeks, carnations are stunning or their own or mixed with other blooms. Carnations are the flower for couples celebrating their 1st anniversary.

Sunflowers
Not ready for fall? Keep the summer vibe going with cheerful yet regal sunflowers. Long-lasting and easy to care for, these blooms symbolize loyalty. Sunflowers are the 3rd anniversary flower.

Hydrangea
I love the full, lush look of hydrangea, especially white. And in the language of flowers, they represent praise and appreciation. Hydrangeas are the 4th anniversary flower.

Callas
Callas are one of this fall’s most popular flowers. Their prices have fallen and they come in cool colors galore. Callas are the 6th anniversary flower.

Chrysanthemums
Long associated with abundance and loveliness, the chrysanthemum is also a symbol for fidelity. Chrysanthemums are the 13th anniversary flower.

Also great for men, but not specific to the fall season are:

Bird of Paradise
Sometimes called the Crane flower, the sleek, striking bloom radiates strength and vigor. BoP is the 9th wedding anniversary flower.

Orchids
Anyone with an eye for beauty will appreciate an orchid. Despite their high-maintenance reputation, orchids are robust and hardy. They’re the 14th anniversary flower.

Rose
The ultimate romance flower, your man will be impressed. After all, they’ve worked for famous couples ever since the days of Cleopatra and Mark Antony. They’re the 15th anniversary flower.

Daisy
Who doesn’t love a daisy? No man or woman I know. Perfect for a friend, boyfriend, husband, uncle, father, grandfather, cousin, boss, colleague … you get the idea. They’re the 5th anniversary flower.

Flower Fact of the Day: The tradition of picking a flower’s petals to determine if “he loves me” (or not) began in Victorian times using daisies.
 

Hayrides, harvest time, Halloween. Fall is a season that’s full of delight, particularly if you live in an area where the trees are changing color.

The rest of us will have to settle for mixing up the color in our vases and baskets of flowers.

“Customers are being more adventurous about color,” says Tim Farrell of Farrell’s Florist in Drexel Hill, PA, farrellsflorist.com. “Whereas the traditional fall palette is heavy on oranges, browns and golds, now people want something a little different. They like unexpected colors, like hot pink or lime green, as accents in fall bouquets.

“We’re also seeing a huge demand for rich hues like burgundy, dark blue and raspberry.”

Flowers in shades of blue and yellow work to transition an arrangement from summer to fall.

Also important, of course, is look and feel. As for the latter, leaves, berries and seed pods as well as wild flowers like solidago (goldenrod) and Queen Anne’s Lace are great ways to add texture to your fall flower decor.

And clean simple lines have come to the fore. As Tim puts it: “We’re moving away from very tight groups of flowers to something that looks more like it was just cut out of a field.”

When it comes to gifts, wreaths and plants are sure-fire ways for both giver and sender to feel festive. Also popular now as a hostess gift is a casual vase of flowers to pop on a kitchen island, rather than a formal centerpiece, as a special treat for the chef.

Mums, sunflowers and carnations are always good bets in autumn, but Tim says orchids and calla lilies are elegant, modern alternatives. And don’t be deceived by an orchid’s delicate look. In fact, it’s a strong and hardy bloom.

As for vases, Tim suggests looking for metal containers with interesting patinas, such as copper with a green patina or galvanized tin. Ceramic and stoneware are also good bets.

Flower Fact of the Day: Not up for buying a vase? Look in your cupboard. Bottles, champagne flutes, cups and bowls are fun, personal ways to display your floral creations.
 

The dahlia, a flower with blooming stamina, bridges the gap from summer to autumn. “Dahlias have been huge in early fall,” says Carol Caggiano, freelance floral designer AIFD, PFCI. “They’re available in oranges, maroons, burgundies, reddish-golds.”

Larger dahlias are terrific in floral arrangements because they have a little heft and they’re not flat. So, you can make a great impact with just one or two, balanced by hydrangea, perhaps, just above the lip of the vase; with taller blooms like roses or lilies in the center of the bouquet.

That said, remember that a larger dahlia’s petals won’t be quite as precise as the smaller varieties. After all, there are more than 50,000 varieties, with great variation in size.

 
Photo courtesy of the American Dahlia Society

To keep them looking their best, put dahlias in a clean vase with lots of water.

If you put water and food in the vase, change it every two days. With just water, change it every day.

Dahlias usually last about five days.

Flower Fact of the Day: You know how I’m always talking about flowers pairing well with food? Well, you’ll see that principle in action on the Food Network tonight at 10 p.m. ET/PT.

Chef Michael Symon has his work cut out for him as he hosts Dinner: Impossible. In the Mother's Day Madness episode, Michael’s challenge is to create a picnic-style meal for 150 mothers and their families, about 500 people total.

The venue is the International Mother's Day Shrine in Grafton, West Virginia. Teleflora hosted the event to celebrate the 100th Anniversary of Mother’s Day. Marie Ackerman, who runs Teleflora's Education Center in Oklahoma City, was on hand to help out.

If you miss it tonight, it airs again Sept. 20 and 21. For times, visit: foodnetwork.com/food/show_ie/episode/0,3151,FOOD_
28496_59321,00.html.
 

To do so, "berries, branches and leaves are at the top of the list," says Carol Caggiano, freelance floral designer AIFD, PFCI. "In some areas, like New England, the color and climate change. In other areas, like the Southwest, the weather doesn't change as much so it's more about creating a feeling of fall with rich color and texture."

And best of all, berries and branches and leaves easily lend themselves to cutting-edge floral design: more loosely structured bouquets and arrangements as opposed to the tightly packed look.

These are just a few of Carol's many terrific ideas and I look forward to sharing more in the next several days.

Flower Fact of the Day: Ever thought of using baby pineapple as a cut flower? Well, the creative folks at Apartment Therapy did. They combined this fruit that grows, flowerlike, from the ground with salmon-colored lisianthus and yellow freesia. Voila! Check it out at: apartmenttherapy.com/ny/planttherapy/planttherapy-baby-pineapple-as-a-cut-flower-061088.
 

If the idea of flower arranging intimidates you or your schedule is packed, just keep it simple.

Here are some tips to get you started. Remember, most florists sell loose-cut flowers in addition to hand-arranged bouquets and, if you stop by your local Teleflora shop, you’ll get a chance to tap your florist's expertise about the blooms you buy.

Complementary colors create floral drama. Above, larkspur and callas share the spotlight.

With the Fourth of July falling next Friday, you may soon find yourself entertaining out-of-towners. What better way to welcome them than with flowers? Now how did you know I was gonna say that? ;)

But seriously flowers have more to offer than just the fact that they’re easy on the eyes. If you haven’t had time to get those new curtains or repaint the bathroom, put a fun summer bouquet in the room and no one will notice!

“It’s a quick way to spot-decorate when you’re having company,” says Marie Ackerman, who runs Teleflora's Education Center in Oklahoma City. “Put some flowers in the guests’ room and in their bathroom and they’ll really feel special. It doesn’t cost much and it really makes a big impact. This is the perfect time of year to buy fresh flowers.”



Of course, red, white and blue flowers would be a natural. When you buy one of Teleflora's 12 patriotic bouquets, Teleflora will donate 10% of the purchase price to the Injured Marine Semper Fi Fund. This non-profit organization has provided more than $21 million in assistance to our nation’s wounded heroes and families. The partnership will continue through the end of the year.

Or go for something more exotic.

Marie suggests long-lasting tropicals like pin-cushion protea or orchids of any type. Another option is to select some simple foliage: an arrangement of simple but striking leaves, say, or a vase of three split-leaf philodendron. Like tropicals, they’re long lasting and will make a strong visual impact.

Flower Fact of the Day: Vancouver, B.C. will host the first-ever World Rose Convention in June, 2009. To find out more, visit: worldrose-vancouver2009.com.
 

   x17online.com photo

Yesterday I wrote about Nicole Richie wearing flower frocks two nights in a row at high-profile events. Today I saw that Paris Hilton was all about flowers on a recent outing in NYC. Or should I say, the flowers were all about her -- literally wrapped around her head.

Paris and boyfriend Benji Madden were out on the town Thursday. See more pix at: http://x17online.com/celebrities/paris_hilton/paris_hilton_flower_child-06202008.php.

I think she looks great, though somehow I don't think I could carry off this look myself. How about you?

Meanwhile, Charlize Theron sported a terrific floral look while promoting her new movie, "Hancock," co-starring Will Smith, at the Moscow International Film Festival, as reported on people.com.

Misha Japaridze/ AP photo

Flower Fact of the Day: There are 50,000 named varieties of dahlias, a great summer flower. Stop by next week when I'll be sharing info more on dahlias, gleaned from the American Dahlia Society.
 

Want to update your wardrobe in a flash? Just add flowers. Blossoms and blooms are everywhere: blouses, shoes, hats, purses. Today's Hellomagazine.com highlighted Nicole Richie's floral fashion choices, two nights in a row.

On Tuesday night, Nicole hit the red carpet at a movie event in a cornflower blue gown with roses and mums. Tres chic! Attending a Cartier party on Wednesday, she opted for a yellow satin dress adorned with petals. Read the full report and decide which look you like best at: hellomagazine.com/fashion/2008/06/19/nicole-flower-dress.

• Meanwhile, actress Rachel Bilson of "The O.C." fame was recently quoted as saying that her mother always taught her to ask a flower's permission before picking it: http://justjared.buzznet.com/2008/06/15/rachel-bilson-flower-formalities. "I try to be as green as I can," she said.

• Perhaps not famous yet but trying out a fantastic idea is Jennifer Haf of Charlevoix, Mich., who debuts an open-air flower stand, Bloom Unique Floral Creations, on Saturday at the Rose Cottage in downtown Charlevoix. I love this pic! Read more at: charlevoixcourier.com/articles/2008/06/19/business/doc
48590974b3172493322316.txt.



Flower Fact of the Day: Lilacs are low-maintenance shrubs and can offer good summer shade. Check out more tips at: helpfulgardener.com/lilacs/03.  
 

From spring runways to “Sex and the City,” flowers have been popping up in jewelry, shoes, bags, belts, fragrance, cosmetics, and, of course, clothes.

Just ask ex-Beatle Paul McCartney, who was recently snapped sporting a multi-colored floral print shirt as he strolled down a sunny street in London. Shades, jeans and a jacket over his shoulder completed the casual look.

To read more, visit: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-1022544/Loved-Paul-McCartney-goes-psychedelic-era-flower-power-shirt.html.

That said, McCartney's blooms are no match for the outrageous flower hats seen in advance of the Royal Ascot races in Berkshire, England: http://gouk.about.com/od/whatsoninma1/ig/Ladies--Day-Hats--Royal-Ascot/Flower-hats.htm.
  Steve Finn/Getty Images

Meanwhile, longtime flower fan Prince Charles reportedly has a full-time staffer dedicated to creating beautiful bouquets. According to the Daily Mail: Sarah Champier-Lowe has been the prince’s florist for 10 years. Although her salary is secret, insiders estimate it in the range of 30,000 pounds/year.

Her favorite blooms: roses, tulips, delphinium, lavender, and monk’s hood, many of which are plucked from royal gardens.

For the full story, visit: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1021662/Charless-30-000-time-flower-girl.html.  

Flower Fact of the Day: Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother, was also a flower lover. Her favorite blossom: Camellia.
 

If you’re having friends/family over this weekend or on Monday to celebrate St. Patrick's Day and find that you’re crunched for time, here are some fast and fun ways to perk up your party plans.

A flash of flowers. The good news is that a green-and-white color scheme is a given. And any dining area will look great in a flash with fresh flowers. The staff at Edelweiss Flower Boutique in Santa Monica edelweissflower.com have been selling floral centerpieces featuring flowers that you might not immediately think of for St. Pat’s: hydrangea, viburnum (similar to hydrangea but smaller), freesia, ranunculus, roses, snapdragon and calla lilies.

They also report that button mums and spider mums as well as mint-green carnations are popular, especially among younger customers. Additionally, metallic accents can give a bouquet a fresh, fun twist. 

View Teleflora's online offerings at teleflora.com/category.asp?rcid=92512.

Lucky cards. Shamrock plants are darling and not very expensive. A four-inch plant costs about $5. Just add paper labels and you’ve got living, breathing placecard holders that your guests can take home as party favors. Or if it’s buffet style, the labels can point out what kind of food is in each dish.

Little bursts of beauty. In addition to your floral centerpiece, ask your florist for some extra blooms so that you can perk up bathrooms, coffee tables and kitchen nooks with flowers. Don’t worry about vases – display them in teapots and cups, or beer mugs.

Sure-fire ice-breaker. Make mistletoe blarney. After all, kissing the stone is a tradition. Use green ribbon to suspend small stones from various doorways and archways. Make a few for various entryways. Anyone caught under the blarney stones must kiss. Time permitting, kids love making anything – stones, shamrocks, flowers – out of papier-mâché, then decorating with poster paint.

Easy eats. The menu could be as simple as spinach dip, corned-beef sandwiches, potato chips, shamrock cookies, and an assortment of cheese with soda bread. It’s actually pretty easy to make and can be made ahead of time. Note: If anyone tells you your bread works better as a blarney stone, make this person drink green beer!

Got a great idea? Send your favorite St. Pat's party tip to Flower Blog and I'll post it on Monday.
 

This week, I’ve been blogging about brides, blooms and what’s trendy. So it was very cool when a colleague of mine in Online Marketing shared some of her ideas that added a fresh spin on the trends. Her wedding was last November at Green Pastures in Austin, Texas.

Flowers were from The Flower Studio, cobyneal.com.

Mono-botanic bouquets
As she explains: “My maid of honor carried a bouquet that had five types of green flowers. Each of the other bridesmaids carried a mono-botanical bouquet that included one of the flower types in the maid of honor’s bouquet.

“Each girl got to pick her own dress and her own flower type. This gave them a bit more individuality and made it more fun to see each of the girls walk down the aisle.”


 




Flowers set a mood both rustic and romantic
“We got married under some oak trees and
hung kissing balls and candles from the trees.”




Varying centerpieces at reception / Mono-color flowers
“Rather than having one type of centerpiece in our main dining room, we had the florist come up with a different arrangement for each table. We didn't have assigned seating, but guests later reported that it was fun to pick their table based on the flower arrangements. It got people talking and walking around to different tables just to see the arrangements. We did all the arrangements inside in white and all outside stuff was in green.”




Breathing new life into an old idea
“We used baby’s breath (traditionally known as a filler flower and not liked by a lot of people) as the main flower for the buffet tables. Using a filler flower in an unexpected way created something unique.”




Simply elegant
“As part of the place setting at each table, we used a single galax leaf rather than a flower.”



Do you have great ideas for wedding flowers? If so send them in, with pix if possible.
 

Q How about the reception?
A Many brides are picking a theme or color and varying the decorations at each table – centerpieces with wreaths of flowers around a cluster of candles, flower arrangements in silver compotes, arrangements where the flowers are elevated and arranged in glass vases.

Q I’ve heard green/environmentally themes are popular.
A Another trend is green weddings. Brides are very interested in foliages, such as bear grass, and blooming or foliage potted plants for the reception area, such as orchids.

Weddings seem to be splitting pretty neatly into one of two types: very simple and scaled down or very elaborate and detail-oriented with flowers. The middle ground is disappearing. And it’s really more a question of personal taste, rather than being tagged to the budget or personality of the bride. A simple wedding does not mean a lower price-tag and vice versa.
 

With no more “Happy New Year!” greetings ringing in the air, it’s prime time for a case of the winter doldrums. Dull, gray, dreary, overcast, spring-can’t-come-too-soon weather. Did I mention gray and dreary?

I really don’t mean to be a downer. I’m lucky enough to live in a warm climate, so there’s no snow, not much wind and no scraping ice off my car windshield, like my friends and family do in the Midwest and East Coast. We get glorious, beautiful sun much more often than rain.

On the down side: Those rainy days, it gets dark early and, despite my best efforts, I can no longer justify drinking eggnog and eating copious amounts of cookies.

No matter how I look at it, January is just kind of blah. Anyone else share my pain? C’mon, unless you’re set to hit the ski slopes or, like my sister, you have a b’day, who really likes this month? Besides crossing off the days in my calendar, here are a few tricks that work for me.

Vary your routine: It doesn’t have to be anything major – take a new route home from work, try a new coffee shop, wear a color you don’t usually wear. Make plans (maybe a yoga class or your favorite thin-crust pizza spot) for a Monday night. It’s cool to have something to look forward to at the beginning of the week. Little changes make a difference and they’re stress-free.

Embrace cocooning: Since you’ll be inside more often, make your home as cozy and comfy as possible. Make sure you have enough pillows (I can never decide if I prefer foam or feather) and that you have a good wool blanket. I love to burn L’Occitane’s honey incense loccitane.com and sip a cup of tea. Mighty Leaf mightyleaf.com mint teas are excellent. Need I say, you’ve created a perfect spot to curl up with a good book?

Write a letter: Not an email, puhleeze! No, I mean a real, old-fashioned snail-mail production with thick white paper and a Sharpie fine point or writing implement of your choice. It’s really nice to have a break from computer screens and your recipient will be impressed with your retro charm.

Plan a getaway: It’s an oldie but a goodie. Well, that’s because it works. Pull out your calendar and pick somewhere warm or at least somewhere fun. Could be a week on the beach; could be a day trip, only an hour away. New scenery either way.

Wake up to flowers: This tip comes courtesy of Rebecca Cole, flower expert and author of “Flower Power” colecreates.com/pub_books.html. She keeps the winter blues at bay by keeping fresh flowers near her bed. “I absolutely hate my alarm clock,” she says. (My kind of gal.) So, she regularly fills a bud vase with at least three flowers and puts it near the dreaded clock. That way, instead of hitting snooze, she wakes up and smells the flowers – literally!

Two other strategic spots for flowers: By her toothbrush and by the coffee pot. Like eating right and getting exercise, she says, having fresh flowers on hand is another way she takes care of herself. It doesn’t take much effort and the mood boost is immediate.

Wish I’d thought of that. Rebecca, you rock!
 

I know people who live to decorate. It’s creative, it’s fun and people notice your work. Whether you’re almost done with the mistletoe or have just started thinking about it, here are some fresh ideas on using flowers to make special looks this season.

Smaller flower arrangements are practical and pretty
Many of us will be hosting holiday dinners and want to highlight a pretty table. Rather than one large floral centerpiece, use a collection of smaller flower arrangements.

“Group flowers in smaller containers and scatter them down the center of your table with candles in between,” explains Carol Caggiano, freelance floral designer, AIFD, PFCI. “It won’t take up as much room on the table as a big centerpiece does, but you’ll have flowers all along the table.”

This idea also works well for mantelpieces and coffee tables.

As for containers, the possibilities are endless. Try clay pots for a country look, glass cubes for sleek style or classic urns for a more formal feel. Vary the containers’ size, and unify your arrangement by keeping their color or material the same.

If you’re having more than one party, use the same containers and change the color of the flowers and candles.


Don’t forget the cook! And where guests always go …
Additionally, when you’re buying party flowers, don’t forget a bunch for the kitchen. “We spend so much time there,” says Caggiano. “It’s really important to have a small vase of fresh flowers for the person doing the work there.”

(What a great idea! Because you know that at any gathering, people just tend to congregate in the kitchen, no matter how many chairs and sofas you have elsewhere. Someday, I’ll figure that one out.)

Anyway, Caggiano also points out that bud vases with small, fragrant blossoms for guest bathrooms is a lovely touch. These flowers also pair nicely with candles.

A fresh touch, literally
As for Christmas garlands and wreaths, Caggiano has a fun and easy way to give these pieces more pizzazz. Just tuck in some fresh materials to add texture and fragrance.

Choose a low-maintenance fresh component, ie one that won’t need much water. Evergreen, heather or holly come to mind first, but you might also consider magnolia leaves, seeded eucalyptus, lemon leaves, salal, statice or hydrangea (varieties that dry).

“The fresh and the permanent combine easily, and it’s not expensive,” says Caggiano. “And a broad leaf like magnolia is such a wonderful contrast to the needles of the evergreen, cedar and pine.”

Touch any of these items with floral paint (available at craft stores) in gold, copper or silver for extra holiday magic.

Are you decorating with flowers this month? If you like your look, snap a pic and send it in to flower blog!
 

Being on the cutting edge doesn’t have to lock you into a look. And sometimes it expands your choices.

That’s the case with “trans-seasonal” designs – arrangements that blend elements from more than one season. For instance, a centerpiece with pine cones, evergreen and cinnamon sticks celebrates autumn and hints at a holiday look, even though it’s still November.

“It broadens your range of options because it allows you to incorporate those textures that are the beginning of the Christmas season,” says Carol Caggiano, freelance floral designer, AIFD, PFCI. “All these wonderful elements can be combined in so many ways.”

Color is key as well. Orange hues keep the focus on fall, whereas red and white are a floral fast-forward. Caggiano points out that red tulips, a flower we typically associate with spring, can make stunning Christmas arrangements.

What’s driving this development? Caggiano says it’s extra-eager consumers who decorate their homes for Christmas before Thanksgiving. (OK, full disclosure: I’m not one of ’em. But at least I get all my shopping done before Christmas Eve!)

Another trend that combines fashion and flexibility is metallic vases. “It’s huge,” confirms Caggiano. “We’ve been seeing metallics in home décor, fashion, shoes. It only makes sense to see it in florals.”

While silver, gold and bronze are staples, the latest metallics for spring ’08 are pink, lavender, blue and green. And because metallics reflect their surrounding colors, they’ll look slightly different in every spot they occupy.

Aren’t beautiful options a beautiful thing?

Like I did last year, I will be traveling out of town this Thanksgiving to visit family – and working the day before! This never leaves enough time to find the right hostess gift… preferably one that fits in carry-on luggage.

Teleflora offers a super solution. I placed an order for Teleflora’s Autumn Bronze Centerpiece that will be delivered to my aunt by a local florist. Because they will arrive so fresh, I know that the flowers will still be beautiful on Thanksgiving Day. A gorgeous floral arrangement delivered in a lasting keepsake will convey how much I appreciate her hospitality and look forward to seeing her.