Mom does so much for the family throughout the year: No matter how long her to-do list is, you know you can always count on her for anything. Because she means so much, let her sit back and enjoy herself on Mother’s Day, and show her how appreciated she is. Treating your mom to a nice brunch is the best way to make her feel like a queen bee: Since you’ve already taken care of everything, Mom doesn’t have to lift a finger. To make her day even more special, pick a fun and truly original theme for your luncheon: hot air balloons!

This beautiful hot air balloon arrangement adds a whimsical take-me-away touch to any Mother’s Day table setting. As soon as she sits down, Mom will feel like she’s floating among the clouds without a care in the world! This Mother’s Day craft is really simple to make, so you can make a big, loving statement with minimal effort. Here’s how to make a floral hot air balloon for Mom on Mother’s Day!

Materials Needed for Floral Hot Air Balloon

Basket or container
Plastic cup or glass votive
Petite flowers, berries and/or foliage
Floral foam
Ribbon
Balloon

How to Make a Hot Air Balloon Floral Arrangement

1. First, choose a container that you’ll use as the basket for your hot air balloon. A votive or a small can covered in fabric is a great option if you want to make a smaller place setting. For a centerpiece, a basket in the size of your choice works perfectly. For our place setting, we used a rattan votive holder.

2. If your container isn’t already waterproof, line it with a plastic cup or a glass votive holder so the flowers won’t leak when you water them.

3. Use a piece of floral foam to arrange some petite flowers, berries or foliage in the container, or just arrange them right in the container filled with water. Because you’re using a small container, lateral blooms are best to use: One stem has multiple bunches of tiny flowers that you can cut off to create a smaller arrangement. We used spray roses and hypericum berries for our arrangement, and we placed individual hyacinths in between for a fragrant accent.

4. There are two different ways you can make the hot air balloon:

With Helium: Fill a balloon with helium and criss-cross some ribbon around the balloon in a netted pattern. Use some adhesive tape to keep the ribbon in place on the balloon. Take the loose ends of the ribbon at the bottom of the balloon and tie them onto the container or around some of the flowers.

With Air: If you don’t have access to helium, blow up the balloon with air and tie a clear straw around the base of the balloon. Anchor the straw into the arrangement, then tie the ribbon around the balloon and tuck the strings into the arrangement or the corners of the container.

5. Personalize the arrangement just for mom by adding your own unique touches. You can use our design as inspiration! We chose a pink balloon for Mother’s Day because it’s such a beautiful feminine color, and it’s perfect for spring. For the flowers, we went with bold, trendy colors like orange, hot pink and lavender. This mix of classic and modern hues gives the arrangement a look that’s soft yet vibrant. But you can choose your own color palette, from blues and greens to reds and yellows. Decorating the balloon netting with small accents, like butterflies or rhinestones, is also a great idea and gives your hot air balloon a sweet finishing touch.

I’m still thinking about this whole feeling good and being happy thing. Of course, I immediately think of the power that flowers have on one’s well-being and state of mind, but there are so many little ways and things we can do each day to make a difference. Read more »

How to Make Your Valentines Flowers Last

Most of us look forward to feeling special and loved on Valentine’s Day, and of course receiving Valentine flowers is the perfect way to know you are adored! Flowers represent love in many ways, with their natural beauty, fresh scent and uplifting effects. So, once you receive Valentine’s Day flowers, be a flower “caretaker,” not a “heartbreaker” by giving your flowers plenty of TLC!

My team and I at 1-800-FLOWERS.COM are SO passionate about flower care that we put together a video of Top 10 Flower Care Tips on how to keep your Valentine’s Day flowers looking fresh and beautiful this Valentine’s season. Check out these tips and more below!

Roses are Red, Violets are Blue, Make Your Valentines Roses Last and Here is How to:

1. After a few days, we recommend changing the water and re-cutting the flowers to ensure longevity. Place the bouquet in a separate holder, while you add warm water and flower food to its original vase. Be sure to follow the mixing directions on the flower food packet.

2. With a sharp knife or clippers, re-cut the stems by cutting one to two inches off on an angle, but be careful not to crush the stems. We find it best to hold the stems under water. Return the bouquet to its vase with fresh water.

3. Once your flowers are down to their last stem, get inspired and get creative…especially with roses! Don’t believe us? You’d be surprised how long you can make a rose last, even if it is fully open. Look around the house for DIY décor-worthy items (glass containers allow for endless creative possibilities).

We’ve included some beautiful ideas to display short, fully open roses below. The shorter the stem, the easier it will be for the water to reach the rose and will last longer than you would expect.

Tips on Creating the Perfect Hawaiian Luau from Leis to Exotic Cocktails

How to Host a Luau Party

Nothing breaks up the monotony of a long, cold winter like a fun and unexpected “theme” party! When the temperature outside is dropping, why not turn up the heat inside and invite your friends to spend a few hours on the island of Bali Hai. There are so many easy ways to set the mood—from the décor, to the food, and of course, the music!

Hawaiian Luau Décor

Transport your guests to the tropics with bamboo (placemats, shades used as wall panels, platters), tropical/island themed fabric (I prefer swatches of vintage fabrics), tropical scented candles, large tropical leaves like monstera and cordyline, and of course, orchids. Read more »

Think Fire and Ice

Why purchase a centerpiece when you can create your own dramatic candle centerpiece?  This is a fabulous look for any special occasion during the winter and creating the dramatic effect of fire and ice couldn’t be easier.

Here’s what you need:

• Double sided tape and/or spray adhesive
• Glass votive candleholders
• Plain clear glass beverage glasses
• Container of stardust glitter

For the raised candle centerpiece, first I sprayed the outside of the votive holders with spray adhesive and then dusted them with stardust glitter. After I sprinkled faux snow on the glass top of a pastry stand and placed the candles in a line down the middle of the stand. For a little more sparkle weave a strand of crystals around the candles. The flickering light of the candles reflects in the crystals – the look is stunning. It’s so simple, yet so elegant.

Create coordinating vases by placing a band of double-sided tape around a beverage glass and sprinkle the tape with the glitter. Drop a few stems of white tulips in the glass and you’re good to go! Place several of these beautiful vases around the dining or buffet table for maximum impact. When the party is over and you need drinking glasses, simply remove the tape and they’re as good as new!

Sophisticated Soiree

For a look that is clean, elegant and sophisticated, use a single variety white flower such as the tulip, a lot of sparkling clear glass vases and candle holders, and add a couple of chandelier crystals. The result is breathtaking. This is a perfect look for celebrating the start of a brand new year with all its limitless possibilities.

A Meaningful Memento

Since ancient times, evergreens have been a symbol of life, rebirth, and the stamina needed to endure the winter months. Use sprigs of evergreens tied with silver ribbon and a sparkle monogram to create a place card with a message.

Wishing you good health and peace in the New Year – remember that every day is a gift to be cherished!

Ring In The New Year With Style!

Whether you are planning an intimate dinner for a few close friends or going all out to ring in the New Year you’ll want to have party décor that will set the mood.  If you are looking for great New Year’s decor ideas, look no further. Two key elements for your New Year’s decor are candles and a bit of sparkle. I’ve included these key elements along with natural elements, such as, evergreens, birch branches, and pinecones to create a few sophisticated styles. It’s not too late to pull a few of these ideas together. Even though these styles look fabulous, they are all very easy to do. Not to mention you probably have most of the elements needed. Add a few fresh flowers and you’re all set!

Icicle Splendor
I absolutely love the way it looks when the bare tree branches of winter become covered with ice. You can easily create that same dramatic look in your home using birch branches and acrylic icicles. First, I filled the cylinder with a strand of clear lights and pinecones, before I inserted the branches, which gives this arrangement even more impact.

New Year’s Wishes
A nice touch for a New Year’s party is to have small cards and a pen set up near a tree. During the night, encourage your guests to write down their wish for the New Year on one of the cards and hang it on the tree. At midnight gather around the tree and make a toast to all of your hopes and wishes for the New Year that lies ahead.

Up next, a few last minute ideas including using chandelier crystals and how to get a lot of sparkle from a little bit of glitter! Think “fire and ice”.

In the past few years we’ve seen the popularity of orchids, both potted and cut, skyrocket! It’s now one of the most popular flowers that we carry at 1-800 Flowers. Orchids are simple and pure with an air of sophistication and elegance.  And because of their long shelf life as a cut flower, they’re also a very good value.

The dendrobium and the cymbidium orchids are two of the more widely recognized varieties.  Growing in popularity are the Vandas and Mokaras.  Each has its own special qualities and can be displayed and enjoyed in so many different and exciting ways!

DENDROBIUM ORCHIDS

A symbol of wisdom and beauty, the dendrobium is native to Asia, Australia and the Pacific Islands. On the beautiful islands of Hawaii, they’re often used to make leis, which people wear as a symbol of love, friendship, celebration, honor—or as a way to greet visitors.

Making a floral lei from dendrobium orchids is extremely easy and is a wonderful and unexpected way to honor someone for a special achievement or just to let them know how special they are.  Watch my video to see just how easy it is to do.

CYMBIDIUM ORCHIDS

A symbol of strength and nobility.

VANDA ORCHIDS

The Vanda is considered to be the most highly evolved of all orchids and is very highly prized for its showy, fragrant, long-lasting and intensely colorful flowers.                                                 

MOKARA ORCHIDS

The Mokara orchid is a hybrid orchid, a cross between the Arachnis, Ascocentrum and Vanda families.  Like their parents, Mokara orchids come in a variety of vibrant colors.

One of my favorite traditions during the Holiday season is taking a day to decorate the house. While it may feel like a chore for some, I have always enjoyed putting a lot of creativity and effort into my décor this time of year.

Personalizing the front door wreath is one of my favorite ways to help set our home apart from others in the neighborhood. Years ago, people would put wreaths on their front door featuring different floral arrangements or crafts to identify their individual families and house—similar to the way we use house numbers today. Once I learned this, I couldn’t wait to create a few different Christmas wreaths for my friends and neighbors!

The wreaths shown below were inspired by each recipient’s hobby, but you could create one for just about anything—a new baby, a friend’s favorite movie or even a family’s heritage.

DIY Christmas Wreath for Knitters


Read more »

The personal and the décor flowers should complement each other. I suggest having 3 different centerpieces in varying heights instead of having the same centerpiece on every table. It creates a much better rhythm and flow in the room. Various size tables are also nice if your venue can accommodate it. Here are three fall reception décor ideas that work with the look and feel of the bouquets I have featured so far.

Wreath Centerpiece
I love this fresh flower wreath. Incorporating lots of texture with the pods, berries and kale, make it a feast for the eyes. I particularly like the use of the cut succulent, which is currently one of my current favorite “flowers” to work with this year. An amber glass cylinder and pillar candle in the center of the wreath adds a warm glow to match the warm glow in your hearts on this special day.

Iron Pedestal
This pedestal is adorned with chandelier crystals, candles and has a very romantic feel to it. The green hanging amaranthus is a nice dramatic touch.

Metal Twig Tree
Branches are extremely popular for weddings and special events right now. In this case, I started with a metal twig tree originally designed to display ornaments. I added a few stem of fresh birch branches to give it some visual movement and a more natural fuller shape. The metal branches provide an excellent base for hanging votive candles on and the cymbidium orchids can be strung on the more delicate birch branches. When the lights are turned down and the candles are lit these trees add a magical touch to the room!

Thanksgiving is slowly approaching and what is better than an inexpensive, easy and creative autumn leaf table runner? Your friends and family will feel as if they are sitting right in your backyard.

Try it out and remember, just have fun with it!

How to Create an Autumn Leaf Table Runner:

• Start with a piece of clear cellophane cut to size.
• Gather leaves from outside or buy preserved leaves at a craft store.
• Cut the leaves off of the branches and trim the stem from the bottom of the leaf. If the leaves are a little wrinkled you can iron them – it looks better if the leaves lay flat.
• Cover your work surface with newspaper and place your piece of cellophane on top.
• Have your leaves ready and spray half of the cellophane with Tack 2000 spray adhesive.
• Simply place the leaves onto the cellophane one at a time, starting at the edge and overlapping the previously placed leaves.
• Spray the other half of the cellophane with the adhesive and finish adding leaves.

Thanksgiving is only a few days away and if you’re still looking for a centerpiece to make your festive table display elegant this season, try using filberts and mums.

I prefer to use multiple smaller floral accents as opposed to one large centerpiece. Using smaller centerpieces will allow you to easily move the arrangements around the table when different courses are brought to the table. These arrangements couldn’t be easier to do!

I chose small square vases and tall cylinder vases. Another idea is to use unique containers or glassware you may have around your house.

Steps:

• Fill the vases with filberts (hazel nuts)
• Once the vases are filled with filberts, fill the vessels with water.
• Top the arrangement off with a single mum – in this case a copper disbud.

I love the monochromatic look and the use of various textures.

Creating a decorative detail on each dinner plate is an easy and inexpensive way to add a personal touch to your Thanksgiving table. You don’t necessarily need to add a place card, especially if your family is a “first at the table gets their choice of seat” type of family! It is a nice touch though. Here are a few ideas to help you create festive floral place settings for your next holiday gathering.

Savory Succulent
This cut succulent looks good enough to eat. Luckily with all of the food you’ll be serving at dinner no one will be tempted to eat it.

Krazy for Kale
This kale is grown to be enjoyed as a cut flower and really makes a statement when placed on a dinner plate. Use one of the leaves as a place card.

The Colors of the Season
Wrap a few sprigs of colorful fall flora and fauna to bring the vibrant colors of the season onto your table. A few leaf shaped cards from craft store (or you can cut them out yourself) are the finishing touch.

Zen Style
Create a sense of peace this Thanksgiving with a Zen inspired holiday table. Keep the look clean and simple with minimal elements. Now let’s mediate on all we have to be thankful for!

Thanksgiving at the Shore
Whether you’re having Thanksgiving at your home on the beach or you just wish you were there, create the mood with sand dollar place cards with a single orchid tucked in for a look that’s simple and elegant.

Picture Perfect Place Settings
Give each guest at your table their own floral arrangement with petite colored bottles holding a single flower. For a truly personal touch attach a special note to each bottle telling that person what you are thankful for about them. Add a copy of a photo of them on the front of the note instead of just writing their name. I particularly like the look of photos from the past. It adds a sweet nostalgic feeling that is perfect for Thanksgiving!

While many of us associate Thanksgiving with crisp cold air, berried branches, turning foliage, and chrysanthemums, not everyone has to go over the river and through the woods to get to grandmother’s house. Some just take a barefoot stroll along the beach, perhaps collecting a few shells along the way. If I were spending the holiday at my house in Florida here is how I would like my table to look.

Beach Inspired Table Settings

Not only is it coastal inspired, but it is a cleaner, less cluttered and simpler look. This also matches our lifestyle down in Florida which is completely opposite from our hectic, fast-paced life in New York.

Use found objects as well as treasured keepsakes to create the look you want. Keeping the colors soft and using monochromatic single variety flowers will provide a sense of calm.

Write each guest’s name on a sand dollar and tuck a single cymbidium orchid behind it for a chic place setting.

Have a beach inspired Thanksgiving!

Creating a decorative detail on each dinner plate is an easy and inexpensive way to add a personal touch to your Thanksgiving table. While you don’t necessarily need to add a place card, it is a nice touch to create a more formal sit down meal for you and your guests. Here are a few ideas to get your creative juices going.

Savory Succulent Table Setting

Succulents are on trend right now in gardens, home décor and even for weddings. You can enjoy these luscious plants either potted succulents or as fresh cuts. The plant is so easy to care for and the cut version lasts for weeks!

Read more »

Halloween is a great opportunity to have some creative fun! Make it sweet and simple with this easy M&M Halloween Table Centerpiece craft.

Here’s a quick centerpiece idea for your Halloween festivities…

I love the purple, lime green, orange and black combination for the holiday, so when I saw Halloween M&M’s in the store, I immediately bought a few bags. Just another reason to buy candy! I developed a nested vase for one of the products in my collection, The Sweet Heart Bouquet, and knew it was the perfect container for this M&M project.

You can make your own by putting a narrow vase or glass inside of another large glass container. Ideally, you would want both glasses to be the same height, but if not, the inside glass can be slightly shorter then the outer one. For the floral, I used shamrock spider mums and purple statice. Both flowers are hardy and will last about two weeks.

Would you believe it, right after I made my arrangement, a crow flew in the window and started eating my M&M’s! I named the crow Russell and told him he could stick around, so look out for him in future images!

If you are running low on time, check out a similar product here from 1-800-FLOWERS.COM.

Wreaths can be used in so many different ways to decorate your home and are very easy to make. Here are three options, in three different sizes, using three different bases. Which one are you going to create this Thanksgiving? Maybe you’ll do them all!

Grapevine Chair Wreath
Here’s an unexpected touch for your Thanksgiving table (or chair in this case).

• Start with a 5” grapevine wreath, which you can get at any craft store for under a dollar each.
• Glue a base of autumn leaves, a bit of berries, and assorted foliage such as eucalyptus and magnolia leaves. I used a hot glue gun.
• Attach a cymbidium orchid with a dab of floral adhesive.
• Attach the finished wreath to the back of each chair with a beautiful ribbon that coordinates with table linens.

Magnolia Wreath
Magnolia wreaths have always been popular in the South. However, we northerners are being lured by the dark glossy beauty of the two-tone magnolia leaf (the back of each leaf is brown). Making a wreath using just the leaves with a simple ribbon creates a look that is fresh and sophisticated.

• Start with a pre-made wire base or create your own using heavy-gauge wire.
• Cut the magnolia leaves from the branch.
• Wire small clusters of 3-4 leaves together.
• Wire the individual bunches of leaves onto the wire wreath form, making sure to overlap them so that their stems don’t show.
• Spray your wreath with artist’s fixative or hair spray, and hang it on a wall or door.

Fresh Sunflower Wreath
This wreath is made with a floral foam base and is designed entirely with fresh flowers and foliage. The focal flower is a sunflower, which is perfect this time of year with its chocolate brown center and golden yellow petals.

A fresh flower wreath makes a beautiful centerpiece with a pillar candle and hurricane lamp in the center. Follow these simple steps to create your own fresh flower wreath.

• Thoroughly soak the wreath form.
  
• Create the initial shape by inserting short stems of foliage into the foam.
  
• Add the sunflowers even spaced around the wreath.
  
• Fill in the wreath with the other flowers that you have chosen.
• Fill in any gaps with oak leaves, raffia, and other assorted foliage such as salal leaves or pittisporum.
  

Here’s a “spider tree” that is very simple to make and will look great in a picture window, on a table in the foyer or as a centerpiece for a Halloween party. Begin making your own spooky spider tree Halloween centerpiece by starting with a store bought tree made from papier-mâché and pipe cleaners. Then I just glued black feathers, green millet and green spider mums to the pipe cleaner branches. I used a floral adhesive for the spider mums and it looked great, without water, for over a week!

If you want to turn the creepy scary up a notch wrap the entire tree with spider webs. These spider webs are so easy to make and can be put almost anywhere. Just take two small pieces of Styrofoam – just about 3” – 4” in size – and put a dollop of hot glue on one of the pieces. Put the two pieces together and slowly pull apart. You will see the spider strings start to form. Take your arms and go around the tree and press the two pieces of Styrofoam together again and then pull apart and bring your hands back around the tree and meet again in the front. Continue to do this until you are satisfied with the amount of spider webs you have created. To remove the spider webs, just spray with a hair dryer and they will melt away!

In addition, you can find a great alternative here.

From now until the end of the year is a crafters dream. From Halloween through Thanksgiving and right into the holiday season, there are more reasons to decorate and create than any other time of the year. Make a fun candy corn inspired centerpiece and let the creativity begin!

Candy Corn

This ubiquitous Halloween candy was the inspiration for this floral centerpiece. It is made entirely out of carnations with a floral foam base. Since carnations come in so many beautiful colors, including orange and yellow, and are long lasting they were a natural choice for this project.

Remember to check back on a regular basis, because I will be sharing many ideas for decorating, gifting, and creating with flowers for all of the upcoming seasonal celebrations.

Big Apple Centerpieces

I was recently asked by a New York bride and groom to incorporate apples into the place card display at their Manhattan reception. They had many guests coming in from out of town and wanted to visually welcome them to the Big Apple.

You can easily make delicious apple centerpieces for any occasion! I filled varying size glass cylinders with small lady apples and used large deep red apples as votive candleholders. The look was clean, modern and had that person touch they were looking to include in their special day!

Vintage Halloween Pumpkin

Give your table a vintage makeover with this vintage Halloween centerpiece.  This original papier-mâché pumpkin from the 1950’s is my favorite Halloween decoration. My mother-in-law gave it to me a few years ago. She finds the best stuff and knows my style to a tee!

With a few cuttings from your fall garden – here I used dahlias and asclepias – this old pumpkin becomes the happiest jack in town! While not vintage, 1-800-FLOWERS.COM offers a great alternative here.

Read more »

Show Your Love And Appreciation To Your Special Someone

As summer comes to a close and we look towards the holiday rush, it is easy to get engulfed in the everyday “routine.” There are many simple ways to say I love you to your loved one. This September do not forget to take time to show your appreciation to the one you love in Celebration of Pleasure Your Mate Month!

According to Chase’s Calendar of Events, Pleasure Your Mate Month is the perfect time to think about the one you love most and what they mean to you. Remember to celebrate them on a regular basis to find new ways to bring happiness together.

Here are a few quick and easy ways to show your love and appreciation to your special someone:

Picture Perfect Place Settings
For simple ways to say I love you, set the mood with a beautiful, simple table setting. For an easy floral arrangement, place a single rose in a petite colored bottle for a splash of elegance and color. For a truly personal touch attach a special note to each bottle telling that person what you appreciate most about them. Add a copy of a photo of you children or even a pet to enhance this truly sentimental gesture.

Oysters on the Half Shell
How’s this for a romantic way to serve oysters?! Simply fill a tray with crushed ice and line the sides with red roses – the flower of love and passion. Cut the stems very short and place them right into the crushed ice and lay the oysters over the “bed” of ice. A beautiful way to serve these delicious appetizers!

Chocolate Strawberries and Champagne
Enjoy strawberries dipped in rich dark chocolate with a light bubbly glass of champagne – this is a sweet and sensual way to end the night.

Make Your Own Sunflower Candles, Wreaths & Pencil Case Vases

As we head further into Fall, the colors of the season are reaching their peak. Rich reds, yellows and oranges add beauty to the landscape. Also at their peak are gorgeous golden sunflowers. Their brilliant shades, large blooms and sturdy stems make them the perfect choice for a wide array of floral crafts.

Whether you’re looking to create an elegant tablescape for an upcoming dinner party, the perfect gift to kick off the school year or just looking to add some seasonal décor to your home, here are some of my favorite sunflower DIY projects that are both fun and easy to make. Read more »

As I’ve said many times that having flowers in your home or office is just plain good for you. It’s such a simple thing to do and yet makes such a difference. Take advantage of the different floral varieties that are available each season. Dahlias will only be around for a little bit longer, so don’t miss out on them. They are so dramatic and visually interesting and come in an array of extraordinary colors. Don’t fuss – just fill a vessel with warm water, snip the ends of the stems, and drop them in.

Happy Fall!!

Note Ideas For Love Note Day!

The month of September continues to fly by, but I wanted to take a moment and share one of the sweetest holidays I have ever heard of! Love Note Day falls annually on the fourth Friday in September and was created to encourage people to share their feelings for the ones they love with written words.

In honor of this holiday I wanted to share just a few of my favorite love notes:

If thou must love me, let it be for naught except for love’s sake only. - Elizabeth Barrett Browning

Love doesn’t make the world go round. Love is what makes the ride worthwhile. - Franklin P. Jones

Love is a friendship set to music. – E. Joseph Cossman

Have a wonderful weekend!

Create Your Own Wax Flowers

Just when you thought your Valentine flowers were done here are two more tricks and tips to make the last few blooms more then just a memory. Waxing fresh flowers is a craft that dates back to the Victorian era. It’s quite easy and inexpensive to do. It just takes a little practice, because the most important part is getting the temperature just right for the types of flower that you are waxing. Almost any type of bloom can be waxed so go ahead and experiment.

Wax Flower Materials Needed:
* Fresh flowers
* Paraffin wax
* Double boiler
* Wax or Parchment Paper
* Empty vases or bottles for drying the flowers
Read more »

Back to school flowers can help everyone start the new school year off on the right foot! According to research conducted at Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, the presence of flowers triggers happy emotions, heightens feelings of life satisfaction and affects social behavior in a positive manner far beyond what is normally believed. “Flowers bring about positive emotional feelings in those who enter a room,” said Dr. Haviland-Jones. “They make the space more welcoming and create a sharing atmosphere.”

Here are some creative ideas that you and your child can put together the day before school starts. Your child might be a little nervous about the first day of school and spending time with you, putting a floral or plant gift together for the teacher will relax them and get them excited about giving their new teacher such a beautiful gift. Read more »

Make a Simple Floral Bouquet Last Up to Three Weeks

It has been scientifically proven that flowers make people feel good. According to behavioral research conducted at Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, nature provides us with a simple way to improve emotional health – flowers. The presence of flowers triggers happy emotions, heightens feelings of life satisfaction and affects social behavior in a positive manner far beyond what is normally believed.

By following the simple flower care and handling tips that I have provided, you can get those good feelings to last longer! Read more »

There are so many options for flowers and décor for fall weddings that it can be difficult deciding on one theme or direction. Here are just a few fall wedding flower ideas to help you with the perfect autumn combinations to delight and inspire.

Rich Hues and Lots of Texture
Tap into what’s in season in the world of flora and fauna for bouquets and centerpieces that are unique and visually stunning. Read more »

Care for Cut Flowers In Order to Keep Them Fresh 

Step One: Always use clean vases or containers. Bacteria in the water will shorten the life span of your flowers. Household bleach is an excellent cleaning agent for your floral containers.

Step Two: Have your vase ready before working with the flowers. Fill the container about ¾ full with warm water and floral food (according to packet directions). Of course, I always have extra packets of floral food at my house, because I always have fresh flowers. If you buy flowers from a florist they will give you packets to use at home – why not ask for a few extra so that you have them on hand too. If you find yourself without a commercially prepared food click here for a version that you can make yourself. Read more »

How to Make Your Own Food For Flowers

There are 3 ingredients that are helpful when trying to keep your flowers fresh and long-lasting. They are:

• Sugar – provides nutrition for flowers
• Citric acid – acts as an acidifier and lowers the ph level of the water
• Bleach – prevents bacteria growth in the vase

Here are a few do-it-yourself options that I have come across:

• One part lemon lime soda (7-Up, Sprite) to 3 parts of water
• Two tablespoons lemon juice, one tablespoon sugar, one quarter teaspoon bleach to one quart of water
• Two tablespoons of white vinegar and two tablespoons of sugar to one quart of water

Did you ever want to tell someone just how much they mean to you and how much joy, comfort, and passion they have brought into your life? Sometimes it’s easier to show someone how much you love them than to try to put it into words. A love altar is a wonderful space for manifesting this desire, passion and adoration. Read more »

Not too long ago, I was asked to put together an elegant wine tasting event. It was such a treat to design a party with the sole purpose of saying “Thank You” to some of our local 1-800-FLOWERS customers!

I quickly got to work, planning and designing. The results, I must say, were spectacular! The theme naturally took on the feeling of a relaxing, sunny afternoon in Napa Valley. Needless to say I was very happy that I was asked to host a wine tasting party.  Even on short notice, I was able to collect a number of unique pieces that could be repurposed to fit the theme perfectly. Most of the items used throughout the space were pieces I had collected on vacation, received as gifts, or picked up at yard sales.

Many of the materials, like the soda crate and barrel, came from flea markets that I love to frequent throughout New England!

In addition to the props and fabrics, food was also used to tie in color and theme. Grapes, for example, made a great accent to the room décor by incorporating them into an arrangement.

To enhance the vineyard feeling of the evening, I used wine corks as filler in the bottom of a clear vase. Simple, elegant and eco-friendly!

One of my favorite elements of the evening were the “wine corsages” that were created as decorative accents to some of our favorite bottles of wine.

Along the same lines, ceramic baskets were used instead of ice buckets to chill the white wines. Flowers, like roses, carnations and hydrangeas, were arranged to decorate the wine baskets and make them more appealing.

The more fun you have with putting all the elements together, the better it will turn out. I had so much fun putting all the pieces together — I even hired a musician to play for the duration of the party to add warmth and ambiance to the room! Sometimes it’s the smallest detail that completes a party.

If you are interested in having a coastal themed wedding, here are a few beach themed wedding ideas that can help you. You can go tropical and colorful or coastal and serene. Here I took the serene path and worked primarily with blues and greens.

Find a floral designer and/or event planner that can be a true partner throughout the process. Talk about your vision and your budget. Show them as many pictures as you can of things that you like. One way for you to make your décor unique and economical is for you to source and buy most of the hard goods (vases, candles, etc.) for the floral designer to use.

Tabletop

Linens can add a real customized feeling to the whole look. If the reception site doesn’t have the choices that you are looking for then I recommend visiting a local large fabric store. That’s where I found this perfect seaside stripe cotton material that I had a friend sew into a table runner.

Next stop was a large discount home goods store that has many options for vases, candles, etc. The retail prices in this type of store are unbelievably low (usually below typical wholesale pricing). The total cost of the 5 containers used for my tablescape is under $20!! I chose green cymbidium orchids for the oversized shell bowls and bear grass for the smaller green containers.

If you prefer to go with more of a Cape Cod/Nantucket coastal vibe then use Nantucket style baskets filled with hydrangea. Lots of candles and randomly placed shells complete the look.

Bouquets

For the bridal bouquet I went with white peonies and green cymbidium orchids. Peonies are perfect wedding flowers – they’re lush, romantic, and fragrant. Unfortunately, they have a relatively short growing season so I always try to use them when I can.

The bridesmaid’s bouquets couldn’t be simpler or more beautiful. A few stems of blue/green hydrangea tied with a ribbon and you’re set to go!

Check back for the details on the Wedding Day Daisies – a fun and modern look for that special day. If you are in NY – look out for me on the PIX Morning News. I will be talking about wedding day flowers! Can’t wait.

Tips on Choosing Your Grads Corsage!

The summer weather is here and that can only mean one thing; graduation time! Whether graduating kindergarten or college, it is a blissful, bittersweet celebration. This is their day to shine, and what is a better way to make the day even more memorable then giving them a one of a kind wrist corsage that will complement their personality and spirit. Here are a few tips on how to make the most of your graduate’s corsage!

• Flower buds are good choices when creating wrist corsages. Buds are beginning to bloom retain color and scent for a longer period of time
• Depending on what kind of look you’re going for, for a dramatic look, one large flower such as the Catteiya, is a classic type of orchid available in practically every color except true blue.
• The more colors in the corsage, the more lively the corsage will look.
• Durable flowers, besides the regular roses or carnations are orchids, calla lilies and daisies.
• Gerbera daisies and carnations are the least expensive, and come in a large variety of colors that make them perfect for any occasion.

Hope these tips help make the most of their (or your own) special day!

Spotted!

I’m so excited to share with you one last mom! Wendy from Paw Luxury is a Pet Loving Mom!

How cute is this super creative floral arrangement? Phil, one of the talented designers at 1-800-FLOWERS.COM, has been revisiting a design style – “the poodle” – that was very popular in the florist world back in the day. I talked to Phil about Wendy’s blog and asked him to create a unique doggie design with an updated style in her honor.

Playing on the trend of carrying your doggie in your handbag, Phil used the tote from 1-800 FLOWERS.COM Handbag of Blooms bouquet as his base. He then fashioned a sweet little doggie from fresh carnations and nestled him in bed of fresh cut blooms. I think this is absolutely charming and I hope you do too!

Q&A with Wendy from Paw Luxury

What is the greatest lesson your mom has taught you?

My mother has taught me the importance of perseverance and faith. Being a single parent of 5 children she taught how not to give up on my faith in Christ in the midst of adversity and to overcome obstacles with courage when life’s roadblocks get in the way.

What’s one lesson you hope to pass on to you children?

Everyday as parents we leave out fingerprints on our kids. When I do become a parent I want my children to have a positive example of healthy and godly marriage and friendships. I want to teach them how to nurture healthy marriage, relationships and friendships through unconditional love, respect and admiration. There is definitely power in the tongue and it is important to speak words of affirmation by choosing words that encourage not discourage. Also, that marriage is about love and commitment, “till death do us part,” and perseveres in the hard times.

What’s your favorite Mother’s Day memory?

Since I am not a parent yet (only to a dog), my most memorable Mother’s Day memory has to be when I was 13. My siblings and I decided to make my hardworking mom breakfast in bed and had worked a few days on a song we had written about our appreciation for being the best mom ever. Til this day my mom talks about what that meant to her, giving love back is what Mother’s Day is all about.

Check out Wendy’s Paw Luxury Blog or her eco-friendly, organic, natural dog products made in the USA at Pawlux.com! Follow her on twitter @PawLuxury to see why Wendy is today’s Doggie Loving Mom!

Wendy, Paw Luxury – Pet Loving Mom

There’s a reason for the saying “Fresh as a Daisy.” Check out these great fresh floral wedding table centerpieces featureing the gerbera daisy with its wide selection of bold colors and its long green architectural stem adds a modern funky vibe as well. Gerbera daisies look best when used sparingly with no additional foliage both as a bouquet and in an arrangement. I’ve used a vibrant striped ribbon as a band on the stems for this bouquet – perfect for the bride or bridesmaids.

I love decorating a tabletop with multiples – vases, candles, etc. The look works great on either a round or an oblong table. Choose a modern shape glass vase like the unique fish bowl shaped one I used here. Two or more work best for an oblong table. You can get a nice dramatic look by lining up candles and floral arrangements right down the center of the table. Don’t the orange slice candles look fabulous! And in this case, the oranges were a personal shout out to the groom’s home state of Florida.

To make these candle arrangements, start with varying size glass cylinder vases. Place a pillar candle in the center. Fill the remaining area in the vase with orange slices and add water. Leave at least the top quarter of the pillar candle exposed for burning.

If you were the lucky recipient of a beautiful floral arrangement from someone special this Valentine’s Day, you want the flowers to last as long as possible. Learn how to keep your Valentine roses alive for up to two to three weeks with these simple steps:

• After 2-3 days it is best to change the water and re-cut the flowers for maximum longevity. I recommend removing the entire bouquet from its original vase and placing it in another container while you change the water. Read more »

Both color and scent have emotional components to them. They can help to cheer you up or calm you down. They can trigger a memory or help to bring balance to your life. Here are a few facts about various colors and scents that you might find interesting along with fresh floral examples of each.

COLOR

YELLOW

• Yellow wakes up the room like the rising sun and is the feng shui color of sunlight. It is cheerful and uplifting. Yellow always lightens and brightens any space, as well as creates a cozy and welcoming feeling.
• Any dull, dark room with little sunlight will greatly benefit from yellow. It can help compensate for the lack of light and bring in the gentle warmth of the sun.
• Color researchers believe the color yellow increases self-esteem and can strengthen the overall well-being.

 
Read more »

You can create simple Easter decorations that are simply beautiful and inexpensive by using seasonal flowers and repurposing hard goods that you already have around your house or from other holidays.

Easter Tree

Making simple Easter decorations couldn’t be easier! Take out your tabletop faux “Charlie Brown” holiday tree and dress it up with Easter egg ornaments and fresh flowers. For this arrangement, I placed floral foam around the base of the tree and created a burst of spring with hydrangea and statice. I then used floral adhesive to attach individual blooms of lavender stock to the hydrangea florets. I did the same thing with little clusters of baby’s breath. Bring a little bit of the color and texture of the fresh flowers up into the tree in the same way or attach with small pieces of craft wire. I included petite sprigs of solidaster into the tree branches for its sunshine yellow color. All of these flowers will air dry nicely, so you will be able to enjoy your Easter tree for a few weeks.

Spring Cornucopia

Who says a cornucopia is only an autumn decoration. I love the beautiful blue color of this vintage ceramic cornucopia. To make it a truly spectacular vision, all you need are a few stems of coordinating blue/green hydrangea. First, place a piece of wet floral foam in the cornucopia and insert the hydrangea stems into the foam. The foam will keep the hydrangea fresh for about a week – you can add water to the base and sprits the flowers with water to help them stay fresh longer. After about a week or so, let the hydrangea air dry and enjoy for a few more weeks.

You can also incorporate some decorative Easter eggs and seasonal fruits and veggies into the design. Just use your imagination!

Easter Still Life

How sweet is this Easter display! And it’s easy too. To create the hydrangea eggs start with a faux egg (plastic, wood, ceramic) and spray it with craft adhesive. Snip individual florets from a hydrangea and attach to the egg. This project hardly uses any flowers – you can make it with florets snipped from hydrangea that you have used in another project such as the cornucopia!

Egg Cup Place Setting

I believe you can make a big difference with little details. Use an egg cup filled with sprigs of fresh flowers to decorate each guest’s plate instead of or in addition to a traditional centerpiece. This is especially sweet for an Easter brunch.

This time last year we were celebrating St. Patrick’s Day with a feast of beer, potatoes and a healthy side of… flowers!

I can’t help but smile when I see these festive place settings that are just perfect for a St. Patrick’s themed meal. Mashed potatoes, corned beef and cabbage will all be served at my table this year!

Read more »

Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day!

A six-pack and a potato please! Whether you are celebrating St. Patrick’s Day or throwing a fun Irish dinner party, I have the perfect touches to make it special.

Of course with a name like McCann-Mulligan I can get away with a joke like that! With that said, here’s a creative twist on two Irish staples – beer and potatoes:

Beer Mug O’ Blooms

This fun floral arrangement makes a great decoration and is a perfect gift to send to anyone on St. Patrick’s Day – after all everyone is Irish on March 17th! The beer is actually acrylic crystal nuggets and the beer foam is white floral foam.

If you don’t have the time to make a Beer Mug O’Blooms at home, 1-800-FLOWERS.COM has a version of their own. Check it out here!

Irish Potato Appetizers

Salmon, another traditional Irish food, brings these potato appetizers up a notch. They’re very easy to make, look pretty, and you don’t need two hands to enjoy them which means you can hold onto your beer!

Directions:

1. Coat small red potatoes with olive oil and sea salt.
2. Roast in oven until fork tender (about 45 min).
3. Remove from oven and let cool slightly.
4. Cut a small cross in the top of each potato and press sides to open.
5. Put a dollop of sour cream in each potato.
6. Top with a slice of smoked salmon.
7. Garnish fresh a fresh herb such as rosemary.

Where’s the (Corned) Beef?

Probably the most popular meal to serve on St. Patrick’s Day is corned beef and cabbage. Think outside the box (or pot in this case). Leave out the corned beef and create a unique centerpiece with the cabbage, potatoes, and fresh cut Bells of Ireland. To create the “cabbage” vase simply remove a few outer leaves from a head of cabbage and place around a short beverage glass.

This Spud’s for You!

OK, one final creative use of a potato! Scope out the center of a large baking potato and fill with 2-3 stems of green spider mums. Insert a nametag and place on each guest’s dinner plate.

Remember what I always say, – “Just have fun with it” – and you can’t go wrong!

Erin Go Bragh!

Top of The Mornin’

Tea & Scones

March 17th is a grand day and what better way to start the day than with a traditional irish breakfast of a plate of hot homemade scones and a cup of irish tea?  In this case, the tea is a bouquet of fresh “green tea” roses. However, the scones are piping hot and ready to eat.

Here’s a traditional raisin scone recipe that you might want to try. Let me know how they turn out!

Traditional Irish Raisin Scone Recipe

Ingredients:

1 lb. flour

¼ pint of buttermilk

1-cup raisins

1 teaspoon of baking soda

1 teaspoon of baking powder

2 tablespoons of sugar

2 oz of Irish butter

Directions:

Sift the flour, baking soda and powder into a bowl. Rub in butter. Add in the sugar and raisins. Stir with a wooden spoon. Make a well in the mix and work in the buttermilk. Turn on to a floured board and knead briefly. With a wooden rolling pin, roll out the mixture till it is one inch thick. Use a cookie cutter, or an upside-down plastic tumbler, to cut out the scones from the dough. Glaze with a beaten egg. Bake in a hot oven (425°F) for 15 minutes.

Tricolour – The National Flag of Ireland

I’m embarrassed to admit that I never knew the meaning and lasting relevance of the Irish flag. I’ve held it high on many occasions without even knowing what the three colors represented. In case there are any others of you like me, let me take this opportunity to share my newfound knowledge, as well as, my floral tribute to this piece of Irish hope and pride.

The three equal stripes illustrate the Irish political landscape, as accurately today as in 1848, the year the flag was first unfurled.

• Orange — standing for Irish Protestants
• Green — signifying Irish Catholics and the republican cause
• White — representing the hope for peace between them

The Wearin’ of the Green!

Green ribbons and shamrocks were worn in celebration of St. Patrick’s Day as early as the 17th century. Keep the tradition alive by having green carnations available for your guests to pin on when they arrive at your St. Patrick’s Day celebration. Fill an interesting and appropriately themed container, such as the old Bailey’s tin that I used here, with green carnations that are cut short and ready to be adorned with a ribbon or pinned on a lapel. The carnations I’ve used are a natural green variety called Prado. It is one of my favorite flowers, because of its beautiful pale green color and its availability year round.

If you really want to impress your special Irish lad or lass, look into their eyes as you pin on their carnation and say “Tá tú go h-álainn” (You’re beautiful).

When Irish Eyes Are Smiling!

Your guest’s eyes will surely smile when you serve them a pretty green cocktail in one of these beautiful Waterford goblets available by the pair at 1-800-FLOWERS.COM. This cocktail is called Irish Eyes and is similar to the vodka based White Russian. Crème de menthe adds just a hint of mint and gives the finished drink its light green color. A few of these and you’ll all be singing “When Irish Eyes Are Smiling” and no one will care what key it is in!

Here’s a special deal! Use promotion code: IRISHEYES to receive 30% off these beautiful goblets.

*This offer expires on April 30, 2010.

IRISH EYES COCKTAIL RECIPE

Ingredients:

• 1 oz Irish Whisky
• ¼ oz crème de menthe
• 2 oz cream

Preparation:

1. Pour the ingredients into a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Shake well.
3. Pour into glass

Celebrate Shabbat!

Recently, I was told that this Friday, March 5^th, the Jewish holiday of Shabbat will be celebrated across America and Canada. For those of you who don’t know what the holiday Shabbat is, take a moment to read the following and learn about Shabbat!

Like any good holiday, Shabbat is generally celebrated with a meal shared with family and friends. Reconnecting with friends and within oneself fulfills the commandment to Remember Shabbat. 1-800-FLOWERS.COM has partnered with Jewish Treats to make this Shabbat Across America extra special. So, this made me do a little research to find out just how flowers play a role in the holiday.

With the help of Jewish Treats, I learned some basic facts when it comes to bringing flowers for a Shabbat celebration.

Bouquets of flowers are certainly thoughtful, but putting those flowers into water during Shabbat can be a problem, as this falls into the m’la’cha (creative work prohibited on Shabbat). As you know, cut flowers will not continue to grow, but they will last longer in water and possibly blossom.

If you intend to bring flowers for your Shabbat hosts, it is very important that they are brought into the home before Shabbat. A flower arrangement may be placed on the table as a centerpiece and even moved about the house, as long as they remain in the same vase of water (and are not placed in a specific location where they might blossom better).

The fact that flowers can be moved distinguishes them from potted plants. A potted plant is already planted and growing. And remember, just as one may not put cut flowers into water on Shabbat, one may not water a potted plant– but what could be the problem with moving it? The answer is sunlight. When a person moves a potted plant on Shabbat, they directly affect the amount of light the plant receives, and, therefore, its ability to grow.

Wow! I can tell you I learned a lot about what to do (or not do) when it comes to flowers during Shabbat. This is very helpful whether you are celebrating the holiday or helping make this holiday special for others.

In honor of this Friday night’s Shabbat Across America and Canada event, 1-800-FLOWERS.COM is offering a 15% discount.

Use Promotion Code: SHABBAT
*Cannot be used on promotion code restricted items

Don’t forget to schedule your arrangement to be delivered Friday afternoon (before Shabbat) to wish someone a special Shabbat Shalom.

For more information, visit Jewish Treats and follow them on twitter @JewishTweets for a chance to win one of eight $40.00 gift cards to 1-800-FLOWERS.COM.

Create Your Own Dried Flowers

There really isn’t any easier way to preserve flowers then to just let them dry. I think flowers look beautiful when they are dry; they take on such a romantic vintage feel. And while the flowers that your loved one sent you were beautiful, the message that was sent with them is just as beautiful.
Why not frame a few of the flowers that have dried and the sentimental card?
By framing the flowers and card, you are able to get the same good feeling that you had when you first received the gift!

Bird’s Nest Themed Baby Shower

With so many baby shower ideas out there, my favorite one just had to be a bird nesting themed baby shower. At this point the new mom’s nesting instinct is in over-drive so why not make “nesting” the theme for her baby shower. I did just that recently for my niece’s shower, but also included pears, as they were a theme from her wedding, which my sister creatively incorporated into the baby shower invitations. And as luck would have it, I found these fabulous pear shaped glass votive candle-holders on clearance at one of my favorite home good stores. Instead of a candle, I filled the pear with a fresh cut rose “nesting” within a green hydrangea.

Décor

There are many nest themed home décor and entertaining pieces in the market right now. Think outside the box and incorporate flowers in containers that might originally be intended for other purposes such as this iron and twig dip dish. I think the addition of the faux egg really plays into the baby shower and nesting theme.

Favors

My niece and her husband gave each guest at their wedding a fresh orchid nestled in a ceramic pear vase by ceramist Barbara Eigen with a tag that said “Julie Anne and Tom – The Perfect Pear”. For her shower, each guest received a miniature pear nestled in a tiny nest with a card that said, “The Perfect Pair is Nesting”!

With the craziness of Valentine’s Day officially over and a holiday weekend quickly approaching, I thought it might be a great time to do a round up of some of my favorite romantic ideas for those of us who may be celebrating their love for each other this long weekend!

Have a lovely Valentine’s weekend, and remember: Valentine’s Day is just one day of the year – don’t forget about the other 364! Read more »

Set The Mood on Valentine’s Day

Valentine’s Day is all about love and expressing your feelings, so I prefer to keep the event itself low key and comfortable. At the same time the mood should be sensual, encouraging contact and communication. There are a few key elements that definitely help you to create this vibe: flowers, candles, and food that can be eaten (and fed to each other) with your fingers!

Food and Flowers

The simple act of sharing food has long signified trust and bonding. There are however, certain foods that are know to be natural aphrodisiacs for various reasons. Fruits are said to entice passion with their sweetness and succulence. Oysters have been linked with love and sexuality for thousands of years. “Aphrodisiac” was born from Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of love, who was said to have been born from the sea, causing many types of seafood to have reputations as aphrodisiacs. According to the website Alternet.org, the top ten aphrodisiac foods are: honey, oysters, garlic, figs, chocolate, basil, bananas, avocado, almonds, and asparagus.

The presentation of the food itself can be the strongest aphrodisiac. Here are a few ideas to help you set the mood this Valentine’s Day. Read more »

Romantic Dinner Ideas

Isn’t it wonderful that Valentine’s Day is in the middle of the winter? It’s such a great excuse to shut out the rest of the world and create a sanctuary where you and your loved one can reconnect. One of the most romantic ways to do this is by creating an indoor Garden of Eden. While this can be put together at the last minute, the more prepared you are ahead of time the better it will be in the end.

Here is a list of items that will make for a smooth romantic evening set in your very own Garden of Eden (fig leaves optional).

Important elements:
Picnic basket
Blanket
Oversized pillows
Plants
Flowers
Candles
Champagne or wine
Ice bucket
Glasses
Music
Sensuous finger foods

Read more »

Flowers have a magical way of saying what words sometimes cannot. The words that accompany the flowers can have a power all their own. Those words can be heart wrenching or funny, a simple “I love you” or something a bit more complex such as those the great Irish writer and poet James Joyce wrote to his wife:

“You are my only love. You have me completely in your power. I know and feel that if I am to write anything fine and noble in the future I shall do so only by listening at the doors of your heart. I would like to go through life side by side with you, telling you more and more until we grew to be one being together until the hour should come for us to die”. Read more »

Make A Touch Down At Your Super Bowl Party!

A Super Bowl party is not the time to fuss too much with decorations – food, drinks, and of course the game will take precedent for this occasion. However it’s still a theme party and what’s a theme party without themed decorations! Just keep it simple and make it fun. I decided that in honor of the sport I would use only white “football” mums. White flowers will work with all color schemes, whether you decide to go with the official navy blue and bittersweet orange colors of Super Bowl XLIV or your favorite team colors. Game Day Parties (www.gamedayparties.com) has a great selection of Super Bowl XLIV paper goods, as well as, solid blue and orange so you can mix and match.  These Super Bowl party ideas

DECORATIONS

Bloomin’ Football Koozie

These fun little arrangements are so inexpensive and you can put them all around the house, on the buffet, even in the bathroom. The container is an actual can or bottle koozie that I found. I lined the koozie with the bottom half of a disposable water bottle. You can even give one to each guest at the end of the party as a parting gift!

Beer Mug Arrangement

Can you believe that this mug of beer is actually an innovative fresh flower arrangement? You can find this Beer Mug of Blooms at 1-800-FLOWERS.COM. It would be a great, unexpected gift to send to a friend that you are unable to be with on Super Bowl Sunday. Let them know that you are together in spirit!

Did you notice the arrangement in the background using the referee bottle koozie? Fun, simple, inexpensive, and easy – that’s the way I like it!

Super Bowl XLIV Centerpieces

I love the graphics and the colors for this year’s Super Bowl. To create these themed vases, I scanned the image on the napkins that I ordered from Game Day Parties and sized the image accordingly for the glass cubes. For the smaller version with the single football mum, I used double-sided tape and attached the image to the four sides of the cube. With the larger version I had a smaller cube inside the larger one and placed the super bowl image on each side between the two vases.

FOOD

I am trying not to think too much about all of the Super Bowl type food right now. I am trying to eat healthy and in moderation (of course I am – it is still January), but I still love all of the chili cheese dogs, hot wings, nacho type of food that is standard Super Bowl style grub. What I plan to do is make a few of my favorite dishes healthier. For example a quick, easy, and delish dip is:

Chili Cheese Dip

Ingredients:

1 – package of cream cheese softened

1 – can chili

1 – 8 oz. cheddar cheese

Directions:

Spread the cream cheese around the bottom of a baking dish

Top with the chili.

Cover with shredded cheddar cheese.

Microwave for 2 minutes or until cheese is melted

Serve with tortilla chips.

This year I am going to use fat free cream cheese and cheddar cheese, salsa in place of the chili, and baked pita or tortilla chips. There are so many sources for making your traditional Super Bowl food healthier. Websites like Weight Watchers and Hungry Girl, as well as, new books from Bethenny Frankel and Rocco Dispirito are a few to check out.

Football Cake

For a dessert that is as much fun to look at as it is to eat, make a football cake using a football cake pan. To display the cake, I used a Clementine crate. The ends of the crate reminded me of goal posts. I reshaped the scanned image of the Super Bowl XLIV napkins and scaled it to fit the sides of the crate. You can fill the crate with wheat grass or green paper shreds to mimic the football field. And if you wanted to continue with the lower calorie versions of your favorite recipes, you can try a diet soda cake recipe. I’ve never actually tried it myself, but I have heard that it is quite good!

Additional Super Bowl Party Tips:

• Play CD’s from The Who to get everyone psyched up for the group’s performance during the half time show.
• Order yourself something football themed, yet feminine to wear to the party. The NFL Shop has a nice selection of clothing, including a few hot items from Touch by Alyssa Milano. You could encourage your friends to order something for themselves and put on your own half-time fashion show!

Pitcher Perfect!

Now that you’ve put all of your holiday decorations away doesn’t your home look so plain, empty, and boring? Arrange your own bouquet starting with a simple bunch of fresh flowers! Try it – you’ll be amazed at the difference they make to your home. Pick up a bunch of flowers while you’re out or take a minute and order some online. You deserve it! I’d recommend getting a single variety or a mixed bouquet of loose stems that you can display in one of your own vessels. Make lots of smaller arrangements that you can place all around the house or make just one perfect bouquet that will welcome you home the minute you walk through the door.

One of my favorite vessels to display flowers in is a pitcher. Pitchers are both practical and pleasing to the eye. They are made from many different materials and come in all shapes and sizes. I have lots of different pitchers that I have collected over the years. I’m always pulling one down from the shelf to drop a few stems in and I’m always so pleased with the way they look. Here are a few photos that might inspire you to dust off that old silver pitcher from up in the attic or take the ice tea pitcher from the kitchen cabinet and create your own stylish bouquet!

When choosing flowers to place in your pitcher, I would recommend these three blooms in particular for different reasons (besides being a great value):

Tulips, one of my favorite flowers, are the easiest flower to arrange and they come with their own foliage attached to each flower!

Spray roses have multiple blooms on each stem and come in a wide variety of vibrant rich colors.

Alstromeria also have multi blooms per stem and come in a variety of different colors but the shelf life of a cut alstro makes it a real winner. Alstro will last an average of three weeks as fresh cut flowers!

Inspired by the ancient tradition of featuring a different floral arrangement in front of a home to identify the family and profession of the resident, I created these one of a kind designs. These are the kind of arrangements that I really like to create as gifts. They are so personal and take more thought then anything else. Give a personalized wreath to someone special, they are gifts from the heart. Read more »

Here are a few basic tips and ideas for creating your own wreaths either as a gift to yourself or for a friend.

TRANSFORMED BARGAIN WREATHS

Keep your eyes open for bargains with possibilities. I always check out the clearance section at various stores for items that can easily be transformed with a few fresh flowers or greens. I purchased this grapevine wreath with silk ivy for $5.00. In order to create a simple fresh holiday wreath, all I had to do was add a few sprigs of white pine, pinecones, and a green grosgrain ribbon. You can use almost any variety of evergreens. Simply insert individual sprigs between the grapevine branches and attach the pinecones and ribbon with wire or hot glue.

Read more »

The Christmas tree market was born in 1851 when Catskill farmer, Mark Carr, hauled two ox sleds of evergreens into New York City and sold them. By 1900, one in five American families had a Christmas tree, and 20 years later, the custom was nearly universal.

No one will have a tree quite likes yours when you create your own version of the Holiday Flower Tree. Here are four great holiday flower tree ideas I created just for you!

Modern Vintage
I found these sweet beaded flowers in an antique shop, and then came across the black & white polka dot vase. I think the finished product has a nice modern vintage feel to it. It also reminds me of Mary Engelbreit! When I was done I thought a bowl of cherries would be a nice prop and I could call this the “Life is just a Chair of Bowlies” tree!

Nantucket Christmas
With the traditional Nantucket basket as the base and natural decorations of pinecones, pods, and seashells this tree symbolizes the incredible natural rustic beauty of New England.

Read more »

Run for the Roses!

The Kentucky Derby is a great reason to throw a fabulous party. Here are some tips to help you create the feeling of fun and excitement in the comfort of your own home!

THE CENTERPIECE

Your centerpiece will represent “The Infield”, which is the flat grassy area inside of the track. The infield is famous for hosting a large Kentucky Derby party. All you need is a tray of wheat grass, which you can get at any florist or floral market. The wheat grass can be placed on a tray or platter and looks great as is. Placing small plastic horses around the rim of the grass would look so cute! Or surround the grass with red roses – after all, The Kentucky Derby is called The Run For The Roses!

PLACE CARD

Extravagant hats are a staple at the Derby. Create sweet little place cards using mini straw hats that you can find at arts and craft stores. Decorate with ribbons and small flowers. Attach a nametag to the brim and you’re all set.

NAPKIN FOLD

The Kentucky Derby is part of The Triple Crown. A series of three races, the Kentucky Derby, the Preakness Stakes, and the Belmont Stakes, that is run annually by a group of thoroughbred horses.

Give every guest at your party their own crown by folding the napkins in the traditional crown fold. Just follow these simple step-by-step directions:

1. Lay the napkin face down in front of you.
2. Fold the napkin in half diagonally.
3. Orient the napkin so the open ends are pointing away from you.
4. Fold the right-corner up so that the point rests directly on top of the middle-corner. The edge of this new flap should lie on the centerline of the napkin.
5. Repeat step four on the other side, bringing the left-most corner up to meet the middle-corner, creating a diamond shape.
6. Fold the bottom of the napkin up about 2/4′s of the way and press this fold down well.
7. Fold the smaller triangle down so the point rests on the near edge of the napkin. Press.
8. Curl the left and right sides of the napkin up so they meet in the middle and tuck one into the other.
9. Stand it up and tug at it where needed to even it up and round it out. If your napkins are too limp then think of starch as napkin Viagra and make them good and stiff.

PARTY FAVOR

Petite floral arrangements made in silver julep cups would be perfect. Use fresh mint as the greenery and arrange with a few red roses. You can use these julep cup arrangements to decorate your table, either placing one at each guest’s place setting, or arranging them as centerpieces. At the end of the party give one to each guest as they leave and thank them for joining in the fun!

Celebrate Chinese New Year!

The Chinese New Year begins on the first day of the New Moon. This year, the year of the tiger, the Chinese New Year falls on February 14^th – Valentine’s Day! So even if you’re not in a “love relationship” you’ll have a reason to celebrate and host a party that weekend. There are some traditional Chinese customs, foods, and colors that can inspire you and point you in the right direction. Don’t be afraid to have some fun with it and use your imagination. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

Decorations

The Chinese are fascinated by the color red, not only because of its intoxicating vibrancy, but also because of its rich meaning in Chinese culture and history. According to Chinese customs, red is the color of the soul of the nation. The color red signifies reunion, health, happiness, harmony, peace and prosperity. So guess what color palette I would suggest for your Chinese New Year’s celebration? That’s right – red!!

Flowers are an important part of the Chinese culture and New Year’s is the busiest day in the Chinese flower market. Flowers are said to bring good luck and are given when visiting family for the traditional New Year’s Eve feast. Pick up decorative take-out containers from a party supply store and fill them with flowers in shades of red, gold, and orange – both in honor of the New Year and the tiger. These sweet petite arrangements can also be given as gifts to your guests when the party is over.

Food

Lettuce wraps are a fun, easy, traditional Chinese food. They are served at New Year’s, because the Cantonese word for lettuce sounds like rising fortune, and the wraps are filled with other lucky food such as noodles and peanuts.

Gifts

Hongbao, small red envelopes stuffed with money, are often given to unmarried children. You can find these envelopes at party supply stores.

And speaking of flowers in pitchers, have you seen the new 1-800-FLOWERS.COM commercial featuring the Make Lemonade in a Pitcher arrangement? If not, check it out here.

I love this product. It’s a bouquet of white and yellow daisies in a clear pitcher with floating lemon slices. It’s a fresh feel-good bouquet, which you can definitely see in the commercial. Flowers are a very simple and easy way to make someone feel better. Whether your problem is a Frank Lemon or a baby yellin’, flowers will bring a smile to your face.

Click here to see a few other beautiful bouquets in pitchers from 1-800-FLOWERS.COM!

The impetus for a National Grandparents Day originated with Marian McQuade, a housewife in Fayette County, West Virginia. Her primary motivation was to champion the cause of the lonely elderly in nursing homes. She also hoped to persuade grandchildren to tap into the wisdom and heritage that their grandparents could provide. In 1978, President Jimmy Carter, proclaimed that National Grandparents Day would be celebrated every year on the first Sunday after Labor Day. This year, Grandparents Day falls on Sept. 13th.

This year, Grandparents Day takes on a very special meaning for me. I just became a grandmother for the first time on August 29th with the birth of Juliette Claire. Of course she is the sweetest most beautiful little girl in the world. It has only been a few days since she was born and yet she has already brought a whole new dimension to my life. I am embracing my role as a grandparent with all of my heart.

Great Gift Ideas for Grandparents

Being a grandparent is the ultimate gift. I know that any grandparent will tell you that he or she doesn’t need anything else. The love and support that grandparents give means so much and Grandparents Day is a great time to let them know. It’s not so much about the gift, but the thought and the sentiment that it represents. The best gift is one that is personal and speaks to the individual. Flowers are always a wonderful way to say what words cannot. Flowers can easily be sent to grandparents that aren’t lucky enough to live close to their grandchildren. When I am giving a gift, I always think about the person that I am recognizing and try to create something that speaks to his or her special interests, attributes and our relationship. Here are a few floral gift ideas for different types of grandparents. I hope one of them works for you or inspires you to create your own perfect gift for your world’s #1 grandparent!

It’s the Right of Every Grandparent to Spoil Their Grandchildren!

Often, parents have to set the rules and keep the treats to a minimum for their children. When children are at grandma and grandpa’s house, life’s a party full of indulgences! One of my favorite treats when I went to my grandmother’s house was a special ice cream soda that she made for me. I was so impressed with the “real” ice cream soda glass that she used and the whip cream she made from scratch. My grandmother made me feel special, because she always let me put the sprinkles on myself. Growing up in a house with five siblings all close in age, really didn’t leave a lot of time for those extra little touches that grandma was able to incorporate into every visit! It was especially sweet if it was your turn to go by yourself and have grandma’s undivided attention!

I made this floral faux ice cream soda in honor of my Grandma McCann. She had 14 grandchildren and somehow was able to make each one feel like they were her favorite.

LUCKY BAMBOO

Known for centuries as Lucky Bamboo, the plant is not a bamboo at all (botanical name: Dracaena), but a resilient member of the lily family that grows in the dark, tropical rainforests of Southeast Asia and Africa.

Along with its ease of growth, Lucky Bamboo has long been associated with the Eastern practice of Feng Shui, or the bringing of natural elements of water, fire, earth, wood and metal into balance within the environment. Lucky Bamboo is believed to be an ideal example of the thriving wood and water element. Also, the addition of a red ribbon sometimes tied around the stalks is believed to “fire” the positive flow of energy or chi in the room.

The number of stalks also has meaning: three stalks for happiness; five stalks for wealth; six stalks for health.

FLOWERS TOO – OF COURSE!

You’ve heard so many times from me about the power of flowers. It doesn’t take a lot of flowers or expensive flowers to brighten a room and make someone feel good. At times, being away from home can be difficult for a college student. Surprising your special student with a simple bouquet, now and then, can really make a difference. Traditional vases aren’t necessarily the way to go in a dorm room. Remember if it can hold water it can hold flowers. This ceramic Chinese “take-out” container is a fun unique vessel that can do double duty as a dinner plate or hold pens, pencils, hairbrushes, remotes, chargers, and of course flowers. The attached charm features the Chinese symbol for luck. And we all need a little luck!

With everything else you need to buy when setting up a dorm room plants and flowers probably aren’t on the top of your list, but they should be on the list! They naturally clean the air by removing toxins and can actually fight fatigue and colds. Tending to a plant or a small garden can be very relaxing and rewarding. Plants brighten up a room, add fresh air, and can also be very useful to have around if you grow vegetables, herbs, or medical plants, such as Aloe Vera. Cactus and succulents are a great option, because they are cool looking and require very minimal care, but are still a living thing.

And don’t forget the flowers. Remember all of the benefits of having flowers in a room that I mentioned in the previous post. A dorm room can use all of those benefits in a big way.

Here are some small and simple ideas for bringing the beauty and benefits of plants and flowers into a dorm room.

SUCCULENTS AND CACTUS

Sempervivums (hen & chicks) are a hardy succulent alpine plant. The name sempervivum means “live-forever”. They are well adapted to survive in some of the poorest soil and drought conditions. They usually come already planted in terra cotta pots, which are a great natural look and are small in size, so they fit nicely on a windowsill.

ALOE VERA

As we all know accidents do happen. Having an aloe vera plant in your room has an added benefit of being medicinal in nature. As soon as you suffer a burn, break or cut off an outer leaf of an aloe vera plant, split it open with your fingernails, and squeeze the leaf gel onto the burn.

HERBS

Herbs are easy to grow and smell terrific. They can also be used as seasoning, which can make even the blandest college food taste a little better. Parsley, sage, rosemary, thyme, mint, and oregano are just a few you can try. The grey green leaves of the oregano give a delicate appearance while the tiny pink flowers nestle in showy pale green bracts.

Isn’t it funny how things come your way at just the right time? I was introduced to Savvy Auntie’s Day a few weeks ago and the first person I thought of was my oldest daughter Meggie. She has always been savvy in my book and she is about to become an aunt for the first time in four weeks by way of my younger daughter Casey. I know that Meggie is going to take her new role very seriously and she will definitely appreciate having SavvyAuntie.com to go to share ideas, find answers, and get inspiration. She’s throwing a baby shower for Casey next week and I’m going to surprise her with a gift that I found on the site – the Savvy Auntie tank top. She’s going to love it!

Savvy Auntie-To-Be, The Original Savvy Auntie (me), and the
Mommy-To-Be on a pirate cruise recently in Clearwater, FL.

I personally have set the “Savvy Auntie” bar pretty high – if I do say so myself! I have always cherished my role as an aunt to my 12 nieces and nephews. And I know that the feelings are mutual. They even have a song that they sing about me called “My Aunt Julie – She’s so Special To Me”. OK, so I made the song up, but they do sing it!! I’m creative and crazy and they appreciate that.

I collect (and use) vintage handbags. A couple of my nephews in particular have picked up on this and get a kick out of seeing what purse I’m going to show up with at the next family function. If they saw this image of a floral design I created recently using a1950’s “bakelite” evening bag as a vessel to hold fresh pink roses I know that they would immediately recognize it as one of my creations! Sharing my passions and interests with all of my nieces and nephews has always been something that I have appreciated and enjoyed tremendously. Learning about their interests and passions as well, allows you to get to know each one as an individual. Knowing each one individually also helps when it comes to gift-giving time. A “Savvy Auntie” always gives the BEST gifts!

I’m excited to for the first ever Savvy Auntie’s Day coming up on Sunday, July 26th. Another reason why I love Savvy Auntie’s Day is because its official symbol is a bright, red flower – a sign of warmth and love. In honor of the inaugural holiday, 1-800-FLOWERS.COM has dedicated its Elegant Wishes bouquet as the official “Savvy Auntie’s Day” arrangement.

Dedicate Sunday, July 26th to celebrating “Aunt-hood” and all the special ways your Aunt has affected your life!

Impress your guests or wow your hostess with the ultimate 4th of July centerpiece – a fresh flower flag!

How To Make A Fresh Flower Flag

This flag can be made in many different sizes.

Choose a container that has a lip of at least one inch all around. Line the container with floral foam, cutting the foam to fit. Tape the foam into the tray using clear waterproof tape. If you plan to only use your floral flag as a flat centerpiece then taping isn’t necessary. Soak the floral foam thoroughly using regular tap water before inserting flowers.

I used red and white standard carnations and blue statice. Other options would be white poms, mini carnations, or roses. To fill the galvanized tray that I chose, it required:

• 3 dozen white carnation
• 4 dozen red carnations
• 10 stems blue statice

I used clear crystal bouquet jewels to create the stars.

Creating the flag:

• Cut the stems of your flowers slightly shorter than the height of the lip of your tray.
• Use a knife to mark off the area in the foam that will be the blue area of the flag.
• Fill in the marked area with your blue statice.
• Starting with the top row, place your red flowers into the floral foam. Be sure to insert the cut stems directly into the floral foam with the flower straight up.
• Alternate rows of red and white flowers, ending with a red row.

Your floral flag is now ready to display. Add water on a daily basis and your flag will stay fresh for at least a week!

God Bless the USA!

When decorating for the 4th of July, a red, white, and blue theme is a “no-brainer”! Take your patriotism a step further and use vases and flowers that are all made right here in the good ol’ US of A. I’ve chosen a set of my favorite hobnail milk glass vases, which are designed and manufactured by the Fenton Company. Fenton is a family owned business that has been making vases and decorative items in the United States for generations.

I kept the arrangements simple, using single varieties of flowers that were grown in California. I chose blue delphnium for the tall vase and red roses for the short one. The look is retro, reminding us all of a time in America when things were simpler and almost everything we owned was made right here at home.

Stop and Smell the Roses!

June is National Rose Month. Here are a few fun trivia facts about roses and a few beautiful images of roses to brighten up your day!

• Since 1986, the rose has been the official National Floral Emblem of the United States.
• The rose is the official state flower of: the District of Columbia, Georgia, Iowa, New York, and North Dakota.
• George Washington was the first rose breeder in the United States.
• Roses are native plants in the United States.
• Roses are big business: 1.2 billion are sold annually.

From the life of a new mom…

First things first, today I’ve spotted Candace and Debbie from Mamanista! Candace and Debbie are trendy moms, dedicated to sharing their budget-friendly ideas with other hip moms. Mamanista offers helpful product comparisons and parenting news. All moms should take a look at their great blog!

I enjoyed speaking with my niece Erin about her New Mom life and I’m so happy she let me share some of our conversation. Below are some excerpts from our little Q&A session.

Q: How has it changed your relationship with your mother?

A: From the day I brought Abigail home from the hospital I began to appreciate my mother more. I began to realize all the things she did for me, and gave up for me! I have never needed her advice or support more, and she is always there with guidance and unconditional love. We talk every day, sometimes multiple times a day now and she never gets bored listening to me talk about poop or spit up. I never realized how much I needed my mom….and how I hope I can be half as good a mom to Abigail as she has been (and still is) to me.

Q: How did you relax pre-baby?

A: Read, watch movies, have a glass of wine

Q: How do you relax now?

A: Sleep!

Q: Did you blog or use blogs before the baby – do you now?

A: I didn’t really use blogs before I had the baby. Now however, I spend a lot of time online doing searches about topics related to the baby. I have so many questions and I often find great answers on blogs.

Q: If you do now is it primarily for baby info, sharing, and community?

A: Yes. I use them to get information on the baby and it is always helpful to find out that others are in the same boat that I am in and that other moms have had the same worries that I do. It’s like an online version of a good friend saying “me too”.

When choosing a gift for a New Mom you should definitely take into consideration the changes she has been through and the types of things she enjoyed before baby and the things she enjoys now (i.e. sleep!). Combining both into a day of relaxation may turn out to be a Mother’s Day to remember! Tomorrow I will be sharing some flower suggestions that will add to her day of relaxation

For all Moms out there: What do you want this Mother’s Day???

Today’s Spotted New Mom: Stephanie from Adventures in Baby Wearing. Stephanie provides all sorts of tips and tricks on natural and eco-friendly parenting. Adventures in Baby Wearing offers advice on everything from cloth diapers to vaccines. It truly is a great blog for all Moms out there

New moms, just like “old” moms, come in every imaginable shape, size, temperament, etc. One thing is for sure, they all have one thing in common: their world has just been turned inside out and upside down. And that’s a good thing!! It’s been awhile since I was a New Mom. My first born, my son Shane, just turned 30 (how is that even possible). While some things never change, the world and the way we live in it are very different today. I thought it would be interesting to talk to a New Mom and see how things compare. I didn’t have to go too far since my niece Erin gave birth to her first child, Abigail, a few months ago. Next week, I will also feature Erin’s mom, Marylou, as a Mom of a Mom. It has been a pleasure to see the changes that Abigail has brought into their lives and their relationship. I am happy to share a little slice of Erin’s New Mom life with you and thousands of the other Moms out there.

As if a Hermes scarf wasn’t enough of a dream gift for a Red Carpet Mom, why not take that extra step and create a vignette to complement the scarf? My vignette was inspired by the Au Coeur des Bois design by the French artist and painter Zoë Pauwels featured on my Hermes scarf. It was fun pulling the elements together such as the bird, nest, flowers, and branches. It’s also a great way to work some of those extra special accessories into our home décor for an unexpected and personal touch.

Don’t forget to check out my blog on Monday for the first highlighted DIY Mom! What kind of Mom are you?

Bridal showers have come a long way since when I got married! Brides are older and wiser now. A chic bridal shower idea for the urban sophisticated bride-to-be is to have the bridal shower at a lounge or club. You can customize the cocktail menu by renaming some of your favorite libations in honor of the event, such as, Wedded Bliss, Blushing Bride, Love Potion, and Chastity Belt!

In keeping with the cocktail theme, make all of the floral arrangements in various size cocktail glasses. Here are some ideas for making your own or check out the Happy Hour Collection from 1-800 FLOWERS.COM.

Here’s a pretty project for a cold winter’s day. Add a little sparkle to someone’s day and create a dazzling arrangement using a glass, some beads, and fresh flowers. Take this initial idea and make it your own. These vases can be customized to any size, shape, and color. These vases make fantastic centerpieces for weddings, showers, and other celebratory occasions. Or just make one for your own pleasure and enjoyment.

Measure and cut elastic thread to a length that will encircle glass, plus several inches to tie off. Thread first group of beads on elastic thread, test for fit and tie off. Now you can pre-cut a number of pieces of thread and continue threading until vase is completely covered.

Fill vase two-thirds full with water and floral preservative. Cut stems of flowers (here I used lisianthus) to correct length so that the flowers sit just at the top of the rim of the glass. Continue until the vase is full.

The asparagus vase is always a hit! Everybody loves it and it’s so easy to make. Simply take the rubber band from around a bunch of asparagus and put it around a clear beverage glass. Take a stalk of asparagus and place it between the rubber band and the glass. Continue until the glass is totally covered – this usually takes about one bunch of asparagus. Cover the rubber band with a ribbon, raffia, bandana, napkin or whatever you may have around the house.

Fill the glass half way with water and arrange with flowers of your choice. In this image I used Black-Eyed Susan’s right out of my garden.

Can you guess which veggie I’ll use next?