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Christmas & Holidays, Holiday Decorations

DIY Tabletop Christmas Tree & Decoration Ideas

December 11, 2018

I love Christmas! And I love decorating Christmas trees. The main tree in my home tends to be pretty traditional, changing only slightly from year to year, with new ornaments added here and there. So what I want to talk about is the beauty and versatility of fresh tabletop Christmas trees. These beautiful arrangements are usually handcrafted by your local florist and make great gifts. As a matter of fact, the Holiday Flower Tree® has been a best seller since it was first introduced by 1-800-Flowers over 15 years ago!!

If you have a little time and want to get creative, these trees are pretty easy to make. The basic instructions are the same for whatever size tree you want. The smaller the tree, the faster and easier it will be to construct, of course. Petite trees are so sweet and can be tucked into so many unexpected spots. Larger trees, on the other hand, allow you to create a completely custom look based on your choice of container, decorations and color scheme.

Tree with Bird Continue Reading…

Floral Occasions & Holidays

Why Do We Hang Wreaths at Christmas?

December 5, 2018

It’s not exactly hard to find wreaths gracing doors throughout the spring, summer, and fall, but wreaths are at their most popular in the winter. While it may just seem like a coincidence, wreaths actually hold great religious and spiritual meaning, which is why they’re so admired and used during the Christmas season.

For many Christians, wreaths are so much more than a decorative accessory. Though there’s no one definitive explanation for why we hang wreaths, a few theories have become popular over the years.

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Floral Occasions & Holidays

All About Hanukkah

December 2, 2018

What is Hanukkah?

Hanukkah is an eight-day religious holiday celebrated by people of the Jewish faith. Each year in mid-December, Jews all over the world celebrate the Festival of Lights which commemorates a Jewish victory over the Greeks 2000 years ago. In 165 BCE, when the Jews came to rededicate the Temple they had reclaimed, they found only one small flask of oil with which to light their Menorah, or lamp. This flask contained enough oil to last for just one day, yet the lamp burned for eight days, the same exact amount of time it takes to completely prepare the sacred oil for a new ceremony. This is considered the miracle of Hanukkah.

What is Hanukkah and how is it celebrated?

Hanukkah Traditions

The Menorah During the festival of Hanukkah, menorahs are lit for eight days to commemorate each night the original lamp burned. There are nine candles on the menorah, one for each night and one in the center, which is used to light the others. Each evening, families gather at nightfall to rekindle menorah flames, rededicate themselves to their faith, and to share in the festive meals. Blessings are sung as the candles are lit. Continue Reading…

Flower & Plant Care

Can You Bring Outdoor Plants Inside to Survive the Winter?

November 28, 2018

Old Man Winter may soon show his icy face, but that doesn’t mean you have to put your green thumb to rest for several months. While not all outdoor plants will survive being transplanted and cared for indoors, many will!

While certain plants require more specialized instructions, below is a general guide for how you could move plants inside.

Before Moving Plants Indoors

While we wish it were as simple as picking up a potted plant and moving it inside, it’s unfortunately not. Moving plants indoors to a drastically different environment than they’re used to can cause them to go into shock. That’s why it’s important to take certain precautions to protect both your beloved plants and home. Continue Reading…

Fun Flower Facts

Thanksgiving Vegetables That Come From Flowering Plants

November 15, 2018

Have you ever eaten a flower? Before you quickly respond with a puzzled, “no,” take a minute to think about what a flower is. While most of us think of roses, daisies, and orchids when someone says “flower,” there are quite a few species we’re leaving out.

Because ‘vegetables’ is a culinary term, not exactly a scientific one, there are many things we consider to be vegetables but are, in fact, flowers. As you prepare your Thanksgiving table for a beautiful feast, consider adding these vegetables that double as flowers.

Artichokes

Leaving your vegetable patch unattended for more than a few days is usually a recipe for disaster — unless you’re talking about artichokes, that is. When left unpicked, artichokes open up to expose a beautiful purple, string-like flower. Beyond their beauty, it also makes a wonderful Thanksgiving appetizer or side dish.

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Holiday Decorations

Thanksgiving Centerpieces and Table Decoration Ideas

November 12, 2018

Pear Table Place Setting

Think of your tabletop as a blank canvas on which you will create your “tablescape” art. You choose your mediums as any artist would—your surface, linens, flowers and candles. The layering of colors and textures, adding personal touches, all play a part in the delight and ambiance that a beautifully designed table brings to a special occasion. Go as big or as simple as you want! This is your masterpiece, and should represent you and tell the story that you want told.

Let’s start with simple! Here are a few easy, creative and inexpensive ideas that I hope will provide some inspiration to get you started on your tablescape art.

Fresh Flower Wreath Centerpiece

Floral Wreath Centerpiece Close-Up Continue Reading…

Floral Occasions & Holidays

Diwali, The Festival of Lights: How to Celebrate

November 7, 2018

What is Diwali?

how-to-celebrate-diwali-candlesOnce a year in autumn, during the darkest new moon in the Hindu month Kartik, Hindu communities and temples will shine bright with millions of candles and lamps. This celebration, known as Diwali – or the festival of lights – dates all the way back to ancient times! Diwali 2018 is celebrated on November 7th and for several days after, depending on the family’s religion and traditions.

The traditional name of this holiday, Deepawali originates from the Sanskrit words deep, meaning light and avali, meaning row. Depending on the region and religion, the duration of the festival (3-5 days) as well as the history and origin of the holiday may vary. Although Diwali is mainly a family affair, Diwali is also a religious day for many Hindus. Many celebrate the holiday to bring prosperity and good health to their families.
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Flower & Plant Care

How to Care for Orchids & Keep Them Looking Their Best

November 5, 2018

Orchids are well-known for their striking beauty and unique petal shapes — something that entices orchid lovers but can scare away first-time growers. Despite what their exotic looks might suggest, caring for orchids is not much different than caring for ordinary houseplants. In fact, many people would say that orchids are an “ordinary houseplant,” as the desire for them has skyrocketed over the years thanks to their ability to bloom year-after-year. Though orchid care may be a little different than you’re used to, it’s by no means harder!

purple orchids placed in empty living room

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Holiday Decorations

Dia de los Muertos:
DIY Flower Sugar Skull

October 23, 2018

Day of the Dead or Dia de los Muertos is a Mexican holiday to honor and celebrate loved ones who have passed.  Originally an Aztec harvest celebration, the Catholic influence of the Spanish conquistadors combined it with the traditions of All Souls’ and All Saints Day, and the celebration now starts the day after Halloween and runs for 2 days (11/1 & 11/2).

There are so many beautiful traditions associated with Dia de los Muertos – the colors, music, sentiment, and a few iconic symbols such as the Sugar Skull!  Whether you’re going big or small this year, here are a few ideas for ways that you can personalize and bring this celebration of loved ones’ past into your Dia de los Muertos.

The most iconic symbol of Dia de los Muertos is the Sugar Skull.  Mexicans choose to celebrate the lives of their dearly beloved and the skull symbolizes death but in a positive way.  Living in a country abundant in sugar production, they began to create beautiful clay molded sugar skulls that were decorated with flowers and colorful icing that represented departed souls.

Here’s an easy way to go from Halloween to Day of the Dead and keep the party going!

flower sugar skull arranged with halloween chocolate covered strawberries

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Fall Decor

Autumn Succulent Pumpkins

October 18, 2018

Succulents are the plants that keep on giving… all the way to Thanksgiving and beyond. Now that the weather is cooling down, take your beautiful succulents inside and give them new life for the new season.

A pumpkin is the perfect vessel to plant a succulent in. You can use a fresh pumpkin that you’ve hollowed out—but because you’re cutting into the fresh pumpkin, you’ll be able to enjoy your creation for just a few days… which is fine if you’re using it for décor at an event or party. But why not use a faux pumpkin and enjoy it all season!

And if you want to be right on trend, then I recommend planting your succulents in a white pumpkin!

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