Contributing Writer, Author at 1800Flowers Petal Talk

An Interview with Jason Wu

We’re beyond excited to team up with renowned fashion designer Jason Wu on Wild Beauty, a collection of runway-inspired bouquets that celebrate unique inner beauty.

Jason Wu Wild Beauty, Fashion Inspired Bouquets

Wu is a leading global design talent who’s merged classic American sportswear elements with a refined couture sensibility to create an internationally recognized brand. Since debuting his Ready-to-Wear collection in 2007, he’s been dedicated to making clothes that are beautifully crafted from the inside out. Not to mention, he dresses some of the most influential and stylish women in the world.

We sat down with Jason to get every last detail of this ultimate fashion-meets-floral collaboration.

How did this partnership come about?

I actually grew up around flowers (my father was an avid gardener), and I’ve had a deep love for them ever since. As a designer, flowers have come to play a significant role in my Ready-to-Wear collections and have been prominently featured in my shows, including many provided by 1-800-Flowers. So when the team approached me about introducing a fresh, new design aesthetic to their collection, I felt it was the perfect fit.

Tell us all about Jason Wu / Wild Beauty

It’s an exclusive assortment that embodies my signature design aesthetic of femininity and sophistication. We’re launching with five bouquets, each featuring florals and colors unique to the season. You’ll see a lot of my own favorite blooms incorporated, like lilies, roses, and peonies, along with a mix of textures inspired by my fabrics. It’s my first foray into the floral world and I couldn’t be happier about partnering with 1-800-Flowers.

How is this collection different from other 1-800-Flowers offerings?

I worked closely with the product development team on this collection. You’ll see the bouquets are modern, elegant and incorporate unique floral varieties that will appeal to customers seeking a fresh design point-of-view. It further elevates the overall assortment, providing differentiated offerings to do what 1-800-Flowers as a brand does best: helping customers express, connect and celebrate.

Will there be any special content associated with the collection?

Yes, each bouquet will come with a co-branded hangtag, which features a QR-code initiated mobile web experience featuring exclusive content, including behind-the-scenes footage from my Fall 2020 Ready-To-Wear Show, along with a look at our photoshoot for the collection. We’re also introducing custom-designed, digital ‘Thank You’ notes for recipients. It’s all available at www.1800flowers.com/jasonwu-connect

As the collection evolves with new offerings, customers can stay up-to-date by connecting with 1-800-Flowers.com and myself on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram using the hashtag #JasonWuWildBeauty.

Thanks, Jason! One last question…can you share a little more about each bouquet with our readers?

Of course! Here they are, with a little bit more about what makes each one so unique…and a link to order for anyone who needs a dose of beauty and fashion in their life.

Citrus Crush
This exuberant bunch shares the same sophisticated style as its design. A dramatic bouquet that’s not afraid to make a statement.

Wild Cascade
This vibrant and free-spirited variety blends floral and fashion in a beautiful way—perfect for brightening up anyone’s day.

Silken Roses
All eyes are on this arrangement. An enchanting bouquet, with timeless qualities, that never goes out of style.

Watercolor Chiffon
This arrangement showcases the same soft femininity of the signature look that shares its name.

An Interview with Alice’s Table Founder, Alice Lewis

1-800-Flowers.com is excited to team up with lifestyle and events brand, Alice’s Table, to engage customers through fun-filled experiential and immersive floral workshops.

Perfect for connecting and celebrating with family, friends and coworkers, the 1-800- Flowers.com + Alice’s Table workshop collaboration offers an exciting schedule of virtual floral arranging events, with design themes that change seasonally. During these interactive workshops, guests learn, step-by-step, how to create a beautiful bouquet with a talented Alice’s Table floral host.

We were lucky enough to chat with Alice’s Table Founder Alice Lewis to get more information about her awesome workshop program.

How did this collaboration come about?

Since our start, it has been my dream to secure a consistent nationwide floral supply that both supports our business owner’s growth and allows us to provide our customers with a best-in-class experience. So, I reached out to 1-800-Flowers.com CEO, Chris McCann, to explore the opportunity of collaboration. Chris welcomed the conversation and has been such a pleasure to work with. Seven months later, here we are! We are so excited to be working with the 1-800-Flowers.com team on this workshop collaboration, and if you know me at all, you know that I always have the next thing up my sleeve!

Tell us all about the Floral Workshop Collaboration.

Of course! Together with 1-800-Flowers.com we are bringing fun-filled virtual and live floral workshops to customers nationwide. Each guest is provided with a floral arranging kit, which includes beautiful farm-fresh flowers and a stylish vase. You will then learn step-by-step how to create a beautiful seasonal arrangement in an interactive workshop. The majority of our workshops are taught by one of our talented Event Execs, but I am excited to be hosting public virtual masterclasses if you are looking to take your skills to the next level!

We also offer private workshops – think bridal showers, birthdays, corporate events – where guests gather (virtually or in person!) to connect, create a beautiful arrangement step-by-step with a floral expert, and enjoy all the fun of an Alice’s Table workshop in an intimate and customized setting.

Can you tell us a little about your collections and what we can expect in the next few months?

Each season we release a new floral recipe collection featuring seasonally-inspired color palettes and florals. This year our collections have been inspired by some of my favorite international trips and the rich culture of each location. Our current collection, Summer In Mexico, features bright and bold florals with a tropical flair – an all-time favorite of mine!

In August, we will be launching our Fall collection. While I can’t let you in on the collection theme just yet, it will feature a much richer and moodier color palette, with completely new textures and aesthetics.

Amazing! How can readers join an upcoming workshop?

You can sign up for an upcoming virtual or in-person event here! Workshops are selling out fast, so I recommend signing up soon – you can never have too many flowers or girl’s nights in your life, right?

Administrative Professionals’ Day: What to Give, What to Say, and What to Never Give or Say

Administrative Professionals’ Day, aka Admin Day, celebrates those in the office who keep the wheels turning. Sometimes they’re called executive assistants, administrative secretaries, or office managers. An admin’s responsibilities could range from filing paperwork and coordinating meetings to assisting the CEO and managing the office. Both their title and responsibilities depend on the size and type of office.

Administrative Professionals Day - What to Say & Do

One thing they all do is support the office in some way, and today is the day to say, “Thank you and Happy Administrative Professionals’ Day!” So what is the best way to do that?

What to Give: Good Thank You Gifts

administrative-professionals-day-thank-you-lulas-garden-succulents

A gift like a plant, flowers, a box of candy, or a gift card to their favorite restaurant or coffee shop. These can all be made to feel personal when paired with a sincere thank you note (more on that below!).
Lunch via a food delivery app i.e. Seamless, UberEats, etc. or when social distancing is over, at a favorite restaurant. Let them pick where to go, round up the team, and have fun. Order appetizers and dessert without asking; this is a celebration! Bring a card signed by everyone along with one of the gifts above if it’s in the budget. If you’d like to send something now, food delivery apps are a great next option.
Time off. If it’s within your ability to do so, let them spend the day or afternoon however they’d like.
A Social Media Shout Out: Everyone likes to be recognized. Skip the photo (they might not find it flattering) and instead use a picture of the office or a stock “thank you” photo. (Another cute idea is to find and use one of their baby pictures. Make sure it’s tasteful– no nudes.) Say something along the lines of “Whitney rocks! We couldn’t do it without her. Here’s to the best admin an office could ask for.”

How to Give It: Card, Email or Text?

A handwritten card is the best method of delivery. It’s the most personal and doesn’t make the recipient feel like they need to respond as do email and text. Some tips on the message:

Exclamation points: Use sparingly. It will depend on the length of your message but you’re probably fine with one or even none.
Emojis: Pass. Use your words and save the silly faces for your friends. You know your office best, but generally a well-written thank you won’t need adornment.
Make sure you’ve spelled names correctly.
Proofread twice.

What NOT to Give: Bad Thank You Gifts

No crude joke gifts; no “funny” profane mugs, t-shirts, or other off-color gifts.
No alcohol. A bottle of wine is a lovely thing to bring to a dinner party but not the office.
Nothing religious.
No clothing. Accessories like scarves or gloves may be ok if you know them well, but clothing is generally too personal and intimate.
Nothing you wouldn’t give to someone in a position of authority like your boss. For example, no lingerie, beauty products, or self-help books such as how to do your job better.

If you’re wondering if your gift is inappropriate, it probably is. Your best bet is to stick with one of these classics.

What to Write

Keep it short and sweet. Humor is fine but don’t let it get away from you; something that is meant to be funny often comes across insulting or just plain weird.
Here are some samples of what to write:

Happy Administrative Professionals’ Day! Thank you for all your hard work keeping the office running smoothly. We truly appreciate you!
Thank you for your help this year. You’re a hard worker, you always take the initiative to see what needs to be done, you’re quick to learn and you’re patient with those of us who aren’t. We are lucky to have you.
Thank you for your excellent work and positive attitude. Things can get crazy here but you manage to take it all in stride and never lose your cool. Great job.
Happy Admin Day! It’s people like you who make work a nicer place to be.
I found this quote and thought of you: “The trouble with doing something right the first time is that nobody appreciates how difficult it was.” Thank you for being such an amazing admin and making it all look easy.
You can run the office without a boss, but you can’t run an office without admins.
- Thank you for all your incredible contributions. We couldn’t do it without you.

thank-you-chocolate-covered-strawberries-admin-professionals

Written by Contributing Author Kathy Milano

Color Schemes to Use When Decorating With Flowers This Fall

Believe it or not, autumn is already here, and that means it’s time to start getting into the spirit of the season. In addition to partaking in traditional fall activities, such as apple and pumpkin picking, a popular thing to do is spice up the home with fall decor. However, pumpkin-scented candles, garland-like leaves, and spooky lights aren’t the only items you can use to spread your love for the season in your home — flowers can be, too!

Here are some of the best fall colors and schemes to use when choosing flowers as your fall home decor of choice.

Orange

Though autumn leaves come in various shades of yellows, reds, and even the occasional browns, the best color to use when decorating for fall with flowers is orange. From light to dark and everything in between, you can’t go wrong with this color in a floral arrangement. Here are some top shades of orange:

‘Pumpkin’ orange

One of the first things that comes to mind when we think of autumn and the color orange is a pumpkin. After all, it is one of the primary symbols of the season — and an orange one at that! If you’re not sure which shade of orange to choose for your fall decor, rest assured that anything resembling a pumpkin’s natural color is sure to work well.

Butternut orange

Looking for something just a tad darker? Then you may benefit from flowers that are butternut orange in color. While they may not be as vibrant as an orange autumn rose or pot of mums, flowers in this shade can still fulfill the “orange” portion of your decor without straying too far from the desired color scheme.

Burnt orange

Hoping to add a bit of a rustic feel to your home this fall? If so, consider flowers that come in one of the darkest shades of orange — burnt orange. But don’t worry, using this color won’t make your home seem dreary; in fact, it can even make your brighter yellows and reds pop more than they already do.

An animated ad for 1800flowers.com's fall collection

If you’re looking outside the orange spectrum, consider choosing from the following colors.

Rust

Can’t decide between more red or more orange? Try rust! A color that conveys a little of both, this is a great choice for any fall floral decor. Tip: You may find it mixes with golds and browns best.

Bronze

Bronze is the perfect color if you want to make your home appear calm. And the best part is, this color isn’t too bright or too dark, so it’s an excellent happy medium that can complement the rest of your floral arrangements.

Burgundy

On the border of red and purple, burgundy is an awesome color to add to your floral decor. Although it is a bit darker than the bright red roses you may be considering, it can add a soothing touch to your home.

Plum

Straying from the typical oranges, reds, and yellows is plum. Although this may not be an obvious fall color, you’d be surprised at how good it looks when paired with other autumn hues. Peep this arrangement and see for yourself!

We’ve covered the recommended colors and color combos for fall, but which ones should be avoided this time of year? While pink is the perfect choice for an anniversary arrangement or the welcoming of a new baby girl, your best bet when it comes to fall home decor is to stick with traditional autumn colors. However, if you do have the need for an anniversary gift or another special occasion this season where pink is usually the top pick, you could find success with one of the above fall colors, too.

Fall colors bonus tip

If you have yet to decide which flowers you’ll use to make your home cozy and warm this fall, keep in mind that the best flowers to use are mums, lilies, roses, and wheat. And just like you should try to avoid using spring colors to make your fall decor stand out, stay away from spring flowers such as tulips, irises, and peonies when putting together a floral arrangement to decorate your home.

The Essential Holiday Guide to Chicago

There’s nowhere quite like Chicago to spend the holidays. The second city is absolutely buzzing with events, must-sees and must-dos when the season rolls around. Whether you’re spending the winter holidays with family or a significant other, Chicago has no shortage of sights, smells and ways to make this magical time of year even more magical. Pay attention and take notes from our Essential Holiday Guide to Chicago to make the most of your holiday in the windy city.

Ice Skating in Millennium Park

Millennium Park, home of the famous Cloud Gate (“The bean” to locals), transforms into a winter wonderland as the temperatures plunge. In the midst of a myriad of lights lies the famous Millennium Park skating rink, which is set up and torn down at the beginning and end of every winter. Strap on a pair of skates and take a few laps with family, friends or that special someone before warming up with some cocoa or coffee from a nearby cafe.

couple-holding-hands-ice-skating-outdoors-holiday-guide

See the Tree

Less than a ten minute walk away from Millennium Park’s seasonal ice rink is Chicago’s main visual spectacle for the holiday season: a massive Christmas tree. The tree for this year’s celebration stands an impressive sixty-two feet tall, and will remain lit until January 6th. If possible, go early on a weekday evening to avoid the crowds and get the perfect holiday photo in front of the tree, and don’t forget to surprise your date with one of our flower arrangements for an extra dash of romance.

Ride the Holiday Car

Chicago’s “L” train can take you pretty much anywhere you need to go in the city. During the holidays, this Chicago staple can also take you to the North Pole on Saturday, December 17th. Decked out with elves, twinkling lights, holiday cheer and the man in red himself, you can join the fun via the train’s red and purple line trains. Grab a selfie with Santa or enjoy a candy cane from one of his helpers as you ride through the city to your next destination. Visit the Chicago Transit Authority’s website for a detailed schedule

Grab Hot Chocolate in Bucktown

There are endless places for hot chocolate in Chicago, but nobody does it quite like James Beard Foundation Award winner Mindy Segal. Mindy’s Hot Chocolate is a restaurant on Chicago’s West Side which is completely centered around – you guessed it – hot chocolate. Grab a cup of the tried-and-true or branch out with one of their many varieties of hot chocolates, desserts and savory fine dining options.

woman drinking hot chocolate holiday guide

Catch a Musical

Seeing a musical certainly isn’t an entertainment option exclusive to Chicago; however, during the holiday season, you’ll have the unique opportunity to be a part of history. This holiday season, Chicago’s Goodman Theatre will be running A Christmas Carol for its 40th consecutive year. This musical has drawn 1.5 million spectators through the doors of the Goodman, and it one of the city’s most heralded events to get you in the holiday spirit.

Whether it’s your first time spending the holidays in Chi-Town or you’ve lived here for 20 years, catch these musts for a yule season that you’ll never forget!

The Christmas (Lone) Star Shines Brightest in Dallas

If your dreams do not include a white Christmas, Dallas is the place for you to be this holiday season. For the brightest, most extraordinary Christmas you can imagine—from visits to Santa, to gigantic gingerbread houses, to star-studded lighting displays and more—Dallas is the place to find your holiday wishes coming true.

Alliance Française de Dallas – French-Style Christmas Market

Before you head out to enjoy all the breathtaking sights and sounds of the holidays, get your shopping done so you can relax and enjoy the season. Instead of running all over town, head on down to the fourth annual Marché de Noël, an outdoor French-style Christmas market based on the tradition of Strasbourg, France. Local artisans and businesses fill their booths with all kinds of holiday goods and invite you to enjoy a cultural, intellectual and artistic experience sans égal. This multicultural, family-oriented event happens for one day only, but that’s all you’ll need to finish your jolly gifting!

December 3rd, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Dallas International School. Free and open to the public (activity fees may apply).

woman and children christmas shopping holiday guide

Gingerbread Workshop Extravaganza

Now that your shopping is out of the way, take a trip back to your childhood with a visit to the Hotel Crescent Court in Uptown Dallas, where you will be awestruck at the astounding display of confectionary castles! More than 20 varieties of sweets and icing decorate the impressive array, but even better than that, you and your kids can make your very own gingerbread delight that will taste even better than it looks. Pastry Chef Julie Price is your hostess for classes on how to blow the roof off the classic gingerbread house.

December 3rd or 11th (children’s workshop) or December 15th (adult workshop). Spots fill quickly, so call (214) 871-3241 or email Carlee Christy at carlee.christy@crescentcourt.com to register and save your place.

gingerbread house christmas holiday guide

The 12 Days of Christmas at Night at the Arboretum

A stroll through the fascinating Dallas Arboretum is a treat any time of year, but the night becomes magical in December! Enjoy seasonal sweet or savory refreshments and hot drinks as you experience the enchantment of a centerpiece exhibit featuring extravagant, 25-foot tall Victorian gazebos that present whimsical animals, costumes, and the beloved music of the favorite holiday story, A Christmas Carol. The handcrafted exhibitions are spread throughout the ¾ mile-long path through the garden’s winter wonderland.

The Arboretum is open Wednesday – Sunday, November 8 to December 30, 2017 6-9pm (excluding November 23 and December 24). Check our schedule for other holiday events at the garden including an Elves’ Workshop, Serenade and Sweets, Visits with Santa, Holiday Karaoke, an outdoor movie showing “Elf,” and the Photo Bus.

Vitruvian Lights 2017 Lighting Ceremony

The suburbs of Dallas join the Big D in extravaganzas with their own kind of magic. In Addison, on the northern edge of Dallas, Mayor Joe Chow will flip a simple switch and power on over 1.5 million sparkling LED lights wrapped around more than 550 trees. November 24th at 6:00 p.m. is the time to see Vitruvian Park blossom into the most spectacular lighting display you’ve probably ever seen. The Jordan Kahn Orchestra will entertain guests as they browse through the park, visiting with Santa, laughing at the elf balloon artist, sampling delicious gourmet food and delectable desserts, and consider the many gifts available at retail booths. There is no admission fee! Once the lights are lit, they will remain on every evening through January 1, 2018, so you can enjoy this amazing sight you’ll never grow tired of.

Performances to Give Your Spirit Flight

Dr. Suess’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas on stage has become a Texas tradition! This record-setting Broadway sensation features favorite songs from the original animated movie. At the AT&T Performing Arts Center Winspear Opera House, 11:00 am – 10:00 p.m. Daily between Dec 5 and Dec 17
The most beloved Christmas musical of all time, Irving Berlin’s White Christmas, comes alive at Music Hall at Fair Park, 7:30 pm – 10:30 p.m. Daily between Dec 5 and Dec 10.
Dallas Children’s Theater presents the thrilling Lone Star Circus’® Cirque Joyeux, where you get up close and personal with circus performers from around the world! 7:30 pm – 10:30 p.m. daily between Dec 28 and Jan 1
Ballet Ensemble of Texas, one of Dallas’ only pre-professional ballet companies, welcomes the holiday season with its 21st annual production of The Nutcracker. This beloved holiday classic is set to the music of Peter Tchaikovsky.On stage at the Irving Arts Center, Friday Dec.1 at 7:30 p.m., Saturday, December 2 at 2:30 and 7:30 p.m., and Sunday, December 3 at 2:30 p.m.

Santa’s Itinerary

Of course, no Christmas can go by without a visit to St. Nick. Here’s a Dallas roundup of the best places to meet him, so you can take the little ones to sit on his lap for a traditional photo.

Galleria Dallas, 8:00 am Daily between Nov 17 and Dec 24
Reunion Tower GeO-Deck, 12:00 pm – 3:00 pm Every Sat between Nov 25 and Dec 23
NorthPark Center, 10:30 am Every Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat between Nov 27 and Dec 23 and 12:00 pm every Sun between Nov 26 and Dec 17
Breakfast with Santa at American Girl™, December 3 & 10 at 9 a.m.

Santa Clause Giving Gifts to Children holiday guide

Holiday City Guide in Los Angeles

Whether you’re a native Angeleno, or transplant from elsewhere, celebrating the winter holidays in Los Angeles—among palm trees and warm weather—may seem a bit hollow. How do you get into the holiday spirit when there’s no possibility of a white Christmas? Surprisingly, holiday events in Los Angeles are plentiful, presenting many festive opportunities to spend quality time with family and friends. As you prep for the holiday havoc in the next few weeks, gathering ideas for things to do around Christmas and New Year’s, take a minute to refer to our Holiday City Guide in Los Angeles.

Do All Your Christmas Shopping at a Local Holiday Market

If you have eclectic taste—or just want to give unique, one of a kind presents this year—consider shopping at one of the many holiday markets in Los Angeles. With shows in both New York and Los Angeles, the Renegade Craft Fair is one of the most popular artisan markets around. If you don’t mind paying for entry, the Unique LA Holiday Market gives you access to over four hundred independent designers and artists for only $15. Aside from checking off everyone on your list, you’ll enjoy festive music, seasonal food and drinks, family portraits, and even DIY workshops.

mother and children christmas shopping holiday city guide

Celebrate With Celebrities at the Hollywood Christmas Parade

Each year, Hollywood Blvd. shuts down the Sunday after Thanksgiving for the star-studded Hollywood Christmas Parade. Although it airs on the CW network later in December, it’s much more enjoyable to watch it up close and personal. Local and national marching bands, dancers, and parade balloons all make their way down a giant red carpet—Hollywood style. This year’s grand marshal is Dr. Oz, but don’t be surprised if you see some of your favorite soap and TV stars waving from the floats too. Pro tip: Get as close to the parade start as you can. Some floats even throw candy and toys for the kids!

Deck the Halls With Holiday Concerts at Walt Disney Concert Hall

During the second half of December, Walt Disney Concert Hall hosts six different holiday concerts to inspire yuletide cheer. Choose from jazz, acapella, or traditional choral music performed by Los Angeles singers and local musicians. Feed your ears with holiday favorites in addition to eclectic, original compositions. What better way to hear “Deck the Halls” this year, then on Walt Disney Concert Hall’s massive pipe organ? Better yet, come to the holiday sing-along, hosted by actress Melissa Peterman, on December 16th—a true test of your own pipes and the hall’s unforgiving acoustics. The perfect end to a Disney inspired winter day? Surprising you loved one with a delivery of Disney gifts including popular products such as home accessories, outdoor gifts, flowers, chocolate covered strawberries and more!

Pretend it’s Actually Winter at the Outdoor Holiday Ice Rinks

Sure there are plenty of indoor ice skating rinks around Los Angeles, but for a holiday twist, why not try an outdoor rink this year? From Burbank to Santa Monica, many different cities have made ice skating a holiday tradition, despite the lack of freezing weather. Some even have themes—like the Pershing Square Holiday Ice Rink—including Disney’s Aladdin, a silent disco, and even a Polar Bear Skate. Brrrr! If you get tired of skating in a circle for hours,The Queen Mary’s annual CHILL celebration also offers ice tubing, ice bumper cars, and other adventurous, ice-filled activities.

holiday city guide couple holding hands ice-skating outdoors

Treat Your Sweetheart to Flowers, Cocoa, and Sparkling Lights

What better way to show your love and appreciation during the holidays than with a bouquet of Christmas flowers? Surprise your special someone with red roses and white calla lilies or a basket of blooming gardenias. After you’ve made them melt, warm them up with a cup of Cafe Demitasse’s lavender hot chocolate from one of their four locations across Los Angeles. Take one to go and cuddle up while enjoying a festively romantic night out. While fabulous Christmas light displays can be found all across the county, the dazzling, neighborhood light displays of Woodland Hill’s Candy Cane Lane or Altadena’s Christmas Tree Lane are definitely a must see.

Indulge in Holiday Fun at Local Theme Parks

Having five major theme parks less than an hour away, you can take your pick of the fun-filled holiday celebrations starring all your family’s favorite mega-franchises. Disney’s Festival of Holidays runs through January 7th and includes light shows, specialty entertainment, and a marketplace of festive, Mickey-shaped foods. Visit Santa, listen to carolers, and enjoy a Christmas craft village with Snoopy and friends at Knott’s Merry Farm. Or, if you’re looking for something a little closer to home, Universal’s Wizarding World of Harry Potter promises a magical Christmas experience amid Hogwarts castle, with plenty of holiday themed food, beverages, and gifts galore.

holiday city guide disneyland castle with christmas lights

Capture the Magic this Holiday Season in Houston

It’s that magical time of year when Houston is transformed into a holiday light extravaganza! Take a break from baking and decorating, reschedule shopping and wrapping, and treat yourself to some Texas-sized holiday cheer in Houston. It’s the season when the Sugar Plum Fairy takes centerstage and dances to celestial music, and Elves and gingerbread villages almost seem real. The holiday tradition stirs up civic pride in Houstonians who are ready to be dazzled again with a sleigh full of events, sights and sounds. The City blends art and high tech with tradition to create a winter wonderland – but with a southern twist. Snow is a rarity this far south, but what Houston lacks in snow it makes up for in gestures of goodwill.

Create a Romantic Date Night

A timeless hallmark of the holiday season is a date night consisting of dinner, theater and a surprise Christmas bouquet. Begin your enchanted evening dining at Artista, located on the second floor of The Hobby Center for the Performing Arts. A centerpiece in the heart of the Theater District, Artista sets the scene for a magical romantic evening with classic poinsettias and a towering Christmas tree. Floor to ceiling windows offer stunning views of downtown Houston’s glittering display of holiday lights. Savor your favorite wine, sample their trademark plantains chips and dips, and get ready to see her astonished reaction when a breathtaking bouquet of flowers is hand delivered.

champagne bottle and glasses on table holiday guide

Take an Aquarium Adventure

Four blocks north, at the Downtown Aquarium, Houston, thrill seekers soar 100 feet on the Diving Bell Ferris Wheel to get a bird’s eye view of the city that is saturated with brilliant pulsating lights. Another ride that attracts the adventurous is the Lighthouse Dive that drops its passengers a heart-stopping 65 feet to earth. While it is one way to view the city from a higher elevation, it’s not for everyone. Those who feel more comfortable at sea level will enjoy the Aquatic Carousel while sitting atop a friendly-looking dolphin.

Experience the Zoo in a Different Light

Zoo Lights will celebrate its fifth year at the Houston Zoo, running through January 14, 2018. While it’s a new kid on the block, this wonderland exhibit is fast becoming a beloved holiday tradition. This year’s event features a mesmerizing display of more than two million lights that illuminate the grounds and adorn the majestic oak trees. Stroll through 15 miles of flickering pathways while sipping hot chocolate. One crowd pleaser is the addition of a heaven-kissing 33’ tall Christmas tree swaddled with ornaments and twinkling lights. It’s a magnet for holiday selfies.

Lace up Your Ice Skates

Tis’ the season to head to Discovery Green and lace up your ice skates. The outdoor rink will be open, weather permitting, through January 21, 2018. This is one holiday activity the whole family can participate in by day or night. After skating, take a stroll among the century-old trees that guard Discovery Green like sentinels. Amazingly, even they are in a celebratory mood. Until January 25, 2018, visitors can interact with these old oaks. The wildly innovative Hello, Trees! A Walking Serenade showcases how a human voice can trigger a melody from the trees. At various locations, guests speak into input stations and their voice messages activate a soul-stirring concerto.

Celebrate a Vintage Victorian Christmas

This holiday season you are invited to open a time capsule and be transported to 19^th Century Victorian London. You won’t hear anyone at Dickens on the Strand utter Bah Humbug. This annual street festival on Galveston Island eclipses all others, with parades, carolers and merry musicians playing bagpipes. It’s a kid-friendly event, and everyone is encouraged to dress the part. The sounds and sights – including characters from the famous Dicken’s novel – will miraculously appear before your eyes. Even vendors are in costume as they peddle Victorian-themed crafts, jewelry and charming holiday decorations you can bring back when you re-enter the 21^st century.

From Winter in The Woodlands to Moody Garden’s eight holiday attractions extraordinaire, Houston is the destination for a rockin’ good holiday time.

5 Ideas for Mother’s Day Décor Ideas with Flowers

The series “Seasonal Design” covers home decor and how flowers elevate an environment. Flowers are always a great way to decorate your home. These ideas for Mother’s Day flower decorations with make mom feel like the special woman she is.

A mother’s heart always welcomes hugs and kisses — that’s a given — but on her special day why not show her how much you care by putting in a little extra effort? Take those fresh flowers you’re getting her and use them to make a gorgeous and heartfelt decoration for her home. It’s the perfect way to bring new life and energy to her space, and the permanence of the piece will remind her of your thoughtful gesture for years to come.

These five ideas for Mother’s Day flower decorations will both wow mom and dress up her home at the same time.

1. Personalize pots

mother's day flower decorations with flowers in a mug

While the fresh blooms you buy her may not last forever, putting them in a pot or vase that she can use all year long will brighten her home. Purchase several different pots, planters, and vases of varying sizes. This will let Mom mix and match around the home later, and will give you a chance to include a Mother’s Day plant with a little more staying power.

Now, take your pots and cover their exterior with a layer of chalkboard paint or black paint specially formulated to give you a flat, matte appearance. Then, decorate them using either chalk, for temporary messages that can be updated, or paint markers in bright colors that will pop against the black background. You can coordinate the colors and designs to create a fun display or make each one different so Mom can use them throughout her home.

2. Wake her up to a bedside arrangement

Give Mom a surprise by arranging a basketful of flowers or flowering plants on her bedside table. Take cues from her bedroom decor, picking up the colors from her bedding, curtains, or throw pillows in her Mother’s Day arrangement. Then, choose a basket, bucket, or vase that will pull it all together. This will let Mom enjoy her flowers long after Mother’s day has ended.

3. Add a vintage touch

If Mom loves antiques as much as she loves flowers, then take a quick trip to your local antique store or flea market and get thinking outside the box — or, in this case, the flower vase. Look for vintage porcelain in which to arrange your bouquet, or get creative and place your gift in an old watering can, wooden box, or basket lined with plastic, or even a birdhouse. Whatever vessel you choose, your gift should be unique, whimsical, and encompassing of Mom’s passions.

4. Perennial flower plant for the porch or patio

It’s nice to receive flowers, but it’s even better to receive them again and again, year after year. If Mom loves to garden, consider purchasing her a set of sprouted bulbs to plant herself. Or, if she doesn’t have a green thumb but loves flowers, get her a hardy perennial plant that doesn’t require much care and she can enjoy on her front porch for years to come. Examples of these include paperwhites and hyacinth.

5. Make the bathroom flourish

Flowering plants do more than look nice and brighten a home; they also clean the air of the room they’re in. So, how better to brighten Mom’s bathroom than with a hanging flowering plant? Look for low-light plants like calla lilies, and place one in a decorative hanging basket or planter. Screw a hook to the ceiling, and give Mom something that will leave a lasting impression within the room.