Author: Julie Mulligan

Julie started her career in the floral industry over 30 years ago in a small, family-owned flower shop. From floral designer to author and lifestyle expert, her insight has been instrumental in developing the 1-800-Flowers.com brand. Representing the company’s floral lifestyle vision, Julie has shared her talent and passion in numerous television appearances and national magazine features. She is an active fundraiser and longtime friend of IGHL, a group dedicated to facilitating a more independent life for developmentally challenged adults.

DIY Magical Unicorn Decorations

Unicorns love to party — that’s one thing I love about them. So, to maximize the magical effect of these mythical creatures, I came up with these two DIY unicorn decoration ideas for my next get-together.

Unicorn party platter

An adorable unicorn party platter is perfect for serving Unicorn Dipped Oreo Cookies, or any other unicorn-themed snacks you might have (unicorn truffle cake pops, anyone?).

Before you start to make your platter, you need to gather your “stuff.”

unicorn decorations with unicorn party platter materials

It has become my goal in life to GET RID OF STUFF! And let me tell you, that’s not easy for a “stuff person” who writes a lifestyle blog. So, the first thing I did was go through all my craft stashes and gather anything that looked “unicorn-y” — in other words, bright and sparkly! Besides cardboard and decorative paper, I also got out scissors and glue.

I’m proud to say I didn’t have to buy anything for this project; I just looked around my house and saw what I already had that I could repurpose in new and interesting ways.

What you’ll need

Template for the eyes, ears, and horn.
Enough cardboard for:
- 1 12-inch round for face
- 2 ears, 2 inches x 4.5 inches each
- 1 7-inch horn

I still have a few cardboard cake plates left over from my daughter’s stint as a baker, so I used those. If you don’t have something like that, just grab one of the many cardboard boxes I’m sure you have lying around from all the deliveries you’ve gotten lately. If you don’t have cardboard with a white side, you can always paint it or cover it with white paper before assembling.

To add character to the ears, I cut out a smaller piece in a nice lavender paper to add to the center of the ear. Then I used hot glue to add a silver sparkly pipe cleaner all around the edge.

I covered the horn with a scrap of sparkly fabric left over from a Christmas stocking project. I cut the fabric slightly larger than the horn and wrapped it around, glued it in the back, and then wrapped the horn with two silver pipe cleaners.

unicorn decorations with flower template

Using the flower template, cut out all the pieces needed to make each flower. Make sure to use different colors for each part of the flowers and green for the petals.

Assembling the first flower

Starting with the large petals, dab a small amount of glue onto one side of the stem and gently bend the other stem to overlap the glue. Press and hold to secure. Do this to all four petals.

Assemble the first layer of the flower by overlapping…

…and gluing the petal stems together as you go.

unicorn decorations with polka dot paper

Repeat this step with the smaller petals. I chose a polka dot paper to add a little whimsy.

Then, glue each layer on top of the next in the following order:

Large petals
Smaller petals
Large center circle (that I fringed the edges of)
Medium-size center circle
Smallest size center

Again, for a bit more pop, I used a wooden bead with a sparkly pipe cleaner laced through the center. Remember: Use what you have and be creative.

Creating the second flower

The other flower on the template is a single layer with a pom-pom center. To add more dimension to this flower, add a crease to each petal by simple folding the flowers in half three times.

Assembling the unicorn party platter

unicorn decorations with drawn on unicorn eyes

With a black marker, draw eyes on the face using the template as a guide.

unicorn decorations with cellophane unicorn head

Cover with a piece of clear protective cover, such as cellophane, plastic wrap, or clear contact.

Glue the horn on, then the ears, then the large center flower, then the green leaves — three on each side — and, finally, the two smaller flowers on either side of the center flower.

unicorn decorations with unicorn party platter with place setting

How adorable is that! I really love the way it turned out. And the fact that I made it using bits and pieces of things I already had is my kind of upcycling!

This platter is perfect for serving sparkly unicorn cupcakes, too!

Mini unicorn planters

These mini unicorn planters will take the decor at your unicorn birthday party to the next level. They have a gazillion different uses and, as most of my projects are, are very easy to make. They are a fun project to do with little kids, too.

unicorn decorations with materials for mini unicorn planters

What you’ll need

Mini clay pots
White paint (acrylic, spray paint, any kind will do)
Paint brush
Craft paper and foam sheets (in various bright colors, and one with sparkles)
Decorative elements (washi tape, faux flowers, sparkles)
Black permanent marker

Instructions

unicorn decorations with painting a mini clay pot

Paint all the pots.

unicorn decorations with gluing horn and ears in pot

Cut out the horn and ears, and glue them to the inside rim of each pot.

unicorn decorations with mini unicorn planters with decorated rims

Decorate the rim to add a fun pop of color.

Then, draw flirty little unicorn eyes under the rim on either side of the horn using a black permanent marker. You can find many templates online from which to draw inspiration. I like to do them freehand because, just like snowflakes, no two unicorn’s eyelashes are exactly the same!

unicorn decorations with mini unicorn pots filled with plants

I filled my uni-pots with mini plants: one cactus, two succulents, and one fern. They would look amazing with fresh flowers as place settings or filled with candy for a sweet take-home gift.

These planters are the perfect complement to the Enchanting Unicorn™ floral arrangement, one of the most popular gifts in the Enchanting Unicorns collection. Pair them at your next magical unicorn party, and your little one will be over the moon!

unicorn decorations with mini unicorn planters with wine and kaleidoscope roses

But unicorns aren’t just for little girls — they’re for everyone! I heard their favorite type of wine is, in fact, rosé. Pop open a bottle at your next unicorn-themed party and let the good times flow.

Have a magical day!

2 Ways to Entertain with Waxed Roses

Fresh cut roses are the perfect flower to transform your entertaining space this summer season.

From lush creations, such as this fresh floral wreath surrounding an ice bowl keeping your favorite rosés chilled to perfection and ready for serving…

photo of waxed roses with two glasses of frosé

…to these glasses of delicious frozen rosé — also known as frosé — served on a golden tray decorated with a simple, sweet, single rose.

There are so many ways to use a single rose to add unexpected pops of beauty when entertaining. And there is an easy way to preserve fresh cut roses so that they will last for weeks, allowing you to use them multiple times in many different ways: preserving them in wax! And, yes, I did say easy, but did I also say how much fun it is?!

Here are two ideas for using waxed roses.

photo of waxed roses with a waxed rose in a table setting and a bottle of rosé

As if this combination of vintage china, pink depression glass, and gold accents wasn’t pretty enough, a waxed rose greeting each guest as they take their seat for lunch takes it to the next level.

photo of waxed roses with a waxed rose in a table setting with a chocolate covered strawberry sitting on it

But wait, there’s more! Gently place a single chocolate-covered strawberry into the waxed rose and start your celebration off with a little something sweet. Or package it up and send your guests off with the best take-home gift ever!

If you’ve never preserved flowers in wax, check out my step-by-step guide for how to do it. I even made a video to go along with it! These instructions apply to all flowers, not just roses.

Preserving flowers in wax, admittedly, takes a little practice, but it is so fun and relaxing to do. And the best part is that you get to enjoy your flowers as fresh cuts first. You can wait until your flowers are fully bloomed and just about to pass their prime to preserve them using the waxing method.

Rosé Sangria and Other Ways to Enjoy Roses During Summer

What are the first two things that come to mind when you think of summer? A lot of folks might say “sun and surf” or “grill and chill,” but if you ask me, it’s roses and rosé! And I’m not talking about Lauren Zima’s recap show for Bachelor Nation.

For me, summer is about celebrations and relaxation. Flirty and frivolous, rosé is the perfect beverage to enjoy on a sun-kissed balcony, at a bustling beachside bar, or while dining al fresco on a warm summer evening. Add the overwhelming fragrance and stunning beauty of rambling roses and you have the perfect storm of summer perfection!

Here are three ways to enjoy roses and rosé this season.

Rosé sangria mojito cocktail

Rosé is extremely versatile and can function as a base for your favorite cocktail, adding lovely flavors like strawberry, raspberry, and citrus. I wanted to create a summer cocktail that was light, with layered flavors, but not sweet. What I came up with is a cross between sangria and a mojito.

This rosé sangria mojito is a more grown-up cocktail. If you prefer your drinks on the sweeter side, you can add some simple syrup to the mix or use a sweetened cranberry juice instead of the flavored seltzer.

This drink pairs perfectly with the chocolate strawberry bubbly bar or dark chocolate sparkling rosé cordials that come with the Girls Night In Rosé Gift Basket. Just mix it up, pour it into the “Rosé All Day” stemless wine glass, and you’re ready for any celebratory occasion!

Print Pin

Rosé Sangria Mojito Cocktail

Prep Time 5

Cook Time 10

Chill time 1

Total Time 1 15

Ingredients:

1 bottle rosé
1 can cranberry seltzer
2 cups rum
½ cup strawberries, plus more for garnish
½ cup raspberries
½ cup blueberries
Fresh mint

Instructions:

Wash all the berries. Remove the tops of the strawberries and cut into slices.
Add all the fruit to the pitcher, along with a few sprigs of fresh mint.
Add two cups of rum, the bottle of rosé, and a can of cranberry seltzer.
Stir to mix all the ingredients together and refrigerate for about an hour.
When ready to serve, pour in a glass over ice and garnish with a strawberry slice.

DIY roses and rosé wreath

This summer, everything is coming up pink! And that means lots of fabulous party décor in that trendiest of colors. This roses and rosé wreath is a particularly pretty — and pink — way to display your wine while keeping it chilled at the same time.

If you don’t feel like going all out, there’s a version of this you can make with a faux rose wreath. Or, meet in the middle and do a little of both.

DIY Father’s Day Gifts for the Beer-loving Dad

Not sure what to plan for Dad this Father’s Day? How about organizing a beer tasting event in his honor! Thanks to an increasing appreciation for quality beer production, new breweries are popping up all over the place. In fact, there’s a good chance you have one right in your neighborhood or close by. Check with your local establishment and see if you can do a DIY Father’s Day gift with an event right at the brewery. Leaving the beer to the experts gives you more time to focus on the decorations and fun details that make Dad feel loved and honored for all he does!

Some places near where I live serve only beer and not food. If that’s the case by you, and you have to bring in your own munchies, I’ll let you in on a little secret: Cheese goes with everything! Harry and David has some fantastic gourmet foods available featuring various artisanal cheeses and other savory snacks in its Father’s Day gift collection. Choose one to bring along to the tasting, or send one to someone special that you can’t be with to let them know how much you care.

DIY Father’s Day gifts: flowers

For me, it’s not a celebration without flowers, and that holds true for Father’s Day, too. It’s a fact that flowers make people feel good, and dads are no exception.

Here are a few DIY Father’s Day gifts to bring the beauty of flowers to your beer tasting celebration.

Upcycled beer bottle vases with sunflowers

A photo of diy father’s day gifts with upcycled beer bottles

How perfect are these sunflowers?! The bright and bold beauties are one of my favorite summer flowers. The individual tin letters are inexpensive and available at craft stores everywhere. Use recycled amber beer bottles for the vases. Wash them out to make sure they are clean of any residue, and then fill them with water. Loop a letter around the neck of each bottle and put a single sunflower in each one, making sure to first cut the bottom of the stem at an angle.

A photo of diy father’s day gifts with a beer bottle vase

A single sunflower and chalkboard hangtag are the perfect decorative touches. They make this bottle of beer a great DIY Father’s Day gift and party decoration!

A photo of diy father’s day gifts with beer bottle vases

An even simpler way to display flowers for Dad is to look for brand names and/or labels that speak to the occasion, such as Big Daddy IPA, or your dad’s personality, like, perhaps, Rebel. There are so many great beer bottles out there to choose from. Use these on a buffet table, as a centerpiece, or anywhere that can use of little pop!

Beer mug o’ blooms

A photo of diy father’s day gifts with mug o' blooms

This beer mug floral arrangement is as easy to put together as it is fun to admire. It incorporates carnations, and is a great decorative idea to make for Father’s Day, St. Patrick’s Day, or any other occasion when beer is on the menu.

Check out the step-by-step instructions for this DIY Father’s Day craft that looks so cold and refreshing you almost want to drink it. (But don’t! It’s made of acrylic ice rock crystals.)

DIY Father’s Day fun and games: How well do you know dad’s taste in beer?

Here’s a game that everyone at the party can play together. It’s a blind taste test and a guessing game, and all you need is these printable beer tasting sheets (and some beer!). Dad uses one tasting sheet to rate each of the special craft beers you get for him, and the rest of the family uses the other to decide how they think their dad will rate each beer.

A photo of diy father’s day gifts with beer, pretzels, and a beer tasting sheet

After the blind taste test, someone gathers the answer sheets and determines, based on the number of matching answers, which family member knows Dad’s taste in beers the best!

DIY Father’s Day gift idea: Beer cap magnets with personal photos

Adding personal touches makes a celebration seem that much more intimate. I love incorporating photos into crafts whenever possible. A cute way to display photos for your dad’s beer tasting is to use galvanized sheets or bulletin boards and magnets made from beer bottle caps.

A photo of diy father’s day gifts with beer cap magnets with photos

These couldn’t be easier to make. You only need three things besides the bottle caps, and everything is available at your local crafts store.

What you need

Bottle caps
¾” round magnets
¾” cork circles
Glue or glue dots

What to do

Put a glue dot on the cork circle and attach it to the bottle cap.
Put a glue dot on the magnet and attach it to the cork circle you just attached to the bottle cap.

That’s it!

Personalized barware

If you don’t fancy yourself the crafty type but still want to get your beer-loving dad something that shows you care, check out the personalized barware items available on 1-800-Flowers.com.

Cheers to all the dads out there!

These ‘Butterflies and Blooms’ DIY Crafts Will Keep the Spring Vibes Going

Our series “Get Crafty” gives you the inspiration for creating inventive DIY projects during the holidays and year-round. These DIY crafts combining butterflies and blooms create a spring vibe that will last until summer and are perfect decorations for spring gatherings.

a photo of diy crafts: butterflies and blooms

Butterflies and blooms have a lot in common. Alone, each is a symbol of rebirth and resurrection — like spring itself. As the first crocus of spring breaks through the cold, hard ground after many months of winter, we see the triumph of the spirit and soul over the physical world. And then the hyacinth and tulips sprout, and everything turns green and blossoms all around us. This metamorphosis, like the one that occurs when the colorless caterpillar turns into the beautiful winged butterfly, represents transformation and hope.

Butterflies and flowers have what is known as an “ecological relationship.” They are affected by each other; that is, changes in one lead to changes in the other. Butterflies depend on flowers for food, and flowers depend on butterflies to reproduce.

So, the next time you are creating a floral display, why not add a few butterfly touches to your arrangements to complete the look? See how a butterfly placed here and there brings the display to life and makes it feel more alive and whimsical!

You can go all out and create a “Butterflies and Blooms” vignette, like the one here, or take a cue from this rustic garden vibe and add just one of these DIY crafts to your table or bar.

Butterflies

Pretty faux butterflies are inexpensive and easy to find. I ordered a few different sizes and colors online, as well as ones with two kinds of attachments: pre-wired and clip on. You can also use a little adhesive with either version if you need to.

Birdcage

I have a hard time throwing anything out — including this rusty, old birdcage!

a photo of diy crafts: aluminum foil in trays

Due to their sitting in my garden all year, the trays have large holes in them. To prep them to hold water and floral foam for the flower arrangement, I lined each one with aluminum foil.

a photo of diy crafts: soaking floral foam

I pre-cut pieces of floral foam, to fit snuggly into the trays, before soaking them in a bucket (or sink).

a photo of diy crafts: floral foam in a birdcage

I placed the trays back in the birdhouse and then added the thoroughly soaked pieces of foam to them by going in through the opening in the front of the cage.

a photo of diy crafts: moss in a birdcage

Next, I added some moss to the spaces in between to cover the foil and any openings.

I added all the foliage and cut flowers — eucalyptus, hydrangea, tulips, roses, solidago, and hypericum — through the front opening as well. Then, I inserted forsythia branches and some solidago through the wire grid at the top of the cage, being careful to get the end of each stem and branch into the foam so that it stayed hydrated as long as possible. I created a design that has the look of flowers spilling out of the birdcage, when in reality all the floral is securely anchored in the foam.

a photo of a butterflies and blooms vignette

I then placed the butterflies as if they were fluttering all around the outside of the cage. Perhaps coming over to have a look and see what’s going on? The butterflies on the thin wires really do look like they are flying around in your little garden.

Lanterns

Lanterns have so many different purposes besides just holding a candle, and they can be used to decorate outside as well as inside.

a photo of diy crafts: lantern with floral foam

A mini plant or succulent looks great nestled inside the lantern, as does a small arrangement of fresh cut flowers. Basically, all you need to do is follow the same steps as the birdcage but pare it down!

To decorate the top of the lantern with fresh flowers, use a floral igloo. You can find these at your local florist or hobby shop, or online. These are nothing more than small pieces of floral foam attached to a plastic tray. Just think of the possibilities!

‘Butterflies and Blooms’ popcorn station

With butterflies being such a popular theme right now, The Popcorn Factory has a whole line of Butterflies and Bloom gifts that are perfect for any occasion.

I ordered the Butterflies and Blooms bow box, which is filled with three different flavors of popcorn — butter, cheese, and caramel — and a packet of chocolate-covered pretzels.

I loved the pretty pattern on the box so much that I decided to make it the design for a popcorn station!

I started by emptying the goodies from the box, which I then used as the base for a fresh-cut flower bouquet, picking up all the bright spring colors in the design. All I did to turn the box into a vase was place a mason jar filled with fresh, clean water in the box and arrange the flowers.

a photo of diy crafts: popcorn containers

I simply took a photo of the front of the box, sized it to fit the front of the popcorn holder, printed it out, and glued it to the container while it was still flat (unfolded or filled). And, as luck would have it — or because I never throw anything away that I might have a use for later — I had a roll of matching green dotted ribbon to use as a finishing touch. Again, I just measured it to size and glued it on.

I made signage for the various popcorn flavors using black card stock paper and a white pen.

And that’s it. These DIY crafts are so easy to make, and they’re on trend to boot. Now you’re ready for spring entertaining!

DIY Prom Flower Ideas That Will Help You Stand Out From the Crowd

Our series “Get Crafty” gives you the inspiration for creating inventive DIY projects during the holidays and year-round. Floral designer and lifestyle expert Julie Mulligan has a whole host of ideas for DIY prom flowers that will help you turn heads all night long.

Prom season is here, and with it comes the excitement of getting all dressed up and celebrating one of the biggest nights in a young person’s life. With the magnitude of the event, this is not the time to “go small.” Rather, you should be pulling out all the stops. Everything from the dress or tux to shoes, hair, and make-up has to be just right and planned out in advance.

And what about the flowers? Exchanging corsages and boutonnieres has always been a cherished prom tradition, but that doesn’t mean you need to go with the same old, same old.

Take the opportunity to make a statement with your flowers. With a little inspiration and a creative floral designer, your floral accent can be the perfect finishing touch of your prom attire. It might be hard to find a dress and/or color that no one else at prom will be wearing, but some fresh flower fashions like these will make you this year’s trend-setter extraordinaire!

Forget wristlets and pin-on corsages with ribbons and bows, and think of your flowers as a true accessory or unique piece of jewelry. Many famous women, from Frida Kahlo to Billie Holiday, have used flowers to set themselves apart from the crowd.

DIY prom flower ideas

How about draping yourself in roses?

a photo of diy prom flowers: flower crown

Or going all Coachella and wearing your flowers in your hair?

Don’t want to go quite that dramatic? Wearing your flowers as a headband will be comfortable on the dance floor all night long.

We’ve provided step-by-step instructions for these one-of-a-kind prom flower fashions.

Here are a few more show-stopping floral necklaces and some coordinating earrings, with links to their how-tos as well.

Gerbera daisy necklace

Single gerbera pendant necklace

a photo of diy prom flowers: orchid earrings and necklace

Orchid necklace

All these are easier to make than they look, so find one you like and give it a try. If you’re not the crafty type but see something you love, bring a picture of it to your local florist. I’m sure they will be more than happy to do the work for you and help make your prom night dreams come true!

Here are a few more inspirational ideas and interesting ways to express your true self and style with prom flowers.

a photo of diy prom flowers: flower earrings

Whatever you wear, and however you choose to style it, just be sure to have the time of your life at prom!

Toast Mom With a Mother’s Day Wine Tasting

“Celebration Inspiration” is all about bringing you top-notch advice and creative ideas to make the most of life’s special moments. Plan a Mother’s Day wine tasting activity to show Mom how special she is. She will love painting Mother’s Day wine glasses and more!

Hosting a wine tasting for your mom and friends this Mother’s Day is a fun way to spend time with mom and show her just how much you love her and how special she is.

How to plan a Mother’s Day wine tasting event

The planning and preparation of a mother/daughter activity can be as much fun as the event itself! A rustic, natural, Napa Valley-inspired wine tasting can make for the perfect setting to incorporate so many of the most popular trends: burlap, chalkboard, mason jars, and monograms.

The invitation

The best way to kick off a classy party like your wine tasting with mom is with a classy invitation. We chose this hand-painted invitation and re-purposed the artwork into the décor. If you don’t want to buy your invitations, you can make them by hand or just send an online invitation.

a photo of a mother's day wine tasting: invitation

a photo of a mother's day wine tasting: diy invitation

Décor and activities

I wanted to create a statement piece that would set the stage as soon as the moms arrived. After all, this day is all about Mom! Monograms and initials are everywhere — on wine glasses, bags, front doors, jewelry, iPhone cases, bedding, etc. I thought having the moss-covered letters spelling out “mom” and growing from a moss planter that’s brimming with vibrant garden blooms would be a spectacular backdrop for a buffet table. If you want to go a little smaller, consider spelling out M-O-M in planters or regular floral arrangements.

I didn’t have a planter as big as I wanted this piece to be, so I made one from the box in which the flowers were shipped. I used Instant Green by SuperMoss to cover the outside of the box. This stuff is inexpensive and easy to work with. I used the premade letters, but you can use the same moss to cover letters that are available at most craft stores.

Add sticks to the letters and position them in the foam first, and then create your floral arrangement. Before creating the arrangement, line the box with a large, heavy duty plastic bag or individual plastic trays/containers. Thoroughly soak bricks of floral foam and place them in the plastic-lined box or trays.

Floral décor

Think about the overall theme and the look and feel of your event when creating or buying your flower arrangements. Use various sizes, shapes, and materials for the containers to add delightful and unexpected elements throughout the room. I love incorporating seasonal fruits and vegetables, along with the flowers, in my designs. All the different textures and colors work so well together.

This upcycled glass mason jar wrapped with burlap and lace ribbon is the perfect container for a sweet gathering of fragrant spring hyacinth. Adding a vintage-style enamel brooch makes it even more perfect for Mom!

Personal touches

The key to making this a memorable day for Mom is weaving personal touches throughout. Coming up with the ideas and getting together with your friends during the planning and preparation process is all part of the fun! Since a photo says a thousand words, consider displaying pictures of you and mom through the years, or pictures of her with her mom.

‘Private label’ wine

Creating a wine label inspired by your mom is a fantastic idea. You can do it on the computer, or you could go old school and cut and paste using actual paper, scissors, glue, etc. Make the new label the same size as the label that is already on the wine bottle and just glue the new label over the old one. Be creative and have fun with it!

There are two examples to get you started. My mom — the original silver fox — inspired the Silver Fox Chardonnay. I came up with A Beautiful Mess thinking about one that my daughters might create for me!

Wine totes

Keep the surprise hidden until it is time for each daughter to present her bottle to her mother inside a wine tote that is also personalized and decorated specifically for her. Again, be creative and have fun with it. There is no wrong or right way to make these; you can use whatever materials you want. I save the front of pretty greeting cards I receive to repurpose and pay forward.

My friend, artist Sandra Magsamen, made the pretty card on Margaux’s bottle above with pieces from her life. When you put your heart into the gift, it doesn’t matter what the actual monetary value is — to the recipient, it will be priceless!

Staying on this track, the wine bottles themselves and/or the wine totes can be repurposed as vases for a single stem or petite bouquet.

Here’s a little florist tip: Use a bridal bouquet holder to create a large bouquet in a container with a small opening, such as a wine bottle. Put some sand or small rocks in the bottle first to give it some weight and prevent tipping. Then, soak the bouquet holder in water and place it into the top of bottle. Cut your flower stems short and insert them into the foam to create the arrangement.

Paint your own Mother’s Day wine glasses

Painting and drinking wine has become such a popular activity, and I can certainly see why! Getting together with friends, and crafting and drinking wine sure sounds like a perfect way to spend an evening to me. That’s why DIY wine glass painting can make for a perfect activity to go along with your Mother’s Day wine tasting, especially if mom loves crafting! Some fun Mother’s Day wine glass ideas can include painted flowers, “#1 Mom”, funny sayings like “Mom Juice”, or her name.

a photo of a mother's day wine tasting: paint your own wine glass

Set up a station with inexpensive clear wine glasses (you can often get these from a nearby dollar store), paints, and brushes. If none of the daughters feel qualified to lead this activity, then you could hire someone. Or, even better, ask around or use social media to find someone who can act as the instructor.

And, of course, the finished product could be used as a vase, as well as a drinking glass. You know my motto: If it can hold water, it can hold flowers!

Painted wine glasses are such a fun gift for any occasion. For even more fabulous gifts for wine enthusiasts, check out our collection of barware and entertaining gifts.

How to choose the wine

Wine tasting can seem like a daunting task. If you’re intimidated by the prospect, here are some tips on how to make it a little less scary. You can also hire a sommelier to help out, if you wish to go that route.

Pick her favorites and potential new loves

Being her child, you probably already know what type of wines mom enjoys. In addition to picking her favorites, you may want to get a little adventurous, too, and pick wines that she may not even know she likes. For example, even if mom typically likes reds, buy a couple of whites or sparkling wines for her to try.

Choose a theme

Blind wine tasting: All you need is a blindfold to add mystery and fun to your event.
Pick a region: We picked the Pacific Northwest, such as Southern Oregon, for the wines, but Tuscany, Napa, or Sancerre, France (origin of the sauvignon blanc grape) are great regions, too. You can go by country, region, whatever fits with your wine tasting plans.
Pick a varietal: Such as syrahs, pinots, cabernets, etc., from multiple vineyards.

Teach your guests how to taste wine

First, look at your wine to see if it is full bodied (often darker in color) or light bodied (often lighter in color). Is the wine clear or cloudy?

If you are still stumped on which wines to choose, simply ask the folks at the wine store. They may also give you some additional tips on how to taste like a pro.

Wine adjectives

There are many ways to describe different kinds of wines. Whether you love dry or sweet, every wine has its own personality, just like moms.

Here are some great adjectives to help you find words to describe the wines for your Mother’s Day wine tasting.

Character:

Assertive
Attractive
Balanced
Complete
Complex
Delicate
Dense
Depth
Developed
Elegant
Fading
Full bodied
Graceful
Potent
Robust
Soft

Taste:

Bite
Bitter
Buttery
Fruity
Heady
Peppery
Smoky
Spicy
Sweet
Tart
Zest

Orange Is the New Pastel: 3 Easter Brunch Ideas with Carrots

The series “Get Crafty” gives you the inspiration for creating inventive DIY projects during the holidays and year-round. These Easter brunch ideas include a seasonal cocktail, centerpieces made of spring veggies, and chocolate dipped strawberries that look like carrots.

When I think of things that represent Easter, my favorite spring flower, the tulip, comes to mind. Then there’s the Easter bunny’s favorite food, carrots. And what would Easter be without delicious desserts??? Put them all together and what do you get? A fresh, fun, and creative cocktail, centerpiece, and sweet treat that are perfect Easter brunch ideas.

Signature seasonal cocktail

A signature craft cocktail is always on my holiday entertainment menu. This beverage incorporates the fresh vegetables and flavors of the season, making it perfect for your Easter gathering. And with nearly a full day’s serving of carrot juice in each glass, it’s not only delicious but is packed with vitamins and minerals!

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Carrot and Ginger Cocktail

Prep Time 5

Total Time 5

Servings 1 drink

Ingredients:

2 thin slices fresh ginger
3 ounces carrot juice
1 ounce apple juice
1 ounce vodka
Lime wheel (for garnish)

Instructions:

Muddle the ginger slices in the bottom of a cocktail shaker.
Add the carrot juice, apple juice, and vodka.
Shake well for about 10 seconds.
Pour over ice.
Garnish with a lime wedge.

Notes:

Note: You can make fresh carrot and apple juice or buy organic prepared juices.

Fresh spring centerpiece

Incorporating seasonal fruits and vegetables into your tablescapes and floral designs takes them from pretty to pretty spectacular! A great starting point is the Baby Vegetable Gift Box or Baby Vegetables Crate from Harry & David. Brimming with the finest seasonal produce available, either one is the perfect gift for the vegetable connoisseur in your life. And if that person is you, get it for yourself!

There’s something about miniatures that gets me every time, and these carrots are no exception. They’re the perfect size to fit around a lowball glass to create one-of-a-kind arrangements. Simply put a rubber band around the glass and insert the carrots between the glass and the rubber band, and continue until the glass is completely covered.

Tie a coordinating ribbon around the vase to cover the rubber band. You can also use a piece of fabric, raffia, or twine.

Creating asparagus vases using this same technique is one of my go-tos in the springtime.

Everyone is always so impressed with the final arrangement, and they’re even more impressed when they see how easy it is to do!

Even if you’re pressed for time, you should always have flowers on your table when entertaining. And there is no easier arrangement to make than filling a favorite vase with beautiful, fresh-cut tulips. It’s so easy, it’s almost like the tulips arrange themselves!

Carrot-themed sweet treats

easter brunch ideas: easter carrot treats

I love carrot cake! It’s so decadent, with that delicious cream cheese frosting. But there are many more carrot-themed desserts available this time of year, including Buttercream Frosted Walnut Carrot Cake Cookies and Hoppy Easter Dipped Strawberries.

If you have the time and want to make your own chocolate-dipped strawberries, follow my instructions below. Just don’t expect them to turn out as good as the ones from Shari’s Berries! They’ve been perfecting the art of dipping strawberries into melted candy for over 30 years. Still, it is a fun project to do at home.

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‘Carrot’ Strawberries

Prep Time 5

Cook Time 30

Chill and assembly time 25

Total Time 1

Servings 24 berries

Equipment:

Double boiler
Skewers
Candy melting machine

Ingredients:

1-2 dozen medium to large strawberries
12-ounce bag orange candy melts
Faux leaves and clippers (optional)

Instructions:

Prepare the strawberries for dipping by rinsing and thoroughly drying them. Lay the strawberries out on a paper towel and place another towel over them and gently press. Let them sit out for a bit before dipping, as it is important that they are completely dry.
While the strawberries are drying, melt the chocolate in a double boiler, microwave, or candy melting machine.
Start with about a cup of melts, stirring constantly until melted. Turn down or remove from heat and add more candy melts as needed, stirring them in until they are melted. Doing it this way helps to keep your candy from overheating, and breaking down and taking on a thick, chalky consistency.
Remove the stems before dipping. Insert a wood skewer into each strawberry, dip the strawberry in the melted candy, and place it on a piece of parchment paper to cool and set. (Note: If you are not adding the faux leaves, you do not need the skewers. Leave the stems on the berries and use them to hold onto as you dip the strawberries in the melted chocolate with your hands.)
Take a stem of faux greenery that has multiple stems/leaf clusters and use clippers or wire cutter to cut small sprigs.
Once the candy is completely cool, remove the wood skewer and insert a sprig of greenery into the strawberry.
Continue doing this until all the strawberries have a "carrot top."

Show Your Valentine’s Day Flowers Some TLC

Whether you’re looking for romantic gift ideas or ways to make yourself feel loved, “Your Trusted Cupid” brings you top-notch advice from relationship experts. In this story, Julie Mulligan offers stylish ideas of how to use your Valentine’s Day flowers after the holiday.

Make your Valentine's Day Flowers last with a woman smiling at a large bouquet of flowers.

Who doesn’t anticipate feeling special and loved on Valentine’s Day? And of course, receiving Valentine’s Day flowers is the best way to know you are adored. Flowers represent love in many ways, with their natural beauty, fresh scent, and elevating the atmosphere. So, once you receive Valentine’s Day flowers, be a flower “caretaker,” not a “heartbreaker” by giving your flowers plenty of TLC.

Our 1-800-Flowers.com team is so passionate about extending the happiness quotient of flowers, we created these tips to help preserve your arrangements.

Make your Valentine’s Day flowers last

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 underwater. Return the bouquet to its vase with fresh water.

3. Once your flowers are down to their last stem, get inspired and be 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.

Make your Valentine's Day Flowers last with petal-covered votive candles.

Petal-covered votives

Create an attractive, natural candle by using extra rose petals. Simply place rose petals along the perimeter of a votive and secure with a pretty ribbon for a unique candle.

Make your Valentine's Day Flowers last in an apothecary jar with a rose at the bottom.

Rose apothecary jar

At the bottom of an apothecary jar or vase, pad with greenery or leaves. Cut the stem from your rose and place the flower on top.

Lasting roses guaranteed

If the thought of seeing your Valentine’s Day flowers shrivel and wilt is too much to bear, consider Magnificent Roses. These arrangements are packaged in a chic hatbox, come in an assortment of colors and styles, and require minimal care. The main difference? Their beauty will last, just like your romance.

Photo of lavender preserved roses — Magnificent Roses Preserved Lavender Roses

Picture of multi-colored Magnificent Roses — Magnificent Roses Preserved Romantic Medley Trio

Photo of red Magnificent Roses — Magnificent Roses Preserved Red Roses