Plants have slowly become a staple in modern interiors in the 21st century. With so many varieties of sizes, shapes, and color it can feel overwhelming to choose your newest plant baby. Make the choice easy with the official 2020 Plant of the Year, the Pilea Peperomioides plant! This plant is a mouthful to pronounce so it’s no surprise that it has attracted a number of nicknames like “The Chinese Money Plant”, “The UFO Plant” and “The Pancake Plant”. This plant has become a staple in plant parent’s #shelfie on Instagram for its distinct and attractive shape. Originally grown in Yunnan Province in Southwest China, the Pilea’s rounded leaves is an attention magnet in any home or apartment.
Pilea Peperomioides Plant Care Tips
The Chinese Money plant is relatively easy to care for since it is derived from the succulent family. Here are some tips to get you started on the right path with your Pilea:
Light: Bright, Indirect
Avoid placing your Pilea in an area that is too shady or in direct sunlight. This will cause the leaves to either be scorched or wilted.
Soil: Drier
Pilea’s soil should be allowed to dry out before being watered again. Adjust watering schedules to different seasons and climates – when the leaves begin to droop, it’s time to water! Try a soil that allows for drainage.
Humidity: Dry
No extra humidity is needed, it actually prefers a drier climate! Keep from areas like bathrooms or kitchens.
Toxicity: Low
The Pilea is safe for humans and plants, but if a large quantity of the plant is consumed it can lead to indigestion.
Pileas are generally easy to care for, needing to rotate or wipe down only once a week. We recommend placing Pileas in office spaces, bedrooms, and anywhere that needs a little green spruce up. Unfortunately, this plant often seems to be sold out at local plant nurseries. Luckily the UFO plant can be purchased online and sent right to your door with no hassle! You can purchase your table-sized Pilea Peperomioides Plant online at 1800Flowers.com.
A new year is a time to move forward and create new goals and new habits, create new favorites and new opportunities. Welcome new happiness and new beginnings with the 2020 Flower of the Year – The Gerbera Daisy. Daisies get their name from the Old English phrase “day’s eye” since the flower blossoms at the first sight of dawn. Daisies have added health benefits outside of being easy on the eyes – they are eatable and have a high level of vitamin C. In the past they have been brewed into teas to relieve indigestion, coughs, and back pain.
With over 20,000 varieties, daisies are one of the most abundant flower types. The Gerbera Daisy specifically is the fifth most popular flower in the world and it’s not hard to see why. The Gerbera Daisy is actually two flowers in one! The flower head is a huge cluster of tiny flowers that is then surrounded by petals to create the daisy shape. Like the sunflower, Gerberas are also sun-trackers that turns toward the sun during its daily rotation. And if you’re born in April you’re in luck – the Gerbera Daisy is the birthday flower of April! The Gerbera Daisy is known to symbolize happiness and cheer – they were originally created to “brighten everyone’s day”. Coming in a variety of vibrant colors and meanings, this daisy is bound to be a staple this coming year.
Red
The red Gerbera Daisy is the most passionate color in flower language. This daisy represents being fully immersed in love. This year, consider a more unique approach to giving flowers; put those roses down and switch them for a bright red Gerbera Daisy! They’re just as beautiful as the red rose, and your loved one will be surprised with your out of the box choice.
White
White flowers have long been seen as a color representing purity and innocence. The Gerbera Daisy is no exception, but it keeps its cheerful disposition. Try a white Gerbera Daisy for a Mother’s Day celebration to mimic the joy and innocence of children that they enjoy! These blooms will last 10-12 days after being cut, so the gift will last for almost 2 weeks for a lasting smile.
Pink
The Gerbera Daisy also comes in a pink color that symbolizes admiration. These daisies make a wonderful thank you gift for everyone in your life! From Bosses Day to Teachers Appreciation Day, the pink Gerbera Daisy makes it easy to tell your feelings to those you are most thankful for.
Yellow
Yellow is the sunniest color in flower language, and when paired with the already bright Gerbera Daisy, its a recipe for a happy flower delivery! Express joy beyond words with a yellow Gerbera Daisy to your friends and loved ones for any occasion. We especially love the yellow Gerbera Daisy for “Just Because” occasions for an easy and genuine smile!
Gerberas are a ray of sunshine in your garden and bouquets – literally! Their petals are referred to as rays for their bright color selection radiating from the flower’s center. Spread some sunshine and cheer all year long with the Flower of the Year delivered to your doorstep. Discover Gerbera Daisies on 1800flowers.com with nationwide shipping so you can always send a smile! Not sure where to start? Try these best sellers:
Gerbera Daisies galore! This bouquet has bright, beautiful stems in a variety of colors that pop in any decor. Choose from a variety of sizes and vase types to fit your personal style. You can even add an extra bit of joy around your house with an inspirational hanger!
Looking for more variety in a bouquet? The Vibrant Floral Medley is a great option to incorporate Gerbera Daisies in with traditional flowers like roses and snapdragons. This bouquet was designed by Breanna Cartwright, a local artisan is California, and features hot pink Gerbera Daisies.
Take a romantic twist on the happy Gerbera Daisy with the Because You’re Mine Flower Bouquet! Roses aren’t the only way to convey your feelings to a loved one – switch it up with a variety bouquet such as this one. The Because You’re Mine Flowers Bouquet is arranged with hot pink Gerbera daisies, hot pink roses, purple carnations, and much more. Try not to swoon at the mere sight of it!
BRONX, NEW YORK − While we normally think of flowers as sweet-smelling, there are also flowers that are on the complete opposite spectrum such “armorphophallus titanum,” also known as a “corpse flower.” The corpse flower received its named because of its unpleasant (to put it nicely 🙂 scent. Many describe the corpse flower smell to “rotting flesh” or a “decaying carcass.”
While this flower doesn’t sound very pleasant, it is very popular because of its rarity and because of the time it takes to bloom. It has been nearly 80 years since the corpse flower last bloomed at the New York Botanical Gardens. Given the long wait, the flower may only last for just one or two days.
While relatively unpredictable, the New York Botanical Garden’s corpse flower is said to be only “seconds away from blooming.” For those that don’t want to brave the stench or are not in the area, the flower is being live-streamed on the NYBG website. This giant flower can grow to be 8 feet high and opens up to a red interior when in bloom. The odor is said to attract pollinators, such as flies, which love the rotting odor as a place to lay their eggs.
So, will you be watching the corpse flower cam to see it bloom?
The wedding you’ve been dreaming about is almost here — no we’re not talking about your wedding, we’re talking about the royal wedding! In just a few weeks, Prince Harry will wed Meghan Markle and, quite literally, the eyes of the world will be on them.
If there’s one thing the royal family has become well versed with lately, it’s keeping every detail of a wedding secret. Not until the bride walks down the aisle will we all know what her dress looks like, how her hair is done, and, most importantly, what flowers she chose! That being said, there’s no reason why we can’t take a peek at her past flower preferences and share our predictions for what flowers she’ll choose.
Royal Flowers Throughout the Years
Before we talk about Meghan and Harry’s wedding, let’s take a minute to look back at all of the marvelous flowers that have come down the aisle before them.
The 1940s – For Prince Philip and Princess Elizabeth’s royal wedding in 1947, the bride chose a large bouquet, featuring white cattleya, Odontoglossum orchid, and cypripedium orchids.
The 1960s – Unlike her sister, Princess Margaret walked down the aisle with a much smaller and more delicate bouquet. That’s not to say she didn’t take some inspiration from her older sister. Like Princess Elizabeth, Princess Margaret’s bouquet also featured an array of orchids.
The 1980s – In 1981, 750 million people watched Princess Diana walk down the aisle with one of the largest bouquets ever to grace a royal wedding. Her cascading bouquet included several different flowers, like freesia, Odontoglossum orchid, lily of the valley, earl mountbatten roses, ivy, tradescantia, myrtle, and veronica. Like they say, everything was bigger in the 80s!
The 2000s – In Kate Middleton’s 2011 marriage to Prince William, she surprised everyone by carrying a simple, small bouquet of just a few flowers. Though it may have looked simple, it’s said that each stem of her four flowers (lily of the valley, sweet william, hyacinth, and myrtle) had to be wired and hand placed into the design.
Royal Wedding Flower Predictions
Will Meghan Markle follow in her future sister-in-law’s footsteps and carry a small, detail-oriented bouquet, or will she pay homage to her soon-to-be husband’s late mother and carry a show-stopping bouquet down the aisle? While only time will tell, here’s our prediction of what flower’s she’ll walk down the aisle with:
Myrtle: Ever since Queen Victoria and Prince Albert incorporated myrtle into their wedding flowers, it’s been included in every royal wedding since. Needless to say, the odds of it being found in Markle’s bouquet are pretty high!
Roses: With their strong connection to love and romance, it’s no surprise that roses are one of the most common wedding flowers.
Peonies: Before she (unfortunately) deleted her Instagram account, pictures of colorful roses and peonies could be found on Markle’s page. With them both perfectly fitting into the spring wedding her and Prince Harry are having, perhaps it will appear in her bouquet or on table centerpieces? At the very least, they may signify that she will feature colorful flowers in her bouquet, rather than the white and cream flowers that have mostly come before her.
A Lively Cake
One tradition Markle may not be sticking to? The cake! Every royal wedding cake since Queen Victoria’s has been a fruit cake, but that won’t be the case for Markle’s May wedding. Instead, the bride-to-be selected a lemon and elderflower cake. Does this mean live flowers will make their way onto the cake as well? We hope so!
No matter what flowers she chooses, we think it’s safe to say that they’ll become some of the most requested flowers for spring weddings around the world.
Awards season is in full swing! And just because you didn’t receive an official invite to the big show doesn’t mean that you and your friends can’t be part of the celebrations. Awards Shows are the perfect easy TV entertainment to gather friends and family together for an impromptu couch party. Whether you decide to set an elegant dress code or opt for a cozy pajama party, there are some essentials that are always a “must do” when it comes to hosting. We’ve rounded up our top picks across our family of brands to help you get red carpet ready.
To make the party planning process easier, we’re offering 20% OFF* our most popular gifts (including the ones featured below) with promo code POPULAR20. Offer valid through Sunday, March 4th, 2018.
SET THE SCENE
Start with setting the mood: A little décor goes a long way in making your guests feel like welcomed celebrities. Set out a tablecloth on your coffee table and display an elegant floral arrangement. We love this Two Dozen Red Rose bouquet by 1-800-Flowers.com.
Little personalized touches help to make the party come together in a flash, and make your guests feel wanted and welcomed. We adore these Personalized Connoisseur Wine Glass by Personalization Universe that are completely customizable for your event. Make one for each guest at the party and set them out on the table or around the room as placeholders. This will help guide guests on where to sit during the show and makes it much easier to identify whose glass is whose. Instruct the guests that the glasses are theirs to keep as a reminder of the great night you shared.
SNACKS ON SNACKS ON SNACKS
Now it’s time to prep one of the main reasons you and your party has gathered – SNACKS! Nothing is more fun than chowing down on your favorite salty and sweet snacks. We can get enough of this Distinctive Tastes Gourmet Gift Basket by 1-800-Baskets.com that is filled with every delectable delight your heart may desire. From Ghirardelli® Squares® Milk & Caramel Chocolates, Portlock® Salmon, Cabernet Cheddar Cheese Spread, Everything Flatbread, and much more this basket has the perfect curation of a little of something for everyone. The diamond design embossed basket that the gift arrives in makes for a great drink bin when emptied and loaded with ice!
What’s a good screening without the popcorn? Save time sitting in the kitchen popping the good stuff and go with an already prepped popcorn tin, like this TPF Retro Popcorn Tin by The Popcorn Factory. We love that you have your choice of 3 or 4 gourmet flavors to satisfy every popcorn lover’s dream. The best part about these tins? They come with individual cup servings so everyone can scoop their own portion – brilliant!
SAVE ROOM FOR DESSERT
End the evening of celebration with everyone’s favorite meal, dessert! Pull out all the stops with this gorgeous boxed chocolate gift set. Unwrap the elegant purple ribbon as your guests select their favorite flavor from the round. This is a true show stopper must have!
Give your guests one more surprise ending twist with a platter of Cheryl’s famous buttercream frosted sugar cookies. This Chocolate Chocolate Chocolate Assortment by Cheryl’s Cookies is sure you win you “Outstanding Performance by a Host”. Featuring 9 varieties of cookies all individually wrapped, these make a great take home favor for your party goers!
With a show-stopping décor set up, award-winning appetizers and snacks, and desserts worth giving a standing ovation, we are certain your watch party will be a box office hit!
Offer Disclaimer:
* Offer valid through 11:59 PM EST on 3/4/18. Prices and discounts are exclusive of applicable service and shipping charges and taxes. Items may vary and are subject to availability and delivery rules and times. Direct Ship items are only available for delivery within the continental United States. Offer available online and by telephone only. Offers cannot be combined, may not be available on all products and are subject to restrictions, limitations and blackout periods. Prices and charges are subject to change without notice.
Valentine’s Day is a special day of love for many people, but when you’re one of the winners from the Empire State Building’s 24th Annual Valentine’s Day Wedding Contest Presented by Kleinfeld, it is that much more special.
Each year, a few lucky couples are invited to say “I do” on the top of the Empire State Building. With its spell-bounding views and larger-than-life ambiance, the iconic landmark is often labeled the World’s Most Romantic Building, making it the quintessential place to exchange Valentine’s Day vows in a memorable way.
Even though a magnificent wedding backdrop undoubtedly sets the scene for an unforgettable evening, it is the soon-to-be bride and groom that make the event truly magical. This year, 11 couples, each with a captivating love story, were chosen to celebrate their wedding on the world-famous 86th floor Observatory. These stories capture a true love that can only be found in fairytale books, so what better way to honor such a special bond than by making their wedding dreams come true! #WOWthatslove
Meet Taryn and Jarred
When Taryn’s college roommate and Jarred’s best friend from high school set these two up on a blind date, they were sure it would be a perfect match – and it was! Even though the soon-to-be newlyweds were convinced to attend the date under false pretenses, they instantly found a connection. Flash forward to a rainy morning in France when Jarred kneeled on a bent – and muddy – knee to propose to Taryn in front of the Palace of Versailles. Since it was one of the biggest surprises of her life, Taryn hopes to return the favor by surprising her fiancé at another monumental location. As New York natives, she is sure a wedding at his favorite view on the planet would mean the world to him!
Meet Alyx and Jonathan
These high school sweethearts, who met at the bus stop junior year, experienced the challenges of a long-distance relationship when Alyx was invited to attend medical school in Grenada. Because she was only able to come home once a semester, they were forced to make the most out of the little time they had together. So, this December, when Alyx returned, Jonathan planned a day of exploring in New York City, which included visiting none-other-than the Empire State Building! When they arrived at the top at about midnight, they asked a security guard to take a photo of them, just as it began to snow. The guard, who was just as surprised as Alyx, captured the moment on camera for the couple to treasure forever.
Meet Brett and Alixandra
When Brett met Alixandra, he was perfectly healthy – or so he thought… On their first date, which happened to be Alixandra’s birthday, Brett’s ankles began to swell to nearly five times its normal size. He would later find that this symptom, along with many others, was a sign of a rare kidney disease called FSGS. Then, in October 2014, Brett was diagnosed with End Stage Renal Failure. After his first attempt at finding a match was unsuccessful, Alixandra agreed to not only give Brett her hand, but also her kidney. On the morning of the surgery, Brett proposed in their hospital beds. Ten months later, they officially got married and have been healthy ever since! These two will renew their vows on February 14th.
Meet An and Wei
Although their relationship began 10 years ago, these long-distance lovers have spent the last 4 years far apart. Since Wei lives in New York and An lives in Beijing, they are only able to see each other once a year. Two years ago, they spent their precious time visiting the world-renowned Empire State Building. This year, they will be tying the knot in the same location!
Meet Kevin and Patricia
In 1998, Kevin and Patricia, both NYPD sergeants, celebrated their wedding at the Empire State Building. Since then, they have had three kids, retired from the police force, battled breast cancer and witnessed their daughter get married herself! With so much to be grateful for, Kevin and Patricia are thrilled to mark their 20th anniversary, where it all began – the 86th Floor Observatory!
Meet Justin and Arika
Justin and Arika’s love story is without a doubt one-of-a-kind! The pair met on a Christian website while they were both studying the Bible. With only an e-mail address to keep them connected the two fell in love over typed word. Through their chats, they found out they had so much in common: both were single parents with two kids living with them, and one child that did not! After two weeks of emailing, they exchanged phone numbers, and after only communicating for six weeks, Justin asked Arika to come to Virginia Beach to marry him. Without ever meeting each other in person, as soon as Arika got off the plane, they said ‘I do’ in front of a Justice of the Peace. Since they were never able to have a traditional wedding ceremony, they are delighted to create a memory – with their 8 children (they had twin girls of their own!) – on their ten-year anniversary.
Meet Savina and Joshua
Savina and Joshua began dating in 2012 when Savina was a senior in high school, and Joshua was a junior. After the two survived a long-distance relationship between Pennsylvania and New Jersey, Joshua followed Savina to the Big Apple – the place where Savina always dreamed of living! Throughout their journey, New York has become an escape, a place to create memories, and most importantly, their home. In addition, having the opportunity to get married on top of the Empire State Building seems to be fate. Savina has dreamt of getting married there since she was a little girl; so, what better person to share it with than someone who loves New York City, and the memories they’ve created there, as much as she does?
Meet Yahira and Jose
Yahira and Jose found love on a social media website, but neither of them expected to do so! Some may say destiny brought them together as they both were infatuated with the smiles featured in each other’s profile pictures. For years, Yahira never thought she would get remarried, but on February 12th, 2017, Jose proposed at the very top of the Empire State Building. As a girl, Yahira had always dreamt of visiting this world-famous building, and now, she will experience not only an engagement, but also a wedding at this spot. And, the best part? Yahira and Jose will be sharing this special moment with their five children. It’s a true modern-day fairytale!
Meet Loc and Michelle
The saying, ‘good things come to those who wait,” surely holds true for Loc and Michelle! Although the couple met in 1994, they waited 9 years before getting engaged. They remained engaged for 4 years until they finally got married in 2007. Then, after trying to have a baby for 7 years, the pair finally gave birth to a beautiful boy. Now that they’ve spent 23 years together, they are elated to renew their vows in the city that they both adore!
Meet Maria Yvette and Julian
At first glance, this couple could not be more different: She’s from L.A.; he’s from New York. She was born in the Philippines; he was born in the Dominican Republic. She is a social worker; he is an architectural designer. But, the one thing that brings them together is the Big Apple. After meeting at a friend’s birthday party in Manhattan, the two went on dates every week to explore New York City. As their love grew, they traveled many time to Los Angeles and the Dominican Republic, but always found their way back home to New York. Like the classic tune, they believe that if their love can “make it here, [you] can make it anywhere,” and therefore, they are extremely excited to get married in such a meaningful city.
Meet Laurie and Rich
It’s no wonder that Rich and Laurie are tying the knot at the Empire State Building. The structure has resonated with Laurie since she was a little girl. Because her father’s company resided in the building, as a kid, Laurie mischievously convinced her dad’s assistant to let her borrow the observatory pass to look over her favorite city from her favorite spot. She even remembers gazing at the building’s lights from her childhood bedroom window! So, when Laurie met her Mr. Right during sophomore year of college, and got engaged at 24 years old, she knew she had to include the Empire State Building in her wedding reception. Knowing how important it was for “Laurie’s building” to be featured on her big day, her mom found a venue with a jaw-dropping view of the structure. Now that 20 years have passed, Laurie and Rich have experienced so many milestones and setbacks together. From armed robberies and medical scares, to new babies and the beauty of growing older together, it seems like the two have seen it all. But, two things that have always brought comfort to their lives will be present as they renew their vows this year: the Empire State Building, and each other!
Whether couples have met online, in high school or on a blind date, there is something to be said about sharing a place, symbol or experience that makes your love story come to life! This year, even if your Valentine’s Day plans do not include a wedding on the 86th Floor Observatory, it is the perfect day to share special moments with the ones you love.
*Drum roll* Pantone has officially declared their Color of the Year for 2018 — PANTONE 18-3838, but you probably know it as Ultra Violet! Born from the mixture of calming blues and fiery reds, violet is a rare color that holds many sacred meanings. So, let’s take a further look at how Ultra Violet has impacted art and society, and earned its place as Color of the Year.
Ultra Violet — Inventiveness and Imagination
Ultra Violet has long represented nobility, power, creativity, and ambition. Leatrice Eiseman, Executive Director of the Pantone Color Institute, said it best when he said, “We are living in a time that requires inventiveness and
imagination… From exploring new technologies and the greater galaxy, to artistic expression and spiritual reflection, intuitive Ultra Violet lights the way to what is yet to come.”
1800Flowers Announces ‘The Purple Rose’ as Flower of the Year
It’s true what they say — great minds think alike! Here at 1800Flowers.com, we’ve also been so impressed by the strength of women in recent years, which is why we chose to make our Purple Rose Flower of the Year! Like their Pantone color counterpart, purple roses symbolize power and feelings of admiration and passion. Despite looking similar, lighter hues of purple, like lavender, hold very different meanings and are more closely related to youth, platonic love, and elegance.
Branching Out Beyond Roses
Roses aren’t the only ones getting in on the purple fun. There’s no shortage of ways to embrace purple in your home this season, starting with…
Orchids have long been a symbol of motherhood and familial love. Lavender orchids, in particular, make an exceptional gift for mothers, aunts, and sisters, as lavender defines strength and beauty.
Can you think of anything more relaxing than coming home after a long day of work and slipping into your lavender bathrobe, ready to enjoy a spa-like experience right in your very bathroom? We can’t!
The next time you’re in need of a little rest and relaxation in your life, reach for tea straight from our “Love Lavender” collection. Paired with a lavender field painted tea cup, this intoxicating mix of chamomile, lavender, and cornflower will leave you feeling refreshed and pampered.
Send the scents of lavender dancing throughout your house with a little help from our LUX lavender candle. And with a set of satin patches, you can guarantee that your closets, drawers, and other small spaces will always smell springtime fresh.
There’s something about a well-placed wreath that opens up an entire entryway. Especially in the duller winter months, add a much-needed pop of color to your door with the help of a cheery wreath that’s sure to brighten every guest’s day.
Say “I love you” without saying any words at all with our lavender heart necklace. Adorned with a flowing ribbon and decorative chain, this necklace makes a memorable surprise for any occasion.
This year’s Color of the Year is a major departure from last year’s color, Greenery. So what will 2019 bring? It looks like we’ll just have to wait and see!
Coming all the way from Europe, the alabaster garden rose sports a cream colored, ruffled bloom and fresh fragrance that has been described by many as “a pleasant dream.” Needless to say, the decision to make it the newest addition to our Now Blooming collection was an easy one!
The Difference Between English Garden and Hybrid Tea Roses
You probably know that roses come in a variety of colors, but did you know that they also come in hundreds of species and far more cultivars? Your traditional Valentine’s Day roses and the ones we see in movies are most often of the hybrid tea variety. Known for their signature pointed buds, hybrid tea roses open slowly and typically bloom several times throughout their growing season.
With many saying they resemble a cross between a carnation and a rose, English garden roses are a delightful twist on the classic roses we’ve grown to love. Typically, it has a small cluster of wavy petals at its center with larger, more rounded petals on its outer ring.
The Exquisite Scents of an Alabaster Garden Rose
Roses are known for their sweet scents, but alabaster garden roses may take the cake for one of the most fragrant rose variety. While it’s common to arrange a garden or bouquet based on a flower’s look, designing based on smell is becoming more and more popular. And with your windows likely closed for the season, what better time to introduce a straight-from-the-garden fragrance into your home?
Caring for Alabaster Garden Roses
Though alabaster garden roses don’t have as long of a vase life as traditional hybrid tea roses, their unique shape, vibrant colors, and delectable scents more than make up for it. To get the most out of your roses, take these steps to extend the life of your cut flowers:
Alabaster roses need to be handled more carefully than hybrid tea roses. Too much movement can cause them to lose their petals. So like a fine pearl, handle them with care!
Using a clean knife or gardening scissor, cut the ends of each stem at a 45-degree angle.
Place them in a clean vase with fresh water the moment you receive them. For the best results, place them in water with a pH level of around 4.5 – 5.0.
Once your roses are hydrated, display them in a relatively cool room with plenty of natural light.
Embrace the Season of Giving
If you’ll be the one giving alabaster flowers, you’re in luck! Alabaster roses’ pure white coloring and delicate petals make it the perfect gift for any number of events. With their petal reminiscent of snow, alabaster roses make the perfect gift for a winter birthday. And with its crystal counterpart widely known as a healing stone with the power to soothe anger and sadness, alabaster roses also make a thoughtful sympathy gift.
