Floral Occasions & Holidays Archives

55 Best Love Quotes from Movies

Few mediums depict romance in a more touching and heart-rending way than movies. A finely crafted cinematic feature about love can make our hearts skip a beat and inspire those vibes that make us want to get up close and personal to that special someone.

So this year, why not skip the crowds this Feb. 14 and enjoy a cozy night in with a feel-good film? Whether you binge rom-coms or are a sucker for a teak-jerker, curling up on the couch for a movie that tugs at the heartstrings and something sweet to eat can make for a cuddle-worthy good time. And after all, isn’t that what this day is all about?

In honor of Valentine’s Day, here are 55 of the most romantic love quotes from movies. Grab a box of tissues and read on.

55 most romantic love quotes from movies

1. “What do you want? You want the moon? Just say the word and I’ll throw a lasso around it and pull it down. Hey, that’s a pretty good idea. I’ll give you the moon.” – George Bailey, It’s a Wonderful Life

2. “I never wanted to have anything in my life that I couldn’t stand losing. But it’s too late for that. It’s not because you’re beautiful and smart and perfect. I don’t feel alone anymore.” – Henry DeTamble, The Time Traveler’s Wife

3. “I love you.” “I know.” – Princess Leia and Han Solo, The Empire Strikes Back

4. “And most of all, I’m scared of walking out of this room and never feeling the rest of my whole life the way I feel when I’m with you.” – Frances “Baby” Houseman, Dirty Dancing

5. “At best, it’s a happy delusion — these two people who truly love each other and have no idea how truly miserable they’re about to make each other. But, but, when two people know that, and they decide with eyes wide open to face each other and get married anyway, then I don’t think it’s conservative or delusional. I think it’s radical and courageous and very romantic.”– Tina Modotti, Frida

6. “Are you very much in love with her?” “As much as a man can be.” “Do you think there’s a limit?” “If there is, I haven’t found it.” – Ellen Olenska and Newland Archer, The Age of Innocence

“No matter what happens now or for the rest of my life, I’m happy now because I love you.

Phil connors

Groundhog Day

7. “Oh, I wouldn’t mind, Hazel Grace. It would be a privilege to have my heart broken by you.” – Augustus Waters, The Fault in Our Stars

8. “Medicine, law, business, engineering, these are noble pursuits and necessary to sustain life. But poetry, beauty, romance, love, these are what we stay alive for.” – John Keating, Dead Poets Society

9. “There I was, standing there in the church, and for the first time in my whole life I realized I totally and utterly loved one person. And it wasn’t the person next to me in the veil. It’s the person standing opposite me now…in the rain.” – Charles, Four Weddings and a Funeral

10. “If you look for it, I’ve got a sneaky feeling you’ll find that love actually is all around.” – David, Love Actually

11. “I love him! I love him for the man he wants to be. And I love him for the man he almost is.” – Dorothy Boyd, Jerry Maguire

12. “You must do me this honor, you must promise me that you’ll survive. That you won’t give up, no matter what happens, no matter how hopeless. Promise me now, Rose, and never let go of that promise.” – Jack Dawson, Titanic

13. “People think that we’re crazy. It will never work. You’re going to fail. … Those are the beginning of every great success story.” – Diane Court, Say Anything

love quotes from movies with couple embracing in the rain

14. “You erased me from your memories because you thought you were holding me back from having a full and happy life. But you made a mistake. Being with you is the only way I could have a full and happy life. You’re the girl of my dreams…and, apparently, I’m the man of yours.” – Henry Roth, 50 First Dates

15. “No measure of time with you will be long enough. But, we’ll start with forever.” – Edward Cullen, Twilight

16. “It’s an extraordinary thing to meet someone who you can bare your soul to, and who’ll accept you for what you are.” – Edward Cullen, Twilight

17. “When I’m with you, I feel so safe. Like I’m home.” – Andrew Largeman, Garden State

18. “I love that you get a little crinkle above your nose when you’re looking at me like I’m nuts. I love that after I spend the day with you, I can still smell your perfume on my clothes. And I love that you are the last person I want to talk to before I go to sleep at night.” – Harry Burns, When Harry Met Sally

19. “People do fall in love. People do belong to each other, because that’s the only chance that anyone’s got for true happiness.” – Paul Varjak, Breakfast at Tiffany’s

“Some people are worth melting for.

olaf

Frozen

20. “I say, fall head over heels. Find someone you can love like crazy and who will love you the same way back. How do you find him? Well, you forget your head, and you listen to your heart.”
– William Parrish, Meet Joe Black

21. “No matter what happens now or for the rest of my life, I’m happy now because I love you.” – Phil Connors, Groundhog Day

22. “I know I can’t make the bad go away. You’re right, I can’t. But when the bad comes again…I’m gonna be next to you.” – Johnny, Frankie and Johnny

23. “When I was walking down the aisle, I was walking toward somebody who didn’t have any idea who I really was. And it was only half the other person’s fault, because I had done everything to convince him that I was exactly what he wanted. So it was good that I didn’t go through with it because it would have been a lie. But you — you knew the real me.” – Maggie Carpenter, Runaway Bride

24. “There are people out there worth letting your guard down for. Were you happier with or without him? That’s all that really matters. It doesn’t make you weak to love someone.” – Tina, Bros

25. “The best love is the kind that awakens the soul and makes us reach for more, that plants a fire in our hearts and brings peace to our minds. And that’s what you’ve given me. That’s what I’d hoped to give to you forever.” – Noah Calhoun, The Notebook

26. “So what happens after he climbs up and rescues her?” “She rescues him right back.” – Edward Lewis and Vivian Ward, Pretty Woman

27. “I can’t figure out the mathematics of this, I just know I love you.” – Graham Simpkins, The Holiday

Best gift ideas for movie night

love quotes from movies Movie Night Action Gift Box — Movie Night Action Gift Box

love quotes from movies personalized snack bowls — Movie Night Personalized Snack Bowls

love quotes from movies Dog Owner Movie Night Box — Max & Milo™ Dog & Owner Movie Night Box

28. “It was a million tiny little things that, when you added them all up, they meant we were supposed to be together, and I knew it. I knew it the first time I touched her. It was like coming home, only to no home I’d ever known. I was just taking her hand to help her out of a car and I knew it. It was like magic.”
– Sam Baldwin, Sleepless in Seattle

29. “Never lie, steal, cheat, or drink. But if you must lie, lie in the arms of the one you love. If you must steal, steal away from bad company. If you must cheat, cheat death. And if you must drink, drink in the moments that take your breath away.” – Alex Hitchens, Hitch

30. “When he looks at me, the way he looks at me, he does not know what I lack or how I am incomplete. He sees me for what I am, as I am. He’s happy to see me. Every time. Every day.”
– Elisa Esposito, The Shape of Water

31. “He knew that when he kissed this girl, and forever wed his unutterable visions to her perishable breath, his mind would never romp again like the mind of God.” – Nick Carraway, The Great Gatsby

32. “That day, she was amazed to discover that when he was saying ‘As you wish,’ what he meant was ‘I love you.’ And then even more amazing was the day she realized she truly loved him back.” – Grandpa, Princess Bride

33. “I hate the way I don’t hate you. Not even close, not even a little bit, not even at all.” – Kat Stratford, 10 Things I Hate About You

“Death cannot stop true love. It can only delay it a little while.

westley

The Princess Bride

34. “You’re not perfect, sport, and let me save you the suspense: This girl you’ve met, she’s not perfect either. But the question is whether or not you’re perfect for each other.” – Sean Maguire, Good Will Hunting

35. “I live in Notting Hill. You live in Beverly Hills. Everyone in the world knows who you are, my mother has trouble remembering my name.” “I’m also just a girl, standing in front of a boy, asking him to love her.” – William Thacker and Anna Scott, Notting Hill

36. “… If you trusted love this far, don’t panic now. Trust it all the way.” – Sharon Rivers, If Beale Street Could Talk

37. “You are not unlovable. There is always something to love. Even in a stupid, stupid universe where we have hot dogs for fingers, we get very good with our feet.” – Evelyn Wang, Everything Everywhere All At Once

38. “I’m always just about to fall off of the edge of the tallest building. I stopped falling the second I saw you.” – Tony Wyzek, West Side Story

39. “And when her lips found mine, I knew I could live to be a hundred and visit every country in the world, but nothing would compare to that one moment when I kissed the girl of my dreams for the first time and knew that my love would make it last forever.” – John Tyree, Dear John

40. “Our love is like the wind: I can’t see it, but I sure can feel it.” – Landon Carter, A Walk to Remember

41. “I love you with so much of my heart that none is left to protest.” – Beatrice, Much Ado About Nothing

42. “Some people are worth melting for.” – Olaf, Frozen

love quotes from movies with couple embracing

43. “Loss has been a part of my journey. But it has also shown me what is precious. So has a love for which I can only be grateful.” – Theresa Osborne, Message in a Bottle

44. “I just wanted to take another look at you.” – Jackson Maine, A Star is Born

45. “If there’s any kind of magic in this world, it must be in the attempt of understanding someone, sharing something. I know it’s almost impossible to succeed, but who cares, really? The answer must be in the attempt.” – Céline, Before Sunrise

46. “I would rather share one lifetime with you than face all the ages of this world alone.” – Arwen Undómiel, The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring

47. “I turn on my computer. I wait impatiently as it connects. I go online, and my breath catches in my chest until I hear three little words: You’ve got mail. I hear nothing. Not even a sound on the streets of New York, just the beating of my own heart. I have mail. From you.” – Kathleen Kelly, You’ve Got Mail

You complete me.

jerry maguire

Jerry Maguire

48. “Love. You can learn all the math in the ‘verse, but you take a boat in the air that you don’t love, she’ll shake you off just as sure as the turn of the worlds. Love keeps her in the air when she ought to fall down, tells you she’s hurting before she keels, makes her a home.”– Malcolm Reynolds, Serenity

49. “My dearest friend, If you don’t mind, I’d like to join you by your side. Where we could gaze into the stars, and sit together, now and forever. For it is plain as anyone could see, we’re simply meant to be.” – Jack Skellington, The Nightmare Before Christmas

50. “Death cannot stop true love. It can only delay it a little while.” – Westley, The Princess Bride

51. “In my opinion, the best thing you can do is find someone who loves you for exactly what you are. Good mood, bad mood, ugly, pretty, handsome, what have you.” – Mac MacGuff, Juno

52. “You complete me.” – Jerry Maguire, Jerry Maguire

53. “It’s like in that moment the whole universe existed just to bring us together.” – Jonathan Trager, Serendipity

54. “Choose me. Marry me. Let me make you happy.” – Julianne Potter, My Best Friend’s Wedding

55. “I would rather be a ghost drifting by your side as a condemned soul than enter heaven without you. Because of your love, I will never be a lonely spirit.” – Master Li, Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon

The Corsage and Boutonniere: A Floral History

From tulips to chrysanthemums, our series “The Language of Flowers” explores everything from fresh flower care tips to flower symbolism and meaning. Learn all about the rich history of corsages and boutonnieres, including where they come from, what they mean, and why we wear them.

A photo of corsage and boutonniere with wrist corsages

Throughout history, whenever people dressed for a formal event, flowers were always an important part of the outfit. Formalwear demanded floral accessories. And the two most popular items adorning outfits were corsages and boutonnieres.

Today, flowers on dresses, lapels, wrists, and hair are popular, especially at high school proms and weddings, according to Jackie Lacey, a member of the Professional Floral Commentators International and the 2019-2021 National President of the American Institute of Floral Designers. Floral accouterments are fashion statements, Lacey says, just as much as wearing jewelry or accessorizing with scarves, gloves, and bags.

The practice of wearing flowers as decoration goes back thousands of years.

History of corsages

Traditionally, a corsage was a small bouquet pinned to a dress. Ancient Greeks believed fragrant flowers warded off evil spirits, which explains why brides carried bouquets down the aisle or pinned flowers to themselves.

Derived from the French words “bouquet de corsage,” which translates to “bouquet of the bodice,” corsages originally were worn by French women to weddings and funerals, and were most often pinned to the top of their dresses.

In the Victorian era, women started putting flowers in their décolletage, the low-cut neckline of their dress. “One of the reasons corsages were moved to the shoulder was because the suitor, if he brought her one, would never touch a woman in that area of her body,” Lacey says. “So they were moved to the shoulder, where he could pin it appropriately.”

a photo of corsage and boutonniere with a man placing a wrist corsage on his prom date

The 21st century ushered in sleeveless and spaghetti-strap dresses, and that led to corsages making their way from women’s chests to their wrists.

We typically think of corsages and boutonnieres as popping up around prom season. But corsages used to show up at church and brunch on holidays such as Easter and Mother’s Day. “Corsages were worn for Easter as part of new clothes. They became a fashion accessory that you would wear,” Lacey says.

While corsages used to be a symbol of romantic love, they’ve become more of a fashion statement in recent years. Today, it’s not uncommon for parents to buy a corsage for their daughter, friends to buy them for one another, and even people to buy them as gifts for themselves.

History of boutonnieres

The boutonniere dates back to the ancient Egyptians and Aztecs, who wore flowers to indicate which team or player they supported in sporting events, Lacey says.

In the 15^th century, a woman who was interested in a knight might give him flowers or a scarf in the color of the dress she was wearing on his foray into battle, Lacey says. The gesture meant good luck and bestowed her good graces on the knight.

Lacey points to the Wars of the Roses, when the Lancaster family wore red and the York family white as part of their coat of armor, as a key point in the history of boutonnieres.

a photo of corsage and boutonniere with a woman pinning a boutonniere on her prom date's lapel

“Flowers were worn to show support to one side of a battle over the other because the speech and clothing would have likely been the same,” he says. The English wars for power were the gateway to men wearing flowers or boutonnieres.

The rise of men wearing boutonnieres, or lapel adornments, grew in the early 19^th century, when the period dress began to include coats that folded over at the top and included a buttonhole, Lacey says. “Many men would wear flowers every day as part of their daily clothing since most men in business wore a suit to work,” he adds.

As recently as 20 years ago, boutonnieres could be observed on the suits — typically on the left side, where the lapel buttonhole is — of men on Mother’s Day, Lacey found. “There used to be a huge market of flowers in white or red to indicate whether or not your mother was alive,” he says. White meant she was living, and red meant she was not.

The boutonniere became a key element of a promgoers’ attire, although they did go out of style for a few years, starting around 2012. “Young people, for a little while, felt the flowers were passé, an extra expense, and a luxury they could do without,” Lacey says. Sales of prom flowers are back today, with young people choosing to express themselves with their flower choices, and that is partly because of creativity in the industry. “Some of the increase was due to flower shops rethinking the way they market to this generation and how to recapture declining sales,” he says.

Today, boutonnieres also are often seen on the lapel of a groom and other members of his bridal party at his wedding, with the women carrying corresponding bouquets of flowers. The sophisticate may occasionally wear a boutonniere at a special event such as an auction or a fundraising party. A flower on the lapel is also a mark of significance on special occasions. “Wearing a boutonniere might show you are being honored or of importance to the event,” Lacey says.

The history and tradition of corsages and boutonnieres is surprisingly rich and eclectic. If you’re a promgoer this year, or if someone close to you is, you’re now equipped with all you need to know to choose the perfect flowers for the big night.

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

How to Throw a Unicorn Birthday Party That Is Gorgeously Epic

From winning gift ideas to card message suggestions, “Birthdays Reimagined” provides tips to help you make your loved one’s birthday wishes come true. Plan a unicorn birthday party with these simple steps that will guarantee your party is gorgeously epic and showcases the magic of unicorns.

A unicorn birthday is one of the most popular kids’ party themes out there, and for good reason: It combines the fanciness of fairy tale magic with the adorableness of magical ponies. Unicorns are notoriously extra, and that makes planning a unicorn birthday even more fun. It’s the perfect opportunity to go wild with colors, opulent accents, and all that glitters. We say, bring on the fun and fabulousness.

Jasmine Shah, owner of Atlanta’s IDEA! event + style, says the unicorn party became popular around 2014 and remains one of her most frequently requested parties. “For many years, princesses had reigned supreme for little kids’ parties,” Shah explains. “The party world was ready for something new. The unicorn is a perfectly majestic and magical creature that piques the imaginations of kids and adults alike.”

Although a unicorn party can be tailored to any age, Shah says that it’s especially popular for preschool kids, between 2 to 5 years old. And, she contends, it’s easier than you think to summon the beauty, grandeur, and wonder of this mythical one-horned horse for a child’s birthday party.

a photo of a unicorn birthday party: welcome sign — *Photo credit: IDEA! event + style*

Unicorn party basics

Some parts of a unicorn party are essential to channeling the epic glamour of the unicorn aesthetic. A rainbow of colors, some sparkle, and, of course, the all-important unicorn cake are the foundations. But unicorns embody wild imagination, so there’s plenty of room for fun interpretations personalized for the guest of honor.

“Usually the unicorn parties I plan include pastel rainbow colors, sparkly tutus, iridescent horns to play dress up with, a real life pony making a grand entrance dressed up like a unicorn, and sometimes a ‘unicorn princess’ making an appearance as well,” Shah details.

Shah recommends figuring out the entertainment portion of the party before getting too caught up in fantasy bling. “While kids appreciate the special decor elements, what they really remember is the fun factor!” she exclaims. Shah suggests leaning into your child’s interests as a way to customize the experience. While she often hires “unicorn princesses” to play games and read stories, any adult, with just a costume and a wig, could easily fill this role.

Unicorn party decor: rainbows and royalty

Shah suggests renting an all-white bounce house and decking it out with a rainbow of pastel balloon garlands. She says elements that do double-duty, providing both fun and style, are the way to go. Think unicorn pool floaties, pretty lawn games, and glammed-up party rentals, such as a cotton candy cart. Give each child their own unicorn-themed place setting with place cards and a snack box. “Kids love seeing their name printed,” Shah says.

a photo of a unicorn birthday party: bounce house — *Photo credit: IDEA! event + style*

If you don’t want to spend too much time on decor, you can take care of your tablescape in one click with the Unicorn Party Bundle.

Unicorn party fun and games

Shah hosted one unicorn party in the courtyard of a ritzy Atlanta hotel where she brought in a real “unicorn” pony for rides. If you don’t have the means (or space) for real ponies in your yard, swap in unicorn plushies that party guests can cuddle, such as Sparkles the Llamacorn. Other ideas for keeping party guests happy and entertained include unicorn piñatas, unicorn ring toss, and unicorn slime making.

Don’t forget a photo station for your little unicorn wranglers. “Create a custom-printed unicorn backdrop with the birthday child’s name and age,” Shah says. “Add a bunch of fun unicorn-themed photo props so the kids can get silly, goofy photo memories!”

Unicorn cake

The centerpiece to any proper unicorn party is the iconic unicorn cake. “The unicorn cake is one of the most special elements for the birthday child — it’s a must,” Shah says.

To create this demure classic, use a tall round cake with flawless white icing for the unicorn head. Add multicolored icing for the mane and dreamy unicorn eyes with big, bold eyelashes. Last but not least, top the cake with a majestic silver or gold horn.

Whether you DIY or work with a baker to create a custom cake, Shah suggests additions like rainbow cake layers or a sparkly glitter sheen. Be sure to stage it on a proper pedestal to enhance the grandeur.

Unicorns need to eat, too

Finger foods and easy-to-eat snacks are the way to go at a unicorn birthday party. Here are three ideas that fall in line with the overall theme.

Unicorn ‘poop’ dip

We all know unicorns poop rainbows, right? Get some giggles by whipping up this silly side dish using your favorite white veggie dip, such as ranch, hummus, and sour cream and onion dip. Separate your dip into four separate bowls and add a different pastel color gel food coloring to each bowl. (Food coloring goes a long way, so you don’t need to use much.) Fill a larger bowl with your dip and alternate spoonfuls of each color until you get a good unicorn rainbow swirl.

Rainbow grilled cheese

Make rainbow melty cheese using shredded cheeses (mozzarella, cheddar, and Gruyère make for good stringy cheesiness) divided into different bowls. Mix each bowl with pastel food coloring. Place the cheese on the bread (the thicker the better) in different-colored strips, and grill the sandwich until you get a nice melt and the bread is golden brown on each side.

Unicorn pizza

Use the same method for making grilled cheese to make rainbow pizzas. Just be sure to keep your colors of shredded cheese nicely divided so it makes a visible rainbow effect when melted.

Sweet treats for playful ponies

Here’s where you can really get creative with the unicorn theme. Balance out rainbow-colored treats with crisp white desserts to really let the colors pop. Pre-made treats, such as the ones found in the Have a Magical Day Party in a Box, make the dessert menu a breeze. For a great table centerpiece, try a Unicorn Gift Basket. It contains an assortment of goodies your unicorn-obsessed little one will love and provides a place for you to put utensils and napkins.

a photo of a unicorn birthday party: unicorn cookies — *Photo credit: IDEA! event + style*

Add some variety with Magical Unicorn Dipped OREO® Cookies and Magical Unicorn Truffle Cake Pops, and finish off your dessert menu with rainbow sherbet. Let guests create their own tasty unicorn horns using ice cream cones that they can cover with icing and other toppings, such as sprinkles or magic shell.

Offer a fruity alternative with the Mystical Unicorn Arrangement, which includes unicorn-shaped pineapple slices. And what fancy party is complete without chocolate covered strawberries? Make it epic with Unicorn Sparkle Strawberries. These feature gorgeous pastel colors that twinkle with pearlized sugar crystals for a perfectly pretty look.

DIY Mother’s Day Photo Vase Craft for Kids

Our series “Get Crafty” gives you the inspiration for creating inventive DIY projects during the holidays and year-round. Pair those Mother’s Day flowers with a creative DIY photo vase — the perfect Mother’s Day craft for kids of all ages!

This year, take your Mother’s Day flowers to the next level with a creative and personalized DIY photo vase. The beauty of this vase is in the tiny details that reflect each child’s personality, making it the perfect Mother’s Day craft for kids of all ages.

Depending on how old the child is, you may want to prepare the tissue paper shapes beforehand, as little kids may have trouble cutting the delicately thin material. Be sure to provide them with a smock and clear out an area for crafting, as this project includes liquid adhesive.

Once this DIY photo vase is completed, add mom’s favorite flowers or arrangement for a Mother’s Day gift she’ll treasure always.

Supplies for DIY photo vase

Vase
Liquid adhesive (Mod Podge, PVA glue)
Small paintbrush
Tissue paper in a variety of colors
Photo
Scissors

How to make a DIY photo vase

Use soap and water to clean any residue off the vase. Set aside to dry.

a photo of a diy photo vase: tissue paper hearts

Cut shapes out of the tissue paper. We chose hearts, but you can go with flowers, stars, or diamonds. The homemade touch of this project is what makes it special, so the shapes do not all have to be the same size or shape. Once you have enough shapes, set them aside.

a photo of a diy photo vase: gluing on tissue paper hearts

Pour some of the adhesive into a small bowl. Dip the brush into the adhesive and pick up a tissue paper shape with the brush, and “paint” it onto the vase. You only need a light coat of adhesive, so try to avoid drenching the shapes.

Once you have stuck all the shapes to the vase, it’s time to add the photograph. You may want to trim the photo to fit your particular vase before placing it on. Once you have decided where the photo will go, use the brush to paint the adhesive onto the back of the photo. Apply it to the vase and hold it down for 5 to 10 seconds until it’s secure.

a photo of a diy photo vase: finished vase

Give the vase a few minutes to dry, and then use a cup or pitcher to carefully pour water into the vase. Then, add the flowers, and your DIY photo vase is ready to show off!

A graphic reminding visitors that moms deserve a special celebration on Mother's Day.

Mother’s Day Crafts for Kids: DIY Photo Flowers With Free Printable Template

Our series “Get Crafty” gives you the inspiration for creating inventive DIY projects during the holidays and year-round. Let the children make their own homemade Mother’s Day craft with this creative DIY photo flowers idea that will touch mom’s heart.

Move over macaroni frames, there’s a new DIY Mother’s Day craft in town! And it’s not only fun to make but easy, too.

Using our photo flower stencil template, some scrapbooking paper, scissors, and a bit of glue, we created creative and colorful DIY photo flowers. They’re the perfect kid-friendly complement to those stunning Mother’s Day flowers you plan on getting Mom.

Let the kids get creative by picking out their own patterned paper and colors. They’ll love letting their personalities shine in this personalized Mother’s Day gift idea.

And Mom will think it’s just the sweetest present she’s ever received.

Supplies for DIY photo flowers

Photo flower template (download here)
Scrapbook and construction paper in various colors and patterns
Scissors
Glue
Floral tape
Tape
Lollipop sticks or similar
Photos

Directions for DIY photo flowers

a photo of dit photo flowers: flower stencil cutout

Load your printer with a sheet of cardstock; download and print the photo flower stencil template. Cut out the shapes to use as stencils. Set aside.

a photo of diy photo flowers: tracing flower shape on photo

Now, prepare the photograph. If are using an existing photo, trace the smaller flower on the photograph and cut out the shape. If you plan on printing your child’s photo, crop the area you wish to use to 3.5 inches by 3.5 inches. Print on high-quality photo paper for best results. Once printed, use the smaller flower to trace the shape and cut out the photo.

a photo of diy photo flowers: cutting out the flowers

Take the larger flower and trace it onto the color/pattern you’d like to appear on the outermost layer of the flower. Cut out and set aside.

Then, take the smaller flower and trace it onto the color/patterned paper you would on the middle layer of the flower. Trace the circle stencil in the middle of the smaller flower shape. Fold in half and cut out the circle shape from the flower to create an open space.

a photo of diy photo flowers: faces in the flowers

Once you have all the shapes cut out, place a few drops of glue onto the largest flower. Take your first photo and glue it down. Once it’s dry, add a few drops of glue to the smaller flower and place it on top of the photo.

a photo of diy photo flowers: making the flower stems

To make the stems, grab your stick and wrap it in floral tape. (The tape is naturally slightly sticky so no further glue is necessary.) Once fully wrapped, tape the stick to the back of the flower.

a photo of diy photo flowers: finished flowers

Optional: Fold a piece of green construction paper in half and cut out a folded leaf shape. Add glue to one half of the leaf and hug it around the newly created stem.

No Secrets Here: 10 Steps for Planning a Memorable Surprise Birthday Party

From winning gift ideas to card message suggestions, “Birthdays Reimagined” provides tips to help you make your loved one’s birthday wishes come true. In this article, learn how to keep your surprise party planning a secret as well as some celebration ideas to help you throw an unforgettable birthday bash.

“Surprise!”

The very word gets us excited and conjures up memories of the times we’ve been caught off guard by fun. The element of the unexpected raises the level of anticipation when planning a surprise birthday party — and keeping a covert mission from the guest of honor is entertaining for everyone who is involved behind the scenes. A surprise party means being both stealthy and creative.

Picture of vertical animated birthday ad

Here, we help you navigate the process, from guests to food to gifts and more.

Step 1: Book the guest of honor and set the date

To keep your friend or family member from discovering your plans, get a firm commitment from him or her to celebrate their special day with you. Make a decoy plan, such as a family birthday dinner or drinks with friends.

Making a date on the honoree’s birthday guarantees they will attend their own party. It also keeps them from wondering why no one is planning something for their special day. Another option is to schedule the celebration for a more convenient time rather than their actual birthdate, such as the weekend before.

Step 2: Pick a venue

a photo of a surprise birthday party: friends toasting at a party

When choosing the location, consider activities the guest of honor enjoys, advises Sue Moretti Bodson, founder and president of Emboss, an events and communications company in Greenwich, Connecticut. Will she like a party at a brewery with hay bales and a live local band, or is she more of a classic dinner party lover? Does he love good food or would he rather get everyone on the rock climbing wall?

“Bear in mind who you are surprising and what their likes and interests are,” Bodson says. “Asking someone to meet you at a fancy restaurant who is a more lowkey person isn’t going to fly.”

Step 3: Organize the guest list

Once you secure the location, you’ll have an idea of how many guests the space holds. Jot down a list of possible attendees.

Ensure you’re on the guests’ calendars six to eight weeks out and be very clear it’s a surprise so no one spoils the surprise. And don’t tell more folks than you have to. “Keep the circle very tight,” Bodson recommends.

Step 4: Directing the guests

Start a group text or Facebook chat to review the details of the big day. These should include what time guests should arrive, the guest of honor’s arrival time, where to park cars (so they are not visible to the guest of honor), and the venue address.

Bear in mind who you are surprising and what their likes and interests are. Asking someone to meet you at a fancy restaurant who is a more lowkey person isn’t going to fly.

Sue Moretti Bodson

Founder and president, Emboss

Step 5: Stun the honoree with surprise guests

One way to really make the birthday girl swoon is to invite favorite family members from faraway locations or important people (a mentor, best friend) from her past whom she rarely gets to see.

Work with the special guests to find a local place to stay and make sure you set up a time for them to spend the day after the surprise party. The excitement of connecting the birthday girl with out-of-town relations will guarantee a lasting memory.

Bodson planned a dinner for her father in New York City. “My sister, who lives in North Carolina, met us as a surprise, which he loved,” she says. Bodson then continued the surprise by giving her dad tickets to see Rocky on Broadway, since he is a boxing fan.

Step 6: Choose the music

Follow the classic ideas to th rowing a good party and firm up the music selection. If you’re hiring musicians, start looking for them immediately. Live music requires a longer lead time. GigSalad is a useful site to help find local musicians and other entertainment. Ask friends, local musicians, or even your child’s music instructor for suggestions.

a photo of a surprise birthday party: birthday food

If you’ll be DJing, start working on a playlist two weeks out. Be creative and design a music list based on the birthday girl’s favorite songs. Another option is to create a greatest hits song list from the year they were born.

Step 7: Create the menu

What you serve will set the tone of the gathering. You can be simple, with beer and pretzels or margaritas and guacamole. If your party girl has swankier preferences, serve champagne and macarons. And don’t forget the birthday cake.

Step 8: Order decorations

Decorations, such as banners, balloons, and flowers, will set the party’s style. Connect the color scheme of your decorating items and you can have a festive look with just a few clicks of the mouse. Be sure to order gifts or party favors early. Last-minute arrivals can be overwhelming, with you having so many duties to attend to.

Step 9: Offer gift ideas to guests

Include any gift requirements in your group chat. Share details, such as if there will be a gift table at the venue, or give helpful links that reflect the birthday girl’s favorite goodies. Deliveries like flowers and gift baskets sent directly to the guest of honor’s residence after the party are an easier way to gift. They also don’t impose on the venue and eliminate the trouble of having to transport the presents home after the celebration.

One idea is to create a personalized photo album. This keepsake will entertain guests while they wait for the party to begin and is a thoughtful gift. Be sure to take pictures at the party and have them printed after so they can be added to the album.

a photo of a surprise birthday party: friends holding presents

Step 10: Time it right

Timing is everything with a surprise party. Guests should arrive 30 minutes before the birthday girl or boy arrives. Emphasize the importance of promptness, since latecomers could arrive at the same time as the guest of honor, which will spoil all the fun.

While people are waiting for the birthday party to begin, have guests fill out “would you rather” cards you’ve printed beforehand. Serve light food and non-alcoholic drinks — just not anything too celebratory, as you don’t want the guest of honor to feel like they’ve missed any of the fun at their own party.

Don’t worry if the plans don’t go as expected. Some attendees may cancel. The balloons may have escaped when you opened the car door. In the end, it’s about celebrating a birthday in the most surprising way. And how fun is that?

All About the Official Mother’s Day Flower: The Carnation

Since the day you were born, your mom has loved and supported you — not to mention cooked, cleaned, had a job, and drove you to all those extracurricular activities. Even when you might not have realized it (those teenage years, anyone?), your mom always had your best interest at heart.

That’s why each year we spend one day honoring all that our mothers have done for us. And if part of the celebration includes getting your mom a little something special, it should be a carnation — the official flower of Mother’s Day. The white carnation is said to symbolize motherhood and is used to both honor a mother who has passed away and celebrate a mother who is still living.

Here’s a brief history of how carnations became the symbol of motherhood.

official mothers day flower with a bouquet of flowers and text that says "happy mother's day".

A brief history of Mother’s Day

It’s believed the first celebrations honoring mothers were in ancient times, when Romans held festivals in honor of the mother goddesses Rhea and Cybele. But it wasn’t until Europe in the early 1800s that we saw the first semblance of modern Mother’s Day.

At the time, families in the UK and England celebrated “Mothering Sunday.” A day celebrated on the fourth Sunday of Lent, it encouraged people to travel back to their “mother church” — the first church they ever attended in their hometown — for a special service.

Over the years, Mothering Sunday transitioned into a more secular holiday, known as Mother’s Day, and was celebrated by kids giving their mothers flowers and other small gifts.

Who was Anna Jarvis?

Anna Jarvis is considered the founder of Mother’s Day in America. After her mother passed away, Jarvis vowed to create a day dedicated to honoring mothers both alive and deceased.

Why carnations are the official flower of Mother’s Day

As a young girl living in Philadelphia, Jarvis and her mother cared for a garden full of white carnations — her mother’s favorite flowers. In 1907, Anna delivered 500 white carnations to the church where her mother taught Sunday school. She then requested that each mother in the congregation receive one as they arrived at church that week.

Every year after that, the church upheld the tradition and continued to hand out carnations at their Mother’s Day service. Neighboring communities and churches soon took notice and began incorporating it into their own Mother’s Day services. In the mid-1940s, carnations were dubbed the official Mother’s Day flower. And now it’s even easier to deliver carnations right to Mom’s door!

Anna Jarvis once said that white carnations were the symbol of Mother’s Day because they were thought to “typify some of the virtues of motherhood: Whiteness stands for purity; its lasting qualities, faithfulness; its fragrance, love; its wide field of growth, charity; its form, beauty…”

Colorful carnations

Over time, different colored carnations began to take on their own meanings. Because of their history, fragrance, and “heavenly soft” texture, white carnations became popularly thought of as the flowers you left at the gravesite of a mother who had passed away. And even though white carnations originally became popular, red carnations are also considered the official Mother’s Day flower. However, red carnations are believed to be a gift for mothers who are still alive, as it was believed carnations’ deep red petals represented that of a beating heart and love rather than loss.

Care for the official Mother’s Day flower

If you plan on giving or receiving a bouquet of carnations, caring for them properly will ensure that they live a long, beautiful life. Here are some tips for caring for carnations.

Make sure they are placed on a windowsill or ledge that receives at least six hours of direct sunlight.
Be careful not to overwater them, as this can cause carnations to turn a musty, yellow color.
Never leave carnations near a radiator, oven, or another heat source. This will dry them out and cause them to die quickly.

Mother’s Day Flower Craft for Kids: Sunflower Wheel of Appreciation

Our series “Get Crafty” gives you the inspiration for creating inventive DIY projects during the holidays and year-round. Show Mom just how special she is by surprising her with a Sunflower Wheel of Appreciation! Read on to learn how to make this DIY Mother’s Day craft.

a photo of a sunflower wheel of appreciation

Mom does it all. She cooks, cleans, consoles, and even coaches us through life’s toughest moments. To show Mom just how special she is, make her this Sunflower Wheel of Appreciation to go along with her Mother’s Day flowers. This creative DIY Mother’s Day craft is blooming with compliments that are sure to make Mom smile.

We chose to craft ours to resemble a sunflower, but you can get creative and mix and match colors and shapes to replicate Mom’s favorite flower! Think white and yellow for a beautiful daisy or pink and white for a stunning lily.

Supplies for Sunflower Wheel of Appreciation

Cardstock in 2-4 different colors (We used brown, orange, and two shades of yellow)
1 paper plate
Scissors
Glue
1 fine tip marker
Paper fastener

Directions for Sunflower Wheel of Appreciation

a photo of a sunflower wheel of appreciation: tracing paper plate

Trace the paper plate onto the piece of cardstock that will become the bottom of the wheel.

a photo of a sunflower wheel of appreciation: two paper circles

Then, trace a circle shape just a bit smaller than the first shape on a piece of different-colored cardstock. If you need a stencil for this part, bend the paper plate in half and trim the ends just a bit. The result will have scalloped edges but will suffice for creating the general circle shape.

a photo of a sunflower wheel of appreciation: cutting out and tracing rectangle

Use scissors or an X-Acto knife to cut out a rectangular shape on the smaller circle. Take the cut-out rectangle shape and use it to create a border for your text on the larger circle. This will assure your text stays within the boundaries of the box.

a photo of a sunflower wheel of appreciation: writing the messages

Once you draw your rectangular borders, use a pencil to write a message for Mom in each one. Then, use a marker to go over the letters to make the words pop. Erase any stray pencil markings.

a photo of a sunflower wheel of appreciation: petals

Now, take the cardstock you plan to use for the petals and cut out several petal shapes in varying sizes (they don’t need to be perfect). We used two shades of yellow, but you can stick to just one and still come out with a wow-worthy project.

Apply glue to the wide ends of the petals and stick them to the back of the larger circle.

To complete the wheel, position the smaller circle in the center of the larger circle and seal in the middle with the paper fastener.

Now, give your Wheel of Appreciation a spin and let your Mom know why she’s the best in the world!

a photo of a sunflower wheel of appreciation: mom is my hero message

My Mom…is my hero

a photo of a sunflower wheel of appreciation: mom makes the best breakfast message

My Mom…makes the best breakfast

a photo of a sunflower wheel of appreciation: mom is my number 1 fan message

My Mom…is my #1 fan