INTERNATIONAL FLOWER DELIVERY
I love to gift flowers this season. They’re always the right size. They can be big and glorious to keep up with the expectations this festive season. Everyone loves to receive flowers. To make the gift extra special, I chose the perfect vase to personalize the gift. This vase filled with a dozen miniature callas is sure to be loved. And long after the callas have lived, the vase remains as a pleasant memento of thoughtful gifting.
From the rules of etiquette that restricted lovers from the Victorian era to express their passion, emerged the language of flowers. As this mysteriously ciphered language emerged, particular messages were assigned to specific flowers. So, protected deep within the blooming petals was a message meant only for the beloved to see.
The red carnation expressed the unspoken ache of heart in the absence of the loved one. It is then a little wonder that this particular bloom, the birth flower of a Capricorn, was chosen as a deep expression of long distance love. The responsible, reliable Capricorn could be easily visualized as the one who would not flout society’s rules even when in agony without his loved one.
Besides, Capricorn’s other birth flowers represent different traits of his personality too: vivid orange blossoms symbolize ambition veiled by self-discipline; sweet baby’s breath portrays the honesty he seeks in every interaction and magnificent magnolia shows his regal taste.
Touching the very core of the Capricorn personality, arrangements comprising these flowers make an ideal birthday present for him. At the same time, they impersonate the Capricorn personality well enough to impress admirers of the sure-footed sea-goat.
Go on– embellish your Capricorn’s home or office space with his favourite flowers– red carnations, baby’s breath, orange blossoms and magnolia.
The shopping is done and the presents are wrapped. The tree is decorated and the house is ready for guests. It is time to relax and enjoy the accomplishment of navigating through the holiday season. Provide an elegant gift for yourself. A reward for all the hard work you have accomplished. Yes, it is time and you deserve it! Besides that, a lovely floral arrangement is just what the house needs to be ready for greeting all the holiday guests.
Santa baby, slip a sable under the tree, for me,
I’ve been an awful good girl.
Santa baby, and hurry down the chimney tonight!
The holidays are always so busy. The stores are teaming with people and their bustle. Oh my! Do not get me started! I love the holidays but…always a but…there are times I need to retreat into a quiet oasis of calm. My studio is decorated in a minimal style that provides just such an escape. This year, the Christmas décor is focused on the natural treasures provided by Mother Nature. The conical trees are moss covered and freckled with tiny golden balls. This personal oasis is waiting for me as I sneak away for a moment of meditation and reflection on the natural beauty to be found on the earth.
This design incorporates two of my favorite floral design tricks: components & elevation.
Arrangements are more fun when done in components. I think this clearly goes back to my childhood. Everyone knows two or three (or more) is better than one. If you can’t decide – take them all! Plus, a triplet can be clustered together or spaced about the room as the interior allows.
Elevation adds glamour. Add height to anything and it become so much more important. This self-deception probably has its roots in childhood when celebrities were always so much taller than us. As a girl, this calls for higher heels. Think of these footed vessels as high heels for flowers.
Alternatively known as the Flame Leaf or the Flower of the Holy Night, poinsettias are popular adornments in churches, homes and offices all through the Christmas season. The star-shaped leaves of the flowering plant are symbolic of the Star of Bethlehem and the color red represents the blood sacrifice through Jesus’ crucifixion.
Legend has it that the poinsettia is a virtual Christmas miracle. Two poor children from a village in Mexico were distressed as they could afford no offering to baby Jesus. So, they plucked some weeds to make a soft bed for the Lord. While decorating the manger, the two were mocked and teased, when suddenly, the weeds burst into bright, star-like petals, thus proving that love was the most precious of gifts.
Indigenous to Mexico and Central America, the poinsettia was included in Christmas decorations by the Mexican Franciscan friars from the seventeenth century. It was first brought to America by Dr Joel Poinsett, whom it is christened after.
Today, poinsettias are ubiquitous throughout the world during Christmas. Although traditionally red, the star-shaped leaves are now available in pink, white and yellow. Multipurpose embellishments, they double up as centerpieces, desk or wall decorations. This very versatility makes poinsettias the perfect holiday gift, and with proper care, they can last long beyond the Christmas season to brighten up your living or work spaces all year long.
As the days shorten and grow dark, I crave a little brightness in my life. Vivid balls of orange – pin cushion Protea – fill the need. Everyone benefits from a little floral sunshine brightening the darker days of autumn. Pin cushion Protea tucked into a vase with golden Vanda orchids combine in an arrangement that radiates bright sunny warmth. A creative wrap of leaves from a croton plant finish the look with unique style. I know, you are wondering, “How long will the leaves last?” Not to worry, croton leaves are long lasting. They’ll last for weeks wrapped around the vase. It is amazing just how long they will hold up and look fabulous.
This Thanksgiving I am thinking simple and fun for my table décor. I’ve gathered up a collection of brown and ivory serving pieces. This wonderful assortment of dishes with nothing matching makes it easy to add an extra guest or two. No need to worry about having enough of the same plates. Whew! Now that I have that issue solved, on to choosing flowers… Gorgeous ivory Vendela roses it is. Add ivory candles and a few autumn leaves – beautiful! Now, I just have to figure out how to cook a turkey…
Once Halloween is over, I hate to throw away the beautiful pumpkins and gourds. They are just too lovely. Time to re-use and re-purpose – yes, this centerpiece is just the ticket for the recycler. Have your pumpkins gilded – gold, copper or silver – they are all lovely. Then, add them into your centerpiece for the Thanksgiving table. You’ll love them so much that they stay around through Christmas and New Years, too. Of course, come February you could paint them red and be ready for Valentine’s Day. Oh, no! That may be taking re-use just a little too far. I don’t think I can get used to the idea of Valentine pumpkin.
Summer may be over but you do not need to give up the vivid colors of summer blooms quite yet. The fabulous dahlias will be here to enjoy until first frost. Add the kicky zest of fresh limes (yes, they are real!) and you have an eye catching floral design. Even better, this arrangement overflows with the creative addition of Hanging Amaranthus.
