Flower Factor: A Lifestyle Blog From Aboutflowers.com

Thanksgiving is a time when families gather, feasts are prepared, and we say our final goodbye to the growing season before winter covers the ground in a blanket of white.

There is something comforting about this autumn holiday as it provides time to pause and reflect on our surroundings and brings family and friends to the gathering table.

As you prepare for Thanksgiving, you’ll want to make sure flowers are part of your celebration. This time of year offers a variety of textural blossoms in rich tones of golden yellow, velvety burgundy and deep oranges.

Sunflowers, roses, chrysanthemums, lilies and alstroemeria are widely available this time of year and range in almost every color of an autumn sunset.

Combining these harvest favorites in vintage or rustic containers with accents of bittersweet or rose hips make for interesting centerpieces perfectly fit for a traditional Thanksgiving table.

But what if your style and tastes take you in a different direction?  Read More

When we think of Thanksgiving, we tend to picture traditional fall colors of oranges, yellows and browns. And when we think of Christmas, we see red and green.

But with a little creativity, it is possible to celebrate both seasons with the same centerpiece. Here are two examples.

This trendy Thanksgiving cornucopia features statement flowers and plants. The tillandsia xerographica can become a keepsake later in home decor. Protea and leucadendron add a unique twist on traditional fall flowers. Roses and cushion mums combine with textural foliage, perfect for celebrating the beginning of the Christmas season.  Read More

 Now that the Halloween pumpkins are put away and the mounds of candy are all but gone our thoughts turn to the last of the fall holidays — Thanksgiving. This almost forgotten holiday seems hidden beneath the throes of Christmas decorations, images of Santa and his reindeer and the non-stop sounds of “Deck the Halls” and “White Christmas” that blare through our car radios.

What’s wrong with taking a pause to give this season its rightful place in the holiday lineup? Why not slow our pace and take time to smell the turkey?

No doubt Thanksgiving is the official kick-off to the much larger celebrated Christmas, but without it, we’d miss the awkward yet memorable time spent with our families, football games, parades, Black Friday and pre-Black Friday sales and the food!

For those of us who host the Thanksgiving festivities, we are left to plan the menus, clean the house, prepare the fixings and decorate the house for this all too short season. That my friends is where your professional local florist comes in.

Since first impressions are important, you’ll want to make sure your front door welcomes your guests with a display of autumn favorites such as mum plants, gourds and pumpkins, branches, vines and berries.

Because this season is pretty short, all these items can be found in fresh varieties that will brighten up your stoop until the first frost.

If you’d rather have something to display year after year, faux items that look as good if not better than the real thing can be found at your local florist as well.

Not sure where to start? Just ask anyone at the flower shop for ideas and they’ll happily point you in the right direction.  Read More

Fiery-hued leaves, cinnamon spiced cider, cornstalks, snuggly sweaters, shiny rain boots and pumpkin flavored EVERYTHING! Did you know? There are Pumpkin Spice Cherrios. (Really!) This is the time of year to gather together with friends and family. With the shorter daylight hours and colder temperatures, there is nothing better than entertaining at home. Cozy evenings by the fire, casual dinners and fabulous feasts are in order. And, Thanksgiving is just around the corner.

Autumn entertaining always sounds great. Then, reality sets in. Is the house ready? When was the last time you dusted? Do you have the right hostess outfit? Can the guests wear shoes in the house? And, in today’s jargon, are you “Instagram” ready?

Take a deep breath. With these simple tips, you’ll be ready for Thanksgiving in no time. Read More

The seasons have changed, and it is time to decorate for autumn and Thanksgiving. How do I begin? For me, it is a hands-on, tactile process.  I open the cupboard and pull out all the linens and lay them out. I gather autumn leaves, pods and cones and start playing. A walk through the woods or through the city park will bring inspiration … crimson, orange and golden leaves fallen to the ground … vibrant purple kale and gorgeous green gourds beckon and tease … pumpkins in the traditional orange plus white, peach, coral and green are mounded at the farmers market. There is such a plethora of color in the transitional season of autumn, it is hard to narrow the focus and choose a favorite color scheme.

Autumn 2015 brings an eclectic collection of color palettes to choose from. Each celebrates the season in a unique and beautiful way. Your professional florist has sourced the most fabulous flowers to enhance your home and Thanksgiving table. Flowers, pods, cones, berries and leaves with so many textures and colors. What goes with what? Mix and match — you get to decide. Read More