Flower Factor: A Lifestyle Blog From Aboutflowers.com

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

Across the country, the temperature has plummeted. Colorful leaves litter the ground, and the sound of Christmas carols fill the stores. STOP! Don’t fast forward to December quite yet. Let’s keep the focus on cinnamon spice, apple cider, candlelight, knitted scarves and cozy visits with family and friends. It truly is best to prepare and enjoy one holiday at a time. November brings us Thanksgiving — the perfect holiday to gather together and celebrate the abundant blessings in our lives.

With the busy frenzy of life, preparing for Thanksgiving can seem daunting. It’s not. The perfect holiday takes just four things. Yes, just four. Narrowed down, that makes it super easy to fit into your schedule. What, you ask are the four things? Pour yourself a cup of hot cider, sit down and I’ll share my tips for a successful Thanksgiving holiday. It’s ok, I’ll wait — go get yourself a cup of hot cider.

Thanksgiving requirements, listed in order of importance:

1. Family. Surround yourself with “your people” and everything else will fall into place. With technology, geography does not have to limit your options. Set a place for grandma and include her in the festivities via Skype. Children grown up and moved across the country are just as close as the iPhone. Gathering family from various time zones can add a bit of fun to the day. One tip for the “world-wide bunch,” be sure to designate the time zone you will be using as you schedule your virtual guests.
2. Friends. Expand your family with special friends. Thanksgiving dinner can easily accommodate more guests. Not sure if you should invite someone? Do it. They’ll be grateful for the invitation, and you’ll be happy you did. Promise. In fact, one more person (or two or three or more) can change the family dynamics and reduce the emotional drama of “family.” Yes, we all have a dreaded and difficult loved one. Change the attention to the new guest, and experience the wonder of a happy holiday.
3. Flowers. What is the main difference between eating and dining? It’s the flowers. Anytime you add the beautiful touch of flowers, everything becomes more special. Even the simplest meal can become a feast. For the centerpiece, the iconic cornucopia can be done in a traditional or contemporary style. Which one will match your personal style the best?
   
   A place setting with each person’s name will make guests feel extra special. Mini flowerpots make beautiful festive place settings. Have a couple extra on hand to recognize last minute guests. You can easily add their name to the flowerpots with a felt tip marker. My personal favorites are the metallic pens in gold and silver.If you are the invited guest, bring flowers to the hostess as a thank-you gift. That will ensure you’ll be invited back again. Something tall and simple with a little creative flair — your florist can create the perfect design. Read More