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Wedding Theme Series: Flowers & Ice Cream

Jun15


Ice cream has been a refreshing summertime dessert for centuries. It reminds us of our childhood and brings happiness to those who indulge. A wedding reception is a fine place to have ice cream and incorporating these colors into your floral décor will be such a delightful combination!

Since flowers come in so many wonderful colors and textures, they lend themselves wonderfully to an ice cream inspired wedding. Care in choosing the right types of flowers and color combinations will remind your guests of the popular ice cream flavors they have grown to love. Our flower shop can assist with this design concept, and here are a few examples of particular flowers that can reflect those ice cream flavors:

– Peonies make for a great vanilla ice cream cone (as shown above)
– Yellow roses for soft & dreamy lemon sherbet
– Ranunculus or tulips for orange sherbet
– Spunky pink dahlias for strawberry
– Green orchids for mint chocolate chip
– Hydrangeas or Himalayan blue poppy
for blue moon ice cream & last but not least
– Statice for blueberry ice cream!

Additional fun elements like diagonal stripes or polka dots can help achieve the look. Baskets can mimic waffle cones also. For another idea, here is a very nice Neapolitan inspired bridal shower: http://www.heavenlybloomsblog.com/2011/09/neapolitan-ice-cream-bridal-shower.html

Flowers by the Falls . Kings Mountain, NC  (704) 739-7331

Valentine’s Day Flowers

Feb3


The story of Valentine’s Day began in Rome when the emperor decided that single men made better soldiers. He completely outlawed marriages for young men, but a young priest, Valentine, being so upset by this performed marriages in secret anyway. Soon he was discovered by the emperor, thrown in jail and sentenced to death! While in jail, he fell in love with the jailer’s daughter. He sent her a love letter signed “From your Valentine” just before he was put to death on February 14, 270AD.

Young lovers, husbands and wives continue to honor Saint Valentine on this day, by expressing their love and affection towards one another. For years flowers have been the gift of choice for Valentine’s Day, symbolizing fertility, love, marriage, and romance in relationships.

Which type of flower should you go with? Red & pink roses have always been a favorite, but that is not to say that other types flowers would not be equally as delightful. Hot pink orchids, multicolored tulip arrangements, and carnations are all quite stunning this season. This fun creative idea from Martha Stewart, using flowers on top of gift boxes, is a good one to consider as well!

Please call or come by our flower shop anytime to get Valentine flowers for your loved ones. Now is also the time to book a florist for your spring wedding!

Flowers by the Falls . Kings Mountain, NC  (704) 739-7331

Christmas Cactus

Dec22

The unique tropical Christmas cactus has been kept as a beloved holiday houseplant since the 1800’s. It is quite a bit different from cacti that grow in the dessert, because it actually keeps its blooms longer in cooler temperatures, and even wilts if it does not get enough water! They are great in hanging baskets from the florist.

Schlumbergera truncata is the botanical name of the Christmas cactus. The name is derived from Frédéric Schlumberger, a well known Frenchman who collected cacti and grew them at his home. Flower shops have many colors to embrace such as red, fuscia, pink, purple, orange and crème, the flowers of the Christmas cactus are pleasant indeed.

As for the “Christmas Tree”… Pine and fir trees are evergreens found in cold climates, and these generally are used as Christmas trees. They bring people comfort from the cold harsh winter. However, since some countries like Africa and Australia have hot dry conditions, nature does not provide pine and fir trees. So the custom of decorating the Christmas cactus as Christmas tree came into being. They decorate the Christmas cactus just as we would, having the best of both worlds with ornaments and flowers!

Here is a neat article from HGTV on these delightful plants: http://www.hgtv.com/decorating/getting-the-best-out-of-your-holiday-plants/index.html

Flowers by the Falls . Kings Mountain, NC  (704) 739-7331

Flower Ornaments & Wreaths for Christmas

Dec13

Who doesn’t love decorating for the holidays! Strolling through town in the cool air, with lights everywhere just gets you right in the spirit. At home, most like to decorate the Christmas tree with all of their favorite ornaments. To switch it up a bit, they may even go a little crazy by using colored lights instead of the white lights from year before. How about something new though?

Consider a creative spin from the bridal bouquet balls that hang from ribbon, by decorating with fresh flowers! Adult pomanders or kissing balls is what they are often called, and a miniature version of these truly makes a fashion statement and a fantastic ornament! Have the flower shop design with red roses for instance, chrysanthemums, carnations or even holly, depending on your style. For fun, to add even more personality, these of course can hang from any type of ribbon or beads you desire! String them across your favorite window, hang them from the mantle, add them into the tree, or even mix them into your centerpiece table arrangement on Christmas day. These will have your friends & family smitten.

Flower wreaths need not be forgotten, as they are just as visually stunning as any other Christmas decoration. Who says these can only be used at weddings, to hang on trees &  reception doors. Would you not rather spend the money with your florist to enjoy them for the holiday season as opposed to just one day wedding day? Red roses & poinsettias are undoubtedly the favorites, but there are many flower combinations that lend themselves to this idea. Here is a blog that has several beautiful flower wreaths: http://thefrenchsampler.blogspot.com/2010/12/christmas-flowers.html Fresh flower wreaths are great to hang on your front door or dining room area, and are especially great over the headboard of your bed.

Flowers by the Falls . Kings Mountain, NC  (704) 739-7331

Flowers for Thanksgiving

Nov18


The winter holidays are right around the corner, and it is time to start thinking about how to make this Thanksgiving just a little more special than the last. As we gather together in fellowship, like the Pilgrims first did, we give thanks to God for his many blessings.

A warm, inviting environment is a sure way to encourage great conversation and laughter! An elegant table setting with a mixture of a few staple items from the cupboard will do quite well, so no need to go out and spend a fortune. Mix and match plates and linens into your design until you get a nice color palette. Then layer in some fresh flowers from your florist for an extra special touch.

Arrangements with orange roses, red berries and mums will look fabulous, and be sure to keep them low on the table so guests can still see each  other. Flower shops can also do individual arrangements at each person’s seat which will also be fun, as an alternative to  doing centerpiece arrangements. That way each person can have flowers to take home with them! To view even more ideas, take a look at this website http://designtrendsblog.com/thanksgiving-table-setting-and-centerpiece-ideas-229

Friends and family will feel so welcome and loved by your extra effort. Just add in and an abundance of food, a nice toasty fire and everyone will be well on their way to a very memorable Thanksgiving!

Flowers by the Falls . Kings Mountain, NC  (704) 739-7331

Great Potted Plants for the Fall: Chrysanthemums

Oct24

As the weather gets cooler and autumn leaves begin to change colors, we should remember that there are still many opportunities to enjoy flowers in the fall. Potted plants are a fantastic option from your local flower shop because, they not only are substantial in size, giving you an abundance of blooms, but they will faithfully return back to you each year!

Mums were originally cultivated in China. They used the chrysanthemum as their symbol of royalty, and consider this bloom the highest of all flowers. The Japanese were so taken with this flower, that they embraced it as the crest and official seal of the Emperor. In addition, there’s even a “Festival of Happiness” to celebrate this flower each year. Later, mums were then introduced into the United States during colonial times. Their artistic allure has grown in such popularity that they are considered to be “Queen of the Fall Flowers.” On the contrary, in Italy, these flowers are associated with death.

Chrysanthemums are daisy-like having a decorative “pompon”. They are as durable as they are delightful and are one of the longest lasting of all cut flowers. Years of artful cultivation have produced a full range of colors, many of which are traditional for autumn. Deep reds, purples, oranges, yellows and bronzes are among their many colors. This season though, the most fashionable without doubt, is the vibrant yellow mum. We just can’t seem to get enough of this fun great color, as it has been spotted in nearly every fashion opportunity! Take a glance at “The Looks We Love” on J.Crew’s website: http://www.jcrew.com/womens_feature/lookswelove.jsp, and also how this bride had her wedding planner use yellow mums throughout her wedding décor: http://www.projectwedding.com/post/list/decorating-with-mums.

Symbolism: The chrysanthemum is a symbol of the sun. It’s said that a single petal of this celebrated flower placed at the bottom of a wine glass will encourage a long and healthy life. Mums are Chicago’s official flower, the November birth flower, and the flower for 13th wedding anniversaries. Other meanings include: laughter, optimism, joy, cheerfulness, friendship, peace, loveliness, abundance and wealth. Red pompons profess love, yellow means new opportunity and white speaks only of truth.

Flowers by the Falls . Kings Mountain, NC  (704) 739-7331

The Meaning of the Red Rose: Love & Romance

Aug19

So often we think about the type of flower, how it looks and smells. Maybe even just the price alone is what we are concerned with, but do we think about the meaning? When at the florist, why are we even buying the flowers and what are we trying to say? The type of flower itself says a lot, and a rose embodies a wealth of significance. It is ultimately a symbol of love.

Red roses in particular have a primary significance of love, romance and passion. They were first introduced to Europe from China in the 1800’s, and have been expressed throughout history in numerous works of art, from classical paintings and poetry to modern day music and drama.

In Christian love, a rose bush grew at the site of Christ’s death on the cross. His blood is often associated with a red rose, combined with its thorns symbolizes the ultimate sacrifice.

Some of the earliest cultures often decorated wedding ceremonies with red roses. So they became known as a symbol for love and fidelity, as we see here at this beautiful red rose inspired wedding in Oahu, Hawaii http://www.oahuwedding.com/2007/12/inspired-by-rose-winter-wedding.html. As the custom of exchanging roses and flowers as gifts of affection continued, the red rose naturally became the preferred flower to send the strongest message of love.

Meanings of the Red Rose Include: Love, Romance, Beauty, Passion, Desire, Admiration, Immortal Love, Health, Memorial, Courage, Respect, Power, and Sacrifice.

Flowers by the Falls . Kings Mountain, NC  (704) 739-7331

Fall Wedding Season: Flower Trends

Aug12

Summer is almost over, and autumn will be here before you know it! With 2011 fall wedding flowers, often the colors are just as important as the flowers themselves. Love is in the air this season, with warm rich hues of reds, oranges and golden yellows.

Roses continue to be a favorite foundation for a wedding bouquet, and they are available in a variety of hues.  Ranunculus are another popular spicy autumn flower. Layering in your own personality with the primary flowers is the key. Brides wanting a more natural look for their big event and may want to add elements such as bunny tails, feathers, and berries. The glamorous brides can go in a different direction adding in fun beads, crystal rhinestones, and brooches. Of course, the absolute best is the perfect combination of the two. Martha Stewart’s website has some excellent ideas: http://www.marthastewartweddings.com/photogallery/fall-bridal-bouquets.

Bouquets this season lean more towards the casual side with a fresh picked look and simple hand tied vintage ribbon, as opposed to previous seasons of tightly-bound flowers. Mothers continue to carry their own small posies instead of corsages for a new fresh look.

Flower bars are a delicious new spin-off from the previous candy bar. At the reception, let your guests choose from a stunning assortment of flowers, placed in a various sized glass containers with coordinating ribbon accents. Incorporating a flower bar into your design ensures great wedding favors for the women and an experience they will never forget!

Flowers by the Falls . Kings Mountain, NC  (704) 739-7331