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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

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Mother’s Day Flowers…Here We Come!

May10

The tradition of Mother’s Day has now gone on for over a hundred years. It began when Juliet Howe issued her famous Mother’s Day Proclamation of 1870. This Mother’s Peace Day eventually led to mothers being honored from coast to coast. Expressing honor & love, families still gather to present mothers with flowers, serve them breakfast in bed or treat them to a special brunch, party or dinner celebration. It is one of the few days out of the year in which mothers can truly kick back and relax.

Flowers this spring have been bigger than ever, and you can hardly go wrong with flowers for Mother’s Day. To keep things simple, choosing just one flower type is always a delight. Orchids have an exotic feel, yet they are incredibly serene and relaxing. Roses have always been a favorite, blessing us with an array of delightful colors to choose from. Traditionally, however, red carnations have been the flower for Mother’s Day.

If you enjoy a mixture of colors, don’t be afraid to go with several different flower types. Arrangements come to life with soft blooms, such as ranunculus, poppies, and freesia. Another great combination is a mix of dahlias, peonies, tulips, and sweet peas.

Think of what type clothes your mom likes to wear, or better yet just glance at her closet. That will tell you everything you need to know about what color and style of flowers to buy her! If she loves to wear glitzy things with rhinestones and diamonds, go with that type of look. If she likes sleek and modern, keep the flowers simple. As a professional florist, we have lots of experience with just these types of decisions, and are happy to assist.

If your mom has allergies, there are several flowers you’ll want to stick with, so check with the flower shop. Because pollen is a big culprit for triggering allergies, avoid those with a lot of fragrance, which comes from the pollen. Hybrid versions of roses, like tea roses, are a good option, especially in the closed-bud stage. Spray roses are always allergy-free and are a great alternative to long-stemmed roses, which are not good for those with allergies. Lilies can be made allergy free by removing the flowers’ anthers, so pollen can’t be produced. Orchids, baby’s breath and potted flowers like hydrangeas and begonias are all good choices for mothers with allergies as well.

Flowers beautify the home and bring a burst of spring inside, but their benefits go far beyond just looks.  Studies have proven flowers to have an immediate impact on happiness, evoking delight and a higher sense of enjoyment and life satisfaction. What better way than with flowers to express your love and adoration for your mom?

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

Wedding Theme Series: Whimsical Flowers

Apr20

Flowers lend themselves wonderfully to a whimsical wedding theme. One can create an atmosphere that is fun, carefree and colorful. Just chose from all of your favorite flowers  and make a rainbow color palette. Using imagination to make a few things off center or asymmetric is a good way to start. Here are a few photos of floral arrangements that  can help paint a whimsical picture of your special day!

 

 

Flowers by the Falls . Bessemer City, North Carolina . 704.629.9935
Belmont . Clover . Gastonia . Kings Mountain . Lake Wylie . Charlotte

Spring 2012: Favorite Color & Wedding Flower

Mar16

 

Tangerine tango is the color of the season, as recently announced by Pantone, and also  seen on the runway in Diane von Furstenberg’s Spring 2012 collection! It is a brilliant  red-orange and has a fun, bright presence. Softer corals, peaches and neutrals are great to mix in, or bring energy and enthusiasm to the day by going bright with neon. What a fun idea for a wedding color scheme, to encourage the celebration a wonderful new marriage.

Ranunculus is a fabulous flower to consider using for your spring wedding design, because they have such a voluptuous presence. With an abundance of petals, similar to a peony, the ranunculus comes in a multitude of sizes and striking colors.  As an added bonus, ranunculus symbolizes radiant charm, so bouquets of these flowers proclaim a message that the recipient  is charming or attractive.  They are great to use as a boutonniere as well. Take a look at this bride, who used ranunculus for her “Parisian Masquerade” wedding http://www.elizabethannedesigns.com/blog/2011/04/20/blue-green-orange-french-inspired-wedding/ and also these Spring 2012 Wedding theme ideas http://www.marry2012.com/wedding-planning/spring-wedding-theme-ideas-2012.html.

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 Orange Rose: Desire & Enthusiasm

Sep19

 

The Meaning of the Orange Rose: Desire & Enthusiasm

Orange roses are the perfect way to express admiration and attraction. Similar to how the red rose means passion and the yellow rose means friendship; orange roses are a bridge between these two emotions. With their warm, vibrant tones, orange roses indicate a sense of enthusiasm that the sender feels for the recipient. They are vibrant, cheerful and express fascination when you give them to someone.  Orange roses make an excellent choice for a new relationship that you wish to pursue further, because they symbolize a happy, loving sort of enthusiasm, while indicating desire at the same time.

Peach roses are often sent from flower shops as a gesture of appreciation or gratitude as opposed to a token of love. The color of their bloom is a bit more gentle, so they are a perfect way to show how much you appreciate or miss a dear friend. Peach roses also convey sociability and friendship, sending the message “Let’s get together”. The palest peach shades, like champagne, convey a sense of modesty.

The wonderful thing about orange roses is that they come in all the colors of a romantic sunset, including those in tangerine colors, salmon, peach, apricot and tropical fruit colored varieties. The unique blends of these colors are incredibly alluring, and wedding planners have a lot of fun with this fashionable color palette.  Even Oprah is very fond of varieties of orange roses, as she has incorporated them into her rose garden and the décor of her California home, known as the Teahouse.  http://www.oprah.com/home/Oprahs-Teahouse/4

For those getting married in the later part of the summer, as an alternative the softer orange color palette helps give a late summer feel without a complete fall look. Here is a great website showing Nantucket weddings and how fall wedding flower colors can be kept on the lighter side http://nantucketweddingsunveiled.com/blog/tag/flowers/page/3/

Meanings of the Orange Rose Include:  Desire, Enthusiasm, Admiration, Attraction, Passion, Excitement, Warmth, Pride, Happiness, and Fascination

Meanings of the Peach Rose Include: Appreciation, Sincerity, Gratitude, Modesty, Sympathy, and Modesty

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

The Meaning of the Yellow Rose: Friendship

Sep9

 

Yellow roses have a variety of pleasant meanings. In Victorian times, yellow roses symbolized jealousy, but today these sun-filled blossoms symbolize friendship, affection and joy. Their cheerful appearance is appropriate for a variety of occasions. Yellow roses are often used in congratulations to express joy and pride in their achievement, like for weddings, graduations, and new mothers. Messages of goodwill, like “Thank You” and “Welcome Back” are also used.

In relationships, if you are thinking about giving yellow roses, keep in mind that their significant meaning is friendship. It would not be a great idea to have your florist send yellow roses, without much thought, to someone that you have romantic feelings for. Likewise, if you receive yellow roses, the sender is keen on friendship alone. Here, you will not find the heat of passion & love, only the warmth of a genuine and sincere smile. Because they also indicate a desire for freedom, if your significant other is sending you yellow roses, they might be giving you a subtle hint.

Another truly wonderful meaning of a yellow rose is that it indicates a determination to start over new and to begin fresh. If a misunderstanding or quarrel has disrupted any relationship, it can be mended and set right with yellow roses, by saying “Let’s put it all behind us and start a fresh page.”

Meanings of the Yellow Rose Include:  Joy, Gladness, Friendship, Delight, Warmth, Commitment, Sympathy, Promise of a New Beginning, Congratulations, Thank You, Welcome Back, Jealousy, Desire for Freedom.

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