Sending Flowers - Bloomin' Blog

Need A Holiday Helper? How Florists Can Help!

December 10, 2008 by Flower Shop Network Leave a Comment

Florists Help Send A Happy Chanukkah Bouquet or Flowers For Another Occasion!

I recently read the new Flower Shop Network Holiday Helper newsletter about how florists are the perfect holiday helpers when stuck on a great gift idea. You know, I sit and think all day about how great florists are in helping design and deliver the perfect gift. Sometimes it is easy to get lost in that “forest for the trees” view of things which is why I really enjoyed the Holiday Helper newsletter.

We often get super busy around the holidays. Running around from store to store and bouncing between holiday parties starts to take a toll on us. One thing most people do not remember is that florists are the holiday helpers that we’re all craving! The next best thing to a personal assistant, your local florist is a holiday lifesaver. I can quickly think of three ways that I learned about how choosing a local florist is going to be the saving grace during an otherwise hectic holiday season.

First, florists create amazing flower arrangements. Gift idea solved right there! Need a traditional gift that can’t miss? Want to splash it with a more modern feel? Let your florist know and he or she can create awe-inspiring floral designs with your ideas.

The second way that florists are holiday helpers is that florists provide personalized gifts. You can send a completely different arrangements to all of your family members. Is your brother a concert junkie who spends every spare minute listening to, playing, or watching other bands play music? Ask your florist to include concert tickets instead of a card. You can even send a cd with the arrangement! Is your little sister a big fan of Strawberry Shortcake? Ask your florist to create an arrangement of pink, red, and white flowers. A pretty bow and Strawberry Shortcake birthday card will set your sister’s heart awhirl. Regardless of their tastes, you can satisfy every person on your list with unique flower bouquets from your local florist.

Now of course this is just a small taste of the great ideas described in the Holiday Helper newsletter. Don’t just take my word for it. Check it out!

Filed Under: Flower Suggestions, Gift Ideas Tagged With: Holiday Gift Ideas, Local Florists, Newsletters, Sending Flowers

No Reason To Be Blue Over The Violet, the Illinois State Flower

December 3, 2008 by Flower Shop Network Leave a Comment

President-elect Obama is not the only Illinois native that is striking up conversation in local flower shops. The state flower of Illinois (Violet viola) also engages florists in conversations about how inspirational the Violet can be. Though there are few truly blue cut flowers, violets inspire a wide range of blue and bluish purple arrangements throughout the year.

When spring comes to life in March, so does the creative juices of florists looking for the next big color scheme. Blues and purples are bright, airy and fun. In other words, perfect for spring flower arrangements!

When winter yields its many gloomy days, flower arrangements using purple or blue flowers drive the grays away. It’s hard to stay morose when such colorful flowers are in the room! Even the color violet is so bold and eye-catching that it chases away the snowy day blues.

When harvest time is settling in, violet-inspired flower bouquets are beautiful additions to the table. Warm purples go very well with the other soft colors of the fall season such as orange, burnt red, brown and yellow. Plus, a striking color livens the bouquet and stands out next to the rest of the flowers.

Summer days mean festive fun is on the horizon. The state flower of Illinois (Violet viola) brings a lot of color and action to fun summer flower arrangements.

For every season or for any season, the violet is a great inspiration for Illinois state florists. Take a look at this colorful flower and watch how inspiration pours your way.

The color of violets inspires this gorgeous arrangement of iris.

Filed Under: Flower Suggestions Tagged With: Illinois Florists, Illinois State Flower, Local Flower Shops, Sending Flowers, Violet, Violet viola

Why I Want To Fly Away To Butterflies Florist

November 19, 2008 by Flower Shop Network 1 Comment

I hear a lot of positive comments about different flower shops across the country. One shop in particular really caught my attention. The one that stood out to me is Butterflies Florist in Hernando Mississippi. Florists usually pride themselves on customer service, but Butterflies Florist goes above and beyond to deliver customer satisfaction. One customer notes that they have “the best service in the area” and that “they make dealing with them a pleasure.”

I absolutely adore people who make it an exciting adventure to enter their store. I have worked in retail for many years and understand just how difficult it can be to plaster a smile on during the bad days. I have been a customer and walked away upset by someone who failed to help even though my mind (and probably my mouth) kept saying, “It’s their job. You shouldn’t take your bad day out on a good customer.” The shops with people who engage you in conversation, assist you with a smile, and fail to make you feel like an inconvenience are the stores that I frequent.

I do not think that I’m alone in this which is why I wanted to give Butterflies Florist two big thumbs up, a pat on the back, a tip of my hat, and a slight nod. Way to go! So if you’re ever interested in a florist in Hernando Mississippi who will put the excitement back into sending flowers, visit Butterflies Florist. I have butterflies in my tummy just thinking about it!

Filed Under: Florist Spotlights Tagged With: Butterflies Florist, Florist Spotlights, Hernando Mississippi Florists, Sending Flowers

Arriving With The Perfect Hostess Gift For Thanksgiving

November 19, 2008 by Flower Shop Network Leave a Comment

Thanksgiving Unity Floral Centerpiece

Every year I’m invited to an elaborate Thanksgiving party, and must greet the occasion with an air of Southern hospitality. Many people have heard the common rule, “Never arrive to a party empty-handed.” It’s one of those understood rules of etiquette that can be a bit hard to carry out in a unique way for yearly occasions such as Thanksgiving gatherings. However, I recently learned of a very fun and festive gift for the hostess.

Jamie and I were recently discussing our upcoming plans for Thanksgiving. Though I think my presence is gift enough, I still wanted to find a great gift for the ladies in my family that are hosting our Thanksgiving dinner this year. Jamie is wise in the ways of the world and suggested a unique fall floral centerpiece. We brainstormed for a bit about all of the ingredients in a gift like this such as miniature pumpkins, colorful foliage, fall flowers, berries and more. When we put all of these things together, I knew that I just had to share this great gift idea.

Nature's Bounty Cornucopia

Imagine how beautiful a carved pumpkin with flowers brimming over the top would look next to the turkey. Want something a little smaller? Try surrounding pillar candles with a wreath of fall flowers. These very traditional Thanksgiving centerpieces are tried-and-true gifts. For the real traditionalist, a cornucopia filled with fall flowers and festive fruits is a great way to liven up the table.

If you don’t feel up to the task of creating your own fall centerpiece but are still interested in sending flowers to your host, contact your local florist whose creative fall centerpieces will soon become the life of the party!

Filed Under: Gift Ideas, Holiday Info Tagged With: Fall Flowers, Holiday Gift Ideas, Local Florists, Sending Flowers, Thanksgiving Centerpieces, Thanksgiving Flowers

Top 5 Reasons To Send Flowers Just Because

November 18, 2008 by Flower Shop Network 1 Comment

Working for Flower Shop Network and in the floral industry, it has been my great privilege to hear some of the many many many wonderful sentiments on the cards sent along with gifts of flowers. Some are sweet and some are silly, but the ones that touch my heart the most (and that’s hard to do) are the flowers sent just because.

Just because I love you…
Just because I care…
Just because it’s Tuesday…
Just because your dog is a dalmatian…

With that in mind, I’ve decided to list some the top 5 reasons why it’s important to send flowers “just because.” Enjoy!

Sending flowers just because puts a pep in the step of the recipient. It makes that person feel special, loved, adored, considered, thought of, appreciated, and worth your time. Who wouldn’t move a little more spryly with those feelings in mind?
It’s a great way to let someone know that you’re thinking of them. Sometimes circumstances happen in life that prevent us from being able to see our loved ones or share our feelings with them in a big way. When times like these make us feel distant, sending flowers with a sweet card attached lets everyone know that it’s not by choice that we’re separated.
Sending flowers just because is a good way to butter up a woman. Women are just fun creatures like that. We love to be spoiled. We love to be treated like queens. Once we’re in a good mood, we’re putty! Well, maybe not all of us but the rest of the roost tends to be happy when the woman is in a good mood. Buttering her up with a gift of flowers is a great start!
Sending flowers to a friend lets them know that you’re always there for him or her. Sometimes a friend just needs a little reminder that you’ll be an open ear and a shoulder to cry on during the rough times. It’s also a good way to say that you’ll be a cheerful companion in the great times. Cloud nine to the lowest valleys, you’re BFFs for life.
A “just because” arrangement is a great way to do a random act of kindness. As much a treat for you as for the recipient, sending flowers just because is one of the best ways to surprise someone just by being nice for the sake of being nice.

Alright, I didn’t just pull this blog’s theme out of the air. My friend Tracy received flowers at work last week (shown above). Envious though I was, everyone was very happy for her because they weren’t sent for any special reason. They were just a sweet reminder of how much her honey loves her. During the rest of the day, it seemed that all of the conversations between the other woman and our significant others took a turn toward her flowers. Like I said, it makes a woman feel special especially if there are a lot of people around to tell her how special she is!

No matter what your non-occasion, sending flowers for no apparent reason is a fun and unique way to say “I love you” to someone. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to make someone’s day. Oh, and pass the message along to my honey! Ha!

Filed Under: Flower Suggestions, Gift Ideas Tagged With: Gift Ideas, Just Because Flowers, Local Florists, Sending Flowers

One Can’t-Miss Flower Sending Tip For November

November 17, 2008 by Flower Shop Network Leave a Comment

November is a beautiful month. The weather changes from the cool first days of fall to the brisk chill that fills the air until December’s snowy cold. As fun as this weather can be for hayrides or bonfires, the chilly weather is terrible for maintaining beautiful fresh flowers. Arrangements should be carefully placed to maintain an optimal shelf life whether to be used as fall flower decorations, centerpieces, fall wedding bouquets, or the many other excellent uses for flowers this month.

Sending flowers to a friend or loved one through with the help of a local florist? He or she is probably very aware of the dangers of leaving flowers unattended in the cold. Providing the florist with the correct contact information is very helpful. When sending flowers to your loved ones, remember to provide the florist delivering your gift of flowers with this information:

Recipient’s name — this may seem silly or obvious but not always. If the recipient goes by one name to friends and another at work, providing the correct name may make the difference between an accepted delivery and a rejected delivery. It also saves the deliverer time and effort in sorting out the misunderstanding.

Full and proper address — many large cities and even some small towns have more than one street with the same name. To avoid any confusion, include all relevant information such as the street’s direction (North, East, et al), apartment number, the road’s proper indication (street, drive, avenue, et al), and any other helpful tidbits.

Best time to contact — Does the recipient attend school during the day? Have a night class? Work late on Thursdays? Take junior to soccer practice on Fridays? It is often helpful to include a designation for delivery such as “after 5,” “at work before 3p,” or “during the daytime.”

Correct phone number — Most people these days have house phones, cellular phones or both. Including a house number, cell number, work number, or combination of these may prevent the delivering florist from making several trips or arriving at an inconvenient time.

Your gift is very important and should be kept at peak quality as long as possible. Help your gift of flowers maintain its exquisite beauty as long as possible by providing proper information to avoid these flowers being left in the cold.

Filed Under: Tips & Tricks Tagged With: Cold Tolerance of Plants, Flower Sending Tip, Fresh Flowers, Local Florists, Sending Flowers, Tips & Tricks

Need A Flower Decorating Tip For Halloween?

October 28, 2008 by Flower Shop Network Leave a Comment

When spooky frights and ghastly sights have your head all in a tizzy over Halloween decorations, put your weary mind at ease with these great decorating tips!

Quirky jack-o-lanterns become the life of the party when used as a creative vase for fresh fall flowers. This idea is also great for pumpkin decorating parties, Halloween party ideas, or for fun daytime autumn decor without hassle. Another great perk is that flowers are much safer for children than candles.

Pumpkins, gourds, and squash come in a variety of colors making them perfect for lining along a walkway, adorning a stairway, decorating a mantlepiece, or as festive minis inside colorful fall flower centerpieces and arrangements.

Whisper a sweet hello to candy corn! The sugary confection is always one of the first signs that fall has arrived. Small containers or glasses filled with candy corn make excellent placecard holders for Halloween parties. If sending flowers for Halloween, ask your local florist to attach a small bag of candy corn to the arrangement with orange and black ribbon. Sending a gift basket? Don’t forget this unforgettable item!

Christmas has mistletoe; Halloween has mums. Another way to decorate for your Halloween party is by carefully placing potted chrysanthemum blooming plants around the home and garden. Chrysanthemums are easily decorated with small plastic spiders and scary toys. When lining walkways or adding color to a porch, mums scream “frighteningly fun” — and isn’t that what you’re going for?

Filed Under: Holiday Info, Tips & Tricks Tagged With: Fresh Flower Decorating, Halloween Decorations, Local Florists, Sending Flowers, Tips & Tricks

Flower Shop Network Celebrates National Breast Cancer Awareness Month

October 1, 2008 by Flower Shop Network Leave a Comment

Flower Shop Network would like to join the nation in recognizing October as the official Breast Cancer Awareness month. Many here at Flower Shop Network have been affected very deeply by breast cancer. Having known both the pain of loss and the joy of survival, we are very aware of the sympathies that mean the most during the troubled times of dealing with the disease.

Often it is the simplest expressions of support that mean the most to those battling cancer. Sending flowers is just one way to let your special lady know that you are thinking of her, want to support her, are praying for her, appreciate and love her. The same is true for all women that during our down times nothing can be closer to our hearts than the warm sentiments and kind words of those that mean the most to us. When you cannot join her to hold her hand, send flowers as the pretty package that holds your sweetest sentiments.

Many florists honor Breast Cancer Awareness month by creating special arrangements. While pink ribbons are typically associated with breast cancer awareness, pink flowers also send the same message of support. Schaefer Greenhouses Inc. is one of the talented florists in Montgomery, Illinois aware of the affects of breast cancer. Schaefer Greenhouses Inc. honors Breast Cancer Awareness month each October with a selection of flower arrangements that honor the memory of those lost to breast cancer and show support to those still battling the illness.

Many florists also allot a percentage of the proceeds from Breast Cancer Awareness arrangements to a foundation dedicated to breast cancer research. The Susan G. Komen Foundation is a well-known foundation dedicated to the research, cure, early detection, and prevention of breast cancer. The Race For The Cure campaign is a vital effort in breast cancer research. Visit the Susan G. Komen Foundation website for more information about breast cancer and how you can help support victims of the disease.

Filed Under: Floral Industry News, Gift Ideas Tagged With: Breast Cancer Awareness, Floral Industry News, Flower Suggestions, Gift Ideas, Holiday Info, Sending Flowers

Need To Send Flowers To A School?

September 15, 2008 by Flower Shop Network 3 Comments

Some of my best memories of my school days were the times when my father would send flowers to the school as a surprise for his two little girls. Our friends would “ooo” and “aah” until we felt like the center of attention. We felt like the queens of the school for the rest of the day. When the day was over, we’d rush home and wait rather impatiently until Dad came home for his huge hugs and big kisses. Every child wants to be the center of attention and a bouquet of flowers for your little girl or a cool gift basket for your little boy is a great way to make your child feel like the most important person of the day.

Sending Flowers To A Child In School

There are a few things that you need to know before you contact your local florist for flowers or a gift basket. Some schools do not allow delivery people to make deliveries on campus. Many schools will allow deliveries but only during certain hours, will keep the gift until a certain hour, or only authorize deliveries from certain groups. The best way to find out what your child’s school allows is to call the principal’s office. The receptionist will typically be familiar with the policies regarding delivery. Even if not, he or she should be able to quickly refer you to someone who knows the policy for having flowers and gifts delivered.

Did you find out that the school does not accept deliveries? It’s ok. Simply make arrangements to have your local florist deliver the flowers or gift basket to your child’s home. Make sure that an adult is present during delivery as unsupervised children may not wish or be able to answer the door to strangers—even florists carrying a large flower arrangement. If you must send the flowers to the child’s home do not fret. The amazing feeling of receiving an unexpected gift is the same regardless of the location. Your child will still be able to brag the next day about the awesome gift that he or she received the evening before.

Sending flowers or a gift basket to your child’s school is a great way to make your child feel incredibly special. I’m so glad that my Dad made the phone call to my school and then to our local florist, June. So much of the reason that I adore flowers started in those simple moments. It’s never too late to shape your child’s memories until their heart can’t hold the joy.

Filed Under: Flower Suggestions, Gift Ideas Tagged With: Flower Sending Tip, Flower Shop Network, Flower Suggestions, Gift Ideas, Sending Flowers

Make Sending Flowers An Exciting Adventure!

September 11, 2008 by Flower Shop Network Leave a Comment

It’s already time for another anniversary with your sweetheart? Congratulations! Whether interested in sending flowers from your local florist or delivering an anniversary arrangement in person under some clever guise, giving flowers warms the heart. It’s a fail safe way to say “I love you” this year and every year. However, sometimes you simply have to spice up the gift ideas so that your honey will feel special each time. Flower Shop Network has gone further than just delivering romantic anniversary flowers. To make your husband or wife feel special, we’re giving you another great gift idea for your anniversary this year!

Surprise your sweetie by presenting him or her with a romantic anniversary bouquet. This time instead of a traditional card or greeting card, fold up a treasure map that leads to a more special surprise. Try your hand at an authentic treasure map by drawing a dashed line from your starting point to a big “X” where the present will be. Be creative with the rest of the map by drawing pictures, lightly burning the edges of the paper or soaking it in tea, coffee, or soda for an aged finish that can still be read after drying.

The adventurous side in all of us comes out the moment we see a treasure map. Watch your love’s eyes light up as they spring to life in search of the prize at the end. The treasure can be something as simple as a sweetly decorated bathtub where a romantic bubble bath has been drawn next to a shimmering sparkle of candlelight and softly scented bath supplies. Hide smaller gifts in a drawer, cabinet, or place in a focal point in the room. Jewelry in small boxes are great for nestling among the flowers of an arrangement sitting on a simple table in the room. Another great way to hide a jewelry surprise is to fold an oversized piece of paper in half, draw an “X” on one side, then stand on the table so that it cleverly hides the ring or necklace box. My brother proposed to his wife this way so obviously this gift idea goes over well!

There are many more wonderful ways to tell your partner that you’re glad to have shared another year (or even months) with him or her. For the adventurous spirit, X marks the spot for a great anniversary! Love this idea? Used it before? Don’t forget to stop by and tell us how it worked for you.

Celebrate The Day Anniversary Arrangement Celebrate The Day with adventurous anniversary flowers!

Filed Under: Flower Suggestions, FSN Announcements, Gift Ideas, Tips & Tricks Tagged With: Anniversary Flowers, Flower Suggestions, FSN Announcements, Gift Ideas, Local Florists, Sending Flowers, Tips & Tricks