Selecting a Festive Thanksgiving Centerpiece

Many people consider Thanksgiving to be the time of year that signals the start of the holiday festivities. No matter which holiday you might celebrate, Thanksgiving is the one that kicks the preparations for it into high gear. Decorating for the holiday is made simple yet festive by using the right seasonal centerpiece for the tables in your home.

Since the dinner table is a primary focus during the Thanksgiving holiday, it makes sense to choose an appropriate centerpiece. The centerpiece provides warmth and adds to the high spirits of the holiday. Taking the time to choose the right one can mean the difference between a stunning table and one that is simply passable.

Using flowers, fruit or other fresh ingredients allows the centerpiece to be very seasonable. When placed in charming props, such as a wheelbarrow or cornucopias, a centerpiece will be almost as talked about as the food and beverages served.

Combining fresh flowers and candlelight enables the hostess to deliver a formal yet romantic air to the dinner table, making it perfect for small, intimate Thanksgiving celebrations as well as more formal, multiple course affairs.

For those end tables that just beg to be included in the Thanksgiving decorations, those that include props, such as a rustic wheelbarrow, make a charming addition to any home. With a rich play of fall foliage colors, such as oranges, reds, yellows and purples, centerpieces can bring the festive look to the living room, too.

Thanksgiving centerpieces that burst with freshness and seasonable festiveness make the perfect gift for any hostess. This thoughtful gift will continue to brighten the room long after the Thanksgiving turkey has been carved.

Thank a Veteran with a Patriotic Floral Bouquet

Veterans Day is an official holiday in the United States designated to honor, thank and remember all those who have served in the military, both present and past. Veterans Day is a federal holiday observed on November 11th each year and is the perfect time to celebrate, appreciate and thank all of those who have risked their lives to fight and defend our country.

President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed November 11th “Armistice Day” in 1919, saying: “To us in America, the reflections of Armistice Day will be filled with solemn pride in the heroism of those who died in the country’s service and with gratitude for the victory, both because of the thing from which it has freed us and because of the opportunity it has given America to show her sympathy with peace and justice in the councils of the nations.”

It wasn’t until 1954 that Congress changed the name of “Armistice Day” to “Veterans Day”. It has been known as Veterans Day ever since- a day to remember lives lost in the effort of obtaining freedom for all Americans. Veterans Day has always been a special time to thank, celebrate and remember all the men and women who have served in the armed forces in order to defend our country and our freedom. This Veterans Day, show the heroes in your life just how much you appreciate them with a patriotic floral arrangement from Veldkamp’s Flowers.

Those who are past or present members of the Navy will surely appreciate this “Anchors Away Bouquet” from Veldkamp’s Flowers. Red miniature carnations, yellow button spray chrysanthemums and white daisy spray chrysanthemums are accented with assorted greenery in this nautical themed arrangement.

This “Lotsa Love” bouquet is a great way to say thank you to anyone who has ever served in the armed forces. Featuring a star-shaped felt pick with the uplifting message “You’re The Best!”, this cheerful arrangement is hand-designed to put a smile on anyones face. Arriving with an adorable plush bear and a bag of delicious candy treats, it’s a great way to say thank you to all the men and women who have served for our freedom.

The Therapeutic Uses of Chrysanthemum Flowers

Chrysanthemums are the national flower of Japan and the flower of the month for November in the United States. These beautiful flowers are one of the easiest to grow and maintain plants and they are not only pretty to look at, they are also extremely therapeutic! Available in over 30 different species, both annuals and perennials, chrysanthemums can be planted and grown in almost any season and with their wide array of uses there’s almost no excuse to go plant some mums today!

Therapeutic Uses of Chrysanthemum Flowers

The chrysanthemum is a plant that originally got its name from the Greek words for “gold” and “flower.” The “gold” in the chrysanthemum came from the mystical healing powers this colorful flower possessed. Today people use chrysanthemums to make various forms of medicine.

In traditional medicine, chrysanthemum has been used to treat chest pain, high blood pressure, diabetes, headaches, dizziness, and more. The flower has the ability to increase blood flow to the heart and has also been found to increase a person’s sensitivity to insulin.

Chrysanthemum tea is a popular drink used to heal the body. This therapeutic tea is a great aid to digestion, is helpful at relieving nausea, can clear up colds, and can lower fevers.

New research is showing that the flavonoid acacetin that is present in chrysanthemums may actually be able to fight prostate cancer- helping stop the cancer cells from growing.

With it’s many benefits, it seems silly not to go plant a field of chrysanthemums right now, but if you don’t have the time to build your own garden Veldkamp’s Flowers has you covered with a wide assortment of beautiful chrysanthemum arrangements.

This “Autumn Treasures” arrangement from Veldkamp’s Florist is a great choice to light up any room this November! Brilliant orange roses and orange mini carnations are accented with burgundy chrysanthemums and lush greens arranged to perfection in a classic clear glass vase to create a warm and dazzling way to decorate your home AND improve your health!

Finding Spooky Floral Arrangements for Halloween

halloween bouquetShow your Halloween spirit by decorating your home, or taking spooky Halloween floral arrangements to those Halloween parties as a gift for your host. Allow the creepy and frightening decorations to ward off evil spirits or keep the ghosts of departed away. Celtic Pagan Hallowmas traditions involved wearing costumes to trick the ghosts or evil spirits of the recently deceased people in the community.

Bad to the Bones Cupcake arrangement is a scull-shaped mass of white carnations, adorned by green moss, neatly nestled in a red cupcake container. Whether you send it to someone for fun, or add it to your holiday Halloween party décor, this little guy will scare up a bunch of laughs from all who see him.

Create that frightening witches scream that Is reminiscent of the Wicked Witch of the West from the Wizard of Oz with this Bewitching Halloween Flower Cake. The very bewitching witch is made of green poms, and she’s perched on a cake of orange carnations. Bewitch your house guests, or a special recipient with this unique, but dazzling cake shaped arrangement.

Boo-tiful Bats Halloween Bouquet is a whimsical arrangement of fall-colored flowers adorned with decorative bats flying over a decorative full moon. The ancient Celts or Gaels from whom we got the Halloween tradition in the first place, believed that bats would ward off the evil spirits and ghosts of recently deceased people. Bats offered protection, so you can protect your workplace, or protect loved ones – or even your own home from any evil spirits or ghosts who may come to trick-or-treat.

The Spooky Surprise Halloween Bouquet is the essence of fall with deep orange carnations and roses, all neatly arranged in a ceramic pumpkin, topped by a decorative ghost is sure to scare those evil spirits away. Set it at the front office to protect your co-workers, or at the entry to your house, where it will spook out anyone who come to trick-or-treat!

Capture the sense of a haunted garden graveyard anywhere with the Ghostly Gardens Halloween Bouquet. Each bouquet uses the freshest available flowers in autumn colors, arranged in a black glass vase, complete with sprigs of fall leaves and a ghost and creepy insect who hover over the RIP grave stone.

Send that special someone a happy and creepy Halloween with the Spooky Sweet Halloween Bouquet, a lush arrangement filled with the freshest orange and green flowers, creating a gorgeous mass above the black glass vase. A creepy, but adorable big black spider gives this gorgeous bouquet a spooky touch.

Flower Gift Giving Tips

Premium Long Stem RosesFlowers are a timeless offering to show someone that they’re special, thank someone or wish them well. You’re telling them that they brighten up the room even more than lovely flowers can. Flowers also are one of the easiest ways to show someone you care.

Here are some strategies for matching flowers to personalities.

  • Do it yourself, if you can. Though most reliable local florists can easily arrange delivery anywhere in the country, they also welcome people to come in, get advice in putting together a perfect bouquet and hand-delivering it. Like the Premium Pink Long Stem Roses bouquet, which includes 12-24 beautiful, aromatic roses.
  • Flowers fit any occasion. Happy birthday flowers are nice, and Valentine’s Day flowers are almost a requirement. Modern local florists can put together a bouquet for any reason, including a patriotic ensemble for the Fourth of July.
  • An anniversary flower delivery is another thoughtful gift, whether it’s your first or 40th. Does she have a favorite flower or color? The Basket of Love, for instance, includes a beautiful blend of roses, mums, and other flowers in a lovely re-usable container.
  • Guys enjoy flowers too. Though there’s the stereotype that floral bouquets are for ladies only, just about anyone can enjoy the gesture. With Denver flower delivery, your recipient’s home or workplace can be easily improved with floral combinations or plants that are more neutral and don’t smell so flowery. Like the colorful Anchors Aweigh bouquet, which has a nautical feel with carnations, or the ’48 Ford Pickup, which has a whimsical bouquet in the back of a vintage F-1 pickup.

The Dogs Days of Summer

Summer is a special time of year. The weather is perfect (or too hot, and even too hot means it’s a good time to jump in the pool or, if lucky, the ocean). With the kids out of school, it’s a time for family get togethers and a time to spend time with our friends.

Doggie Paddle Bouquet.Summer celebrations are important to all of us. Cookouts, pool parties, and family reunions all take place this time of year as people appreciate the gorgeous weather, longer days, and extra free time. The dog days of summer are a time to relax and to celebrate.

If you have a celebration or party planned then, of course, you need party decor. Or perhaps you are going to a party and are looking for a unique addition to bring with you to the beach, to the pool, or to the back yard. A bouquet of flowers is great as a party gift – and as an apology for when you find yourself with too many parties to go to and have to skip one. To be truly unique,you can order the Doggie Paddle bouquet. It’s white carnations and yellow poms – no, not that kind of pom, but it does have a dog in it. Just imagine the sand beneath the little guy’s paws.

So, if you’re heading for a summer beach party, consider bringing or sending this unique bouquet, especially if the party thrower happens to love dogs.

 

 

Gather Friends and Family to Celebrate July 4th

Unless your green thumb has been diligently tending to beds of red, white, and blue patriot floral favorites, you’re going to need a festive centerpiece to complement your 4th of July entertainment area. You could head to the store and snag the scrappy buds left behind by other last-minute decorative-minded hosts.

But here’s a much better idea.

zoom_CheerstotheRedWhiteBlueLarge130524124316Relax and enjoy the holiday weekend with your friends and family cooking out, catching up, watching fireworks, and leave the 4th of July floral bouquets in the hands of a local florist. A professional florist near you can design the patriotic themed bouquets customized to your preferences that will delight you and guests, while showing our respect and gratitude for those who serve our country.

After the festivities, you could present your bouquet to a veteran, military wife, or visit a local memorial to leave your token for passersby, allowing them to embrace the patriotic spirit of our most beloved national holiday.

Send Father’s Day Sentiments with a Bouquet

This year, take advantage of Father’s Day by expressing your love for your father with the gift and heartfelt sentiment he deserves. This Father’s Day, show your dad how much you appreciate him with a Father’s Day Bouquet from Veldkamp’s Flowers and Gifts, Inc.

The Anchor’s Aweigh Bouquet is delivered in a Captain Carefree Keepsake sail boat, which your father will admire for years to come. This bouquet provides the perfect backdrop for a note thanking your father for always keeping you afloat, being your Northern Star guiding you through life, and for being the wind in your sails pushing you forward. Take this opportunity to thank your father for being who is he because without him, you might be adrift in the open sea with no compass, no breeze, and no guiding light.

Bring Luxury Into Your Home With Fresh Flowers

LightofMyLifeBouquetIf you are like most people, you probably think  having fresh flowers in your house is only for a special occasion or for a holiday. But fresh flowers can change the mood in a house like nothing else. They can change the atmosphere from drab to fab in no time at all.

Put fresh flowers on your dining room table and enjoy dinner there for an elegant evening at home. Put flowers in your bathroom to make it feel like a luxurious hotel, or put them in your bedroom to turn it into a romantic retreat.

Different types of fresh flowers are available all year around, so you can vary your flower selection by season. The addition of fresh flowers to any room in the house will make the whole house feel more special, and when your house feels special, you’ll feel proud to invite people over to enjoy it.

Local Florist’s Delivery vs. National Box Flower Delivery

Don’t be persuaded by the national flower dealers that deliver in boxes, and offer large savings and propaganda.  Did you know that national flowers are picked too soon, just so that they package better?  They are shipped in a box that then requires your assembly!  Some nursing homes and hospitals will not accept them because they are too much work for the nurses and staff.

Before you choose where to purchase your flowers I urge you to check out the company’s Facebook page.  Read what people are writing about their experiences and the customer service they receive.  A lot of reviews or comments include pictures too.  I urge you remember your local florist.  Your local florist’s flowers will be professionally arranged and hand delivered.  Imagine the quality!  Imagine that the bouquet that you send would actually look like the picture!