How to Display Your Flower Bouquets at Home

The only thing more satisfying than successfully growing your own flowers in a garden, is realizing how much life something as simple as a fresh bouquet can bring to a room. There is such a variety of ways that you can display them, but there are also some special instructions you should follow to ensure they last as long as possible. Here are some tips for how to brighten up your living space with fresh cut flowers:

Find the Right Vases for You
When you order a bouquet through Teleflora, your flowers will always come in a vase. This is a great way to start your vase collection. However, there are a few varieties you should always have on hand, as each has its own uses for different flower types:

• A classic-shaped vase for large floral displays.
• A cylinder vase for flowers with long stems.
• A cube vase for flowers with short stems.
• A bud vase for single blooms.

However, you could also get creative with your floral displays, using your favorite teacups, bottles, mason jars and other pretty household containers. How you display your flowers is a great way to exemplify your own personal tastes.

Where to Display Your Flowers
It’s a little-known fact that absolutely every room in your home can be brightened with a flower display. However, different-sized arrangements look better in different environments. For example, a small, simple flower in a bud vase can look perfect on your living room coffee table, but may get lost on a large dining room table.

The larger the space, the bigger the display should be. An exception, however, is an arrangement made up of multiple small vases. This mismatched look is adorable on a large table. A floral arrangement on your nightstand will also give you a pleasant start to your day every morning.
If you have a foyer near the entryway of your home, consider a tall vase with a few flowers with very long stems. This minimal aesthetic is elegant and simple, especially if the rest of your home is clean and pristine as well.

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Keeping Your Flowers Alive
A beautiful floral arrangement can get pricey, and there’s no doubt that it’s very easy to get accustomed to always having fresh blooms on hand! This is why it’s important to take special care of the floral arrangements throughout your home to ensure they live as long as possible. Here are a few useful tips to helping your blooms live a long life in your home:

• Though your flowers may look gorgeous in a large bay window, hot, direct sunlight actually isn’t the ideal environment for your cut flowers. Keep them in indirect light, in a cool area of your home. Don’t place your flowers too close to radiators or open windows with a draft, either.
• Don’t try to stuff too many flowers into one vase. This can damage the stems and keep the flowers from getting ample water. If you don’t have a vase big enough to accommodate your bouquet, break it up into a couple vases and then you’ll have a display for another room, too!
• If you decide to display your flowers in your kitchen, keep them away from your fruit bowl. Many fruits emit a gas that can shorten the lifespan of your blooms.
• Change the water every day, and clean the vase each time you do so. Bacteria on the edge of a vase can cause your flowers to wilt prematurely. Once the flowers begin to die, take the wilted ones out of the vase.

With just a little work and testing what flower arrangements look best, you will be able to decorate every room in your house with just a little work. Have fun testing out different bouquets and types of flowers for the season.

Ordering Your Flowers Online vs. at a Florist

If you’re considering ordering a bouquet of flowers for home decoration, a special occasion, or for a loved one, you may be wondering if you should order them online or stop in a local florist’s shop. Everyone loves supporting local businesses, but sometimes the convenience of being able to order over the phone or online trumps having to make a trip to the store.

Luckily, with Teleflora, you get to experience the convenience of ordering online, while also supporting your local florists. All flower arrangement orders are filled and hand-delivered by a local florist! Teleflora flowers are also always delivered in a beautiful keepsake vase, never a box like some online services use. Here are some of the benefits of ordering with Teleflora:

You Can Order Any Time of the Day
Did you wake up in the middle of the night with the sinking realization that the next day is your one-year anniversary with your girlfriend? You can just jump online and place an order to be filled and delivered before your girlfriend even suspects that you forgot. Teleflora has your back with same-day flower deliveryavailable on most of our bouquets. Not everyone has the time to seek out a reputable florist and pick out a bouquet, so ordering online will certainly come in handy. The process is quick and simple, so even the busiest people can send flowers to their loved ones. It’s also lovely to have the option to order flowers for someone any time the mood strikes – not just when your favorite florist is open for business.

You Can Order Ahead of Time
If you want to avoid a situation like the one mentioned above, you can order flowers online to be delivered at any time in the future. For example, if you have a little bit of extra cash before the holidays, you can order early, so you don’t have worry about trying to stretch pennies too close to Christmas. This makes the flower-buying experience easy and affordable with any kind of budget. With Teleflora, there’s no excuse to forget to send flowers online!

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You Have a Large Selection to Choose From
No matter what kind of message you want to send with your flowers, you’ll have plenty of options to customize when you order online. The flowers to choose from update each season, so every bouquet will be fresh and of the highest quality your local florist can offer. If you have specific blooms in mind, you can make sure they’ll be included in your flower delivery. No need to choose from an already-picked-over selection of roses around Valentine’s Day, when you can get creative!

You Don’t Have to Live Nearby
While nobody is going to turn down some fresh flowers just recently picked up from the local florist, it’s not always possible to stop by your significant other’s house with a gorgeous bouquet. If you’re on a trip, and want to let your boyfriend or girlfriend know you’re thinking about him or her, having some flowers delivered is one of the best ways to send that message. Ordering online is a great option if you’re sending flowers to someone who lives far away as well. Now it’s easier than ever send those mom flowers for Mother’s Day!

Whether you order your flowers online, visit a local florist, or create a bouquet by hand, it is the thought that counts. If it comes from the heart, your gesture will be appreciated and well received!

Wedding Flower Trends for Fall

There are few things more aesthetically appealing than a fall wedding, with the perfect backdrop of rich, golden leaves still in the trees. With September and October being two very popular wedding months, there’s no doubt that a number of autumn brides are putting a lot of thought into their floral arrangements. While pastels and brights may be a given for spring or summer wedding, it can be a little more challenging to figure out what kinds of flowers will really make your fall wedding pop. Here are some tips for figuring out your fall flower arrangements for your wedding

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A New Color Palette
When it comes to choosing wedding flowers, color is typically the first thing on a bride’s mind. If you’re an autumn bride, you’re in luck because your possibilities are endless. In addition to incorporating some pastels into your bridal bouquet and centerpieces, you also have the option of rich, warm jewel tones that can match or complement your wedding color scheme. If your colors are teal and maroon, consider some light pink or ivory blooms, like in the Isn’t It Romantic bouquet to break up a bouquet of rich, deeper tones.

Flowers Aren’t Your Only Option
While a bouquet reminiscent of freshly-picked wildflowers is certainly an option for a fall flower bouquet, there is also an abundance of lush, gorgeous greenery that’ll add something special. The best part is that so much of it is in season in the fall. For example, some long fern leaves or hypericum berries will break up the floral arrangement and give it a real autumnal vibe. If you want to get really crafty and creative, you can even work some colorful leaves into your floral decor. Polished bouquets are also a hot trend for fall, rather than the cascading bouquets of the spring and summer. Try wrapping the handle in a fabric that fits the aesthetic of the wedding. Burlap would be adorable for a September barn wedding, or black lace would be dramatic and elegant for spooky October nuptials.

What’s in Season for Fall?
One benefit that spring and summer weddings have over fall weddings is the endless amount of flowers that are available locally. As summer comes to an end, that list grows a bit shorter. While you can always outsource and order exotic blooms, that can get pricey very quickly. However you shouldn’t fear! There are still plenty of gorgeous fall flowers to choose from. Here are some of the most popular blooms in season in the fall:

• September: Hyacinthus, alstromeria, gerbera, daffodil, freesia, iris, lillium stargazer, magnolia, rose, snap dragon, stock, sunflower, zinnia.
• October: Stock, alstromeria, calla, delphumium, freesia, gerbera, iris, liatris, magniolia, rose, snap dragon, sunflower.

Don’t Forget Centerpieces
You don’t want to spend so much time on your bridal party bouquets that you forget the centerpieces for your reception! There are so many options for your centerpieces this time of year, from fall flower arrangements to gorgeous pumpkin and gourd displays. Try stepping out of the box with nontraditional containers for your centerpieces instead of a vase. Mason jars, bottles, and even paint cans can serve as rustic options for your wedding decor.

If you’re planning a fall wedding, an Elegant Traditions or Lush and Lovely centerpiece is exactly what you’re looking for. Both of these centerpieces offer deep colors that will perfectly complement your seasonal decor.

Safe Flowers for Cats and Dogs

Most pet owners know there are some plants and flowers that will make their pet sick. Since it’s practically impossible to guarantee your furry friend won’t chow down on your leafy decor, having pet-safe plants is a must. However, some cat and dog parents simply skip plants and floral displays altogether.
Fortunately, you don’t have to go this route. If you get arrangements that feature these pet safe flowers, you won’t have to worry about Fluffy or Fido discovering a poisonous midnight snack. These flowers and plants will make your home look stunning and keep your pets safe from harm:

Phalaenopsis Orchids

Phalaenopsis orchids, also known as moth orchids, are one of the neatest plants you can have in your home. Unlike some of their more complicated orchid cousins, Phalaenopsis are delightfully easy to grow. It’s best to water these plants in the morning, either once a week or when the potting medium feels dry. They’re low-light orchids, so any window where they’re not exposed directly to the sun will treat them well. Since they’re pet-safe, you don’t have to worry too much if the best window is Fluffy’s favorite seat – your cat or dog can coexist in harmony with this flower. Teleflora’s Opulent Orchids planter is a great way to get started with this beautiful bloom.

Gerbera Daisies

Gerbera daisies’ bright color and plethora of variation make them a fan favorite at most florists. The fact that they’re non-toxic to cats and dogs should make them a must-have for pet parents, as well. Because you can get these flowers in so many different hues, you can use them to create an arrangement for any mood or occasion. Their bright, sunny look will bring happiness to nearly any room.

Roses

If you’re looking to declare your love for the cat or dog owner in your life, you can’t go wrong with roses. Not only are these flowers the quintessential blooms of romance, they’re perfectly pet-safe. All you have to watch out for when it comes to roses are their sidekicks – many bouquets are also filled with baby’s breath, which is not safe for cats and dogs. Other fillers, like white limonium – used in the Make Me Blush Bouquet – can create the same varied look without putting your love’s furry friend in harm.

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Possible Poisoning?

If your cat or dog displays the following symptoms after coming into contact or ingesting an unknown plant, they may have been poisoned:

• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Difficulty breathing
• Drooling more than usual
• Excessive thirst and frequent urination
• Change in regular heartbeat – fast, slow or arrhythmic

If you’re worried your cat or dog might have eaten a flower that could hurt them, or if you know they’ve ingested a harmful plant, take them to an emergency veterinarian. If you have access to it, bring along some of the suspected plant. Identifying the source of the problem is a vital step in returning your pet to good health. The faster you are able to get your cat or dog into a vet’s care, the more likely they are to return to their happy, healthy selves.

How to Celebrate Labor Day 2016

With Labor Day fast approaching, it’s time to start considering how you’ll celebrate all the hard work you and your fellow Americans have done throughout the year. This holiday is all about kicking back, relaxing and enjoying the pride of a job well done. Whether you’re heading out for a weekend barbecue, hosting a party of your own or simply enjoying your time away from the office, you can brighten up the festivities with some well-placed flowers. Here’s a look at the history of Labor Day, along with some ideas for how to celebrate and which arrangements will bring your weekend off to life:

History of Labor Day
During the 19th century, employees had little to no rights when it came to their position relative to their employer. Companies could require any number of hours or days of work per week without giving any particular consideration to how this affected their work force. Moreover, safety conditions were minimal, if present at all. This led to a desperately exploited workforce – people were required to go along with their company’s expectations, no matter how unrealistic or unsafe they were.
Throughout the century, however, American workers banded together to ensure their rights to a reasonable, safe workplace. Labor Day was created to recognize the effort these workers put into securing their rights, as well as the work every American employee does each day to sustain the country’s economy.

Ways to Celebrate

Barbecues are a standby for Labor Day celebrations – in addition to partying on behalf of the year’s labor, the weekend also stands as an unofficial send-off to summer. However, there are plenty of other great ways to ring in this holiday. Even if you’re planning a cookout, these following ideas will make a great standby in the event of uncooperative weather:

All-White Party
Since Labor Day is the fashion world’s last chance to wear white, it makes for a great weekend to break out your favorite monochromatic outfit – plus, all-white parties are totally chic and utterly photogenic. Just let guests know about the dress code.

Spa Day
Have a fun pampering day where you reward yourself for your hard work throughout the year with a massage and a manicure. You can even invite friends to your day of R and R. Nails, massages, facials…there is no better way to send off summer.

Festivals
Because Labor Day gives many people an extra day off and it’s right at the end of summer, it’s the perfect time for festivals. Towns across the country erect carnival rides, craft-fair tents and concert stages to celebrate. Consider attending one of these fun events with friends and family as an alternative to a cookout.

Floral Decoration Suggestions

No matter how you decide to ring in the day, give yourself some flowers as a reward for you and your guests’ hard work since last Labor Day. Go bright and sunny with the Garden Parade arrangement – the colorful blooms will look great on a picnic table. Or, if your decorations are sporting a red-white-and-blue theme, check out the America the Beautiful bouquet. An all-white party would go perfectly with a mostly white bouquet like our Beachside Bliss. The pops of blue will give a burst of color to your party’s look while still honoring the theme. From $50 for Deal of the Day at Teleflora.com. Click here

Whether you’re decorating for a large group or simply treating yourself to some flowers, our arrangements will be just the ticket for a perfect Labor Day.

Teleflora.com Blog: DIY Flower Dyeing 101

White flowers are gorgeous. They look crisp and clean and are one of the ultimate ways to give your decor some classic elegance. Sometimes we want something a little brighter, though. A great way to add some eye-popping color to your decor is to dye your freshly cut white flowers with food coloring.

DIY Flower Dyeing
This is also a great option for gifts. Congratulating your best friend on getting into the school of her choice? Dye some flowers to match her school colors. Your mother’s birthday coming up? Make a custom bouquet of her favorite colors. Here’s how to do it:

• Spray: An easy way to change the color of your flowers is to spray them with floral spray. This is lighter and airier than spray paint and doesn’t harm the flowers. Using glitter or metallic floral spray can even give your flowers some sparkle.
• Dip: Dip dyeing is a popular method of coloring in all kinds of forms, from hair and fabric to floral arrangements. Dip dyeing a flower is simple – just dip the flower into a bowl of water and dye. This is a good way to give your flowers a saturated color.
• Absorb: Absorption is a good way to control the amount of color you use on your flowers. Simply snip the ends of the flowers and allow them to sit in a vase of water and food dye. The longer the flowers sit in the water, the more saturated the color in the petals will be.

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About Absorption Dyeing
Though the process of absorption dyeing your flowers is simple, there’s a bit you need to know before starting. Here’s how to get your flowers to look exactly how you want them:

1. Cut the base of each stem on a slant. Do this with the end of each flower submerged in water. This prevents air bubbles from hindering the flower’s ability to absorb water.
2. Put multiple drops of food coloring in a vase of water. The darker the water, the darker the color of your flowers will be
3. Put the flowers in the water for at least a couple of hours. You can keep them in there as long as you’d like – the longer they soak, the more dye they will absorb.

You can give your flowers a tie-dye look as well. Make slits in the bottom of the stem that are long enough for each piece to sit in a different vase of water. This method works best on flowers with very long stems.

Leave It to the Professionals
If you’re pressed for time or just don’t have the desire to dye your own flowers, you’re still in luck! Teleflora has a variety of brightly colored bouquets, like the simple Seaside Oasis or the festive Burst of Autumn, that your friends and family would be enthralled to receive.

Whether you are making your own bouquets or ordering flowers online, it is a great way to add fun pops of color into the home this fall!

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The marigold is the October birth flower. It is known for its vibrant orange color and is native to the Mediterranean. The first recorded cultivation of marigolds began with the Aztecs, who believed that the sunny flower possessed magical properties. Spanish conquistadors took these marigolds back with them to Spain where they were grown in monasteries.

From here, the marigold spread throughout Europe, and ultimately the rest of the world. Throughout history, marigolds have been used as dyes and as culinary ingredients, as well as a cure for many health ailments. In Mexico and Latin America, marigolds are used as a primary decoration for All Saints Day, where altars are embellished with these bright orange flowers. Today, the marigold is one of the most popular flowers in the United States.

With a bloom time that spans nearly the entire year, this October flower blooms from spring to fall and are one of the hardiest fall flowers. Avid gardeners plant marigolds due to their ability to repel insects and pests. Additionally, their odor can repel bacterial growth within the soil, keeping it healthy and nutritious for other plants.

Marigold Meanings and Symbolism

Marigolds are available in yellow, gold and red, but they are best known for their bright orange color, which symbolizes creativity and passion. However, in different cultures, the marigold can take on a wide variety of meanings, both positive and negative, such as:

• Promoting cheer and joy
• Winning over someone’s love with hard work
• Desire to be wealthy and successful
• Despair and grief
• Remembering those who have passed away

October Birthstone

The month of October officially has two birthstones: opal and tourmaline.

The opal is an opaque gemstone that has a holographic sheen. When light is flashed onto it, the opal sparkles with the colors of the rainbow. This unique reflection is due to tiny cracks within the stone that cause light to break into various colors when hit. Even the black opal is known for reflecting bright colors of red and green. The opal gets its name from the Latin word opalus, which means “precious stone.” The opal is a symbol of love and hope.

The tourmaline is a mysterious gemstone that exhibits a wide variety of colors. In fact, many rubies and emeralds have been misidentified, and are actually tourmaline. Other tourmaline colors include: yellow, blue, green, pink, brown and black. Tourmaline gets its name from the Sanskrit word toramalli, which means “something little out of the earth.”

Because the tourmaline is a recent discovery, it lacks the rich history that other gemstones have. However, the tourmaline is known to bring calm and eliminate fear and has come to be known as the “peace stone.”

October Zodiac Horoscope

According to the zodiac horoscope, both Libras and Scorpios are born in October.

Libras are characterized as refined, social, artistic, and communicative. Libras born between October 1st and the 22nd, fall on the Libra-Virgo cusp and tend to exhibit analytical qualities and rational nature of Virgos. These qualities can easily take over making it difficult to interact with others. Because of this, October Libras can be extremely self-critical.

Scorpios are characterized as passionate, secretive, steadfast and stubborn. Scorpios born between October 23rd and the 31st fall on the Libra-Scorpio cusp and tend to be pleasure seeking and become social butterflies. October Scorpios are known for being highly intuitive and intelligent, however, their straightforwardness and bluntness when it comes to expressing their opinions can come off as egotistic. On the other hand, their charisma and sociability shall take them far.

Famous Birthdays In October

• Gandhi, spiritual leader, October 2.
• John Lennon, member of The Beatles, October 9th.
• Julie Andrews, Oscar winning actress for her role as Mary Poppins, October 1st.
• Matt Damon, American actor, October 8th.
• Kate Winslet, Oscar winning actress, October 5th.

Do you have an October birthday, or know someone that does? From beautiful bouquets to gourmet birthday treats, check out our selection of truly thoughtful birthday gift ideas!  Give Birthday flower gifts for from $29.99 at Teleflora!

Source: Ftd.com