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Great Gift Ideas for Father's Day

Posted by Suzie Canale on Mon, Jun 11, 2018

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Across the United States, we will be celebrating a time old tradition of celebrating our fathers for everything they do.  Recognized on June 17, 2018, families everywhere will be doting on dad, trying to convey the message of thanks and love he so much deserves.  While some people have their own traditions that they stick to year in and year out (ties, chef’s apron and barbecue paraphernalia), others are always looking for fresh ideas in the gift department that might surprise the lucky recipient.  Father’s Day gifts can be a tough order to fill and many find themselves in a rut of gifting boring and useless presents that are really not needed. While a simple card does go miles in the recognition department, I understand this common conundrum and have therefore whipped up a list of items you may have never thought of in the past.  If you have a true winner that never fails-stick with it (no need to fix something that isn’t broken) but if you are chuck out of thoughts, maybe one of these Father’s Day presents might spark your interest? Remember, the most important present you can give any father is a phone call or visit but if you’d like to bump it up a notch, this list is worth the peruse!


Top Father’s Day Gifts for Dad



steak


  1. Gift Cards to his favorite store.
  2. A lunch out to his favorite restaurant.
  3. A New Grill
  4. A bouquet of Flowers (See previous blog).
  5. A date on the golfing green with his greatest kid.
  6. CAKE!  Chocolate covered mousse cake if you really want to dazzle him!
  7. Gardening supplies or perhaps his favorite plant to add to his bed.
  8. Shaving Kit
  9. Passes to a nearby car wash.  Dads love that sort of thing.
  10. A new board game you can play with one another.
  11. A DVD Box Set He Loves Watching
  12. A bottle of his favorite wine/a 6 pack of his favorite beer
  13. A select steak from a premium butcher
  14. A Fishing Pole
  15. Baseball Treasure Trading Coins

Tags: Father's Day, Steak, June, Baseball Treasure

Father's Day Flowers

Posted by Suzie Canale on Fri, Jun 08, 2018

It’s a wide misconception that flowers aren’t to be given to men but rather they are the ones to give this gift to women.  Who says a guy can’t enjoy a beautiful bouquet of blooms or appreciate a vase of seasonal sprigs? This is an old wives’ tale that has been believed by many for far too long and I say it’s high time we started changing the stigma.  Isn’t only fair that your favorite fella can peacefully enjoy a healthy relationship with fresh cut flowers? Father’s Day is the perfect place to begin focusing our efforts on maybe switching the tie he gets every year for an orchid plant or a bunch of sunflowers. The possibilities are endless and thankfully- Boston florists are readying their holiday displays for some fantastic options!  So, for this much-anticipated Sunday where we cherish deal old dad, think about presenting some of his favorite flowers that he can enjoy for himself. Stumped on what varieties and styles might work the best? Try this list to satisfy a sensational flowers Father’s Day gift!

fathers_day_gifts_boston-resized-600

Red is a major color associated with sending love to women but it also works nicely for men, too!  Particularly when talking about deeper shades of burgundy and wine, this palette is really attractive when creating more masculine styled pieces.  Take amaryllis for example. Grown in a long, strong and sleek appearance, this bloom is sensational for the “Manly Man” appeal and will fit wonderfully amongst décor that resides for a more masculine taste.


Interestingly enough, the shade, white is another go-to for whipping up attractive centerpieces for the masculine sex.  Clean, unfettered and simplistic varieties will dazzle him way beyond what your first expectations may be. Try varieties such as lilies, ranunculus and gerbera daisies, either mixed together or given as bunches by themselves alone.

blue roses-1

Blue is another way to go when searching for the perfect floral gift for dad because let’s face it-the male identity was raised on this hue starting at birth.  To tell you the truth-there’s really nothing wrong with that because now there are several varieties grown in this shade, which are suitable for this holiday. Blue hybrid delphinium, Bachelor Buttons and forget-me-nots make sweet gifts and present a sentimental thought.

Tags: Father's Day, Blue Roses, June

The Top Gifts for Father's Day

Posted by Rick Canale on Sat, Jun 04, 2016

While father's day could never hold a candle to mother's day, the holiday is still a great chance to show the dads out there how much they are appreciated. While my sons' love remains my greatest gift, the gifts below are great symbols to share love and appreciation.

fathersday4

Red Meat: we tend to get in touch with our inner caveman as we spark up the grill and indulge in burgers, dogs, chops, sausages, ribs and steaks. I have yet to find a better butcher than Butcher Boy Market in North Andover, MA. My recent favorite is their two pound bone-in sirloin. 

fathersday3 Red Wine - I drink red wine. I drink red wine a lot and have found some great bottles for under $20, but when I splurge the best wine I have ever had is from Drew Bledsoe. Yes, #11 Pats QB. HisDoubleback Cabernet is hands down the best red wine I have ever had.

 

 

 

 


Baseball Cards -
 specifically, the 2016 Topps Archives Series. These cards include past and current stars, along with throwback designs and special autographed inserts. 

 16_Topps-Archives-Baseball_Page_6.jpg

 Books - sticking with my favorite sport and one of my favorite pursuits. Buy him a book.Not sure which one, Veeck as in Wreck by baseball hall of famer Bill Veeck is one of the greatest books on baseball and marketing I have ever read. I am now reading it for the fourth time.fathersday2

Gardening - of course, I would be remiss if I did not suggest the spectaclar hibiscus that we have at Exotic Flowers. 

hibiscus

Tags: Baseball, Bill Veeck, Father's Day, Steak, Wine, Baseball Hall of Fame, #EXFL

Cool Dishes to Barbecue this Father’s Day

Posted by Suzie Canale on Thu, Jun 02, 2016

Father’s Day is Sunday, June 19th and just as the weather seems to be finally warming up, those grills are being awakened from a long winter’s nap in storage!  One of the biggest traditions associated with this holiday is cooking cheese hamburgers, hotdogs and other choice meats right over an open flame.  Did you know that for the last 50 or so years, aprons, oven mitts and chef hats still remain the number #1 present to gift old dad particularly for this very reason?  Well, it’s time to put them to good use!


This Father’s Day, challenge yourself to try new and exciting recipes that will excite a fresh culinary tradition for your family and friends.  Don’t get me wrong, there’s nothing wrong with a patty of ground beef but isn’t it time we showed dear old dad that we really care by grilling outside the familiar box?  Contemporary chefs from around the world are shaking their grilling styles up a bit this Father’s Day offering delicious menu items that are both inventive and creative.  From fish to poultry, to top grade “A” meat, by infusing some of these selections into your Father’s Day barbecue, you’ll make this a special holiday that he’ll never forget!   

bbq.jpe

www.dishmaps.com

Meat and Chicken:

Ribs are pretty much a staple so spice things up with marinades like bourbon tequila to make every last bite pack a punch!  For burgers, mix oregano, celery salt and paprika for a nice wave of spice.

BBQ_digestes_saumon_plancha-630x333.jpg

photo credit: blog.danone.ca

Fish:

There’s no better place to cook fish than on a grill so make sure you salt everything before you begin and add playful juices such as lemon and lime.  Salmon, trout and shrimp are my favorites!

 





Tags: Father's Day, Barbecue, Chef, cooking, Outdoor Living

Plan Your Father's Day Cookout Menu

Posted by Suzie Canale on Wed, Jun 17, 2015

Father’s Day Barbecue

 

It’s time to fire up the barbecue- Father’s Day is here!  The big guy will be celebrated on Sunday, June 21st and let’s face it, all you have to do is light some coals on the grill and he’s pretty much satisfied.  Make sure you skip the lean diet food such as salad, greens and fresh fruit.  You can pretty much count on the fact that all he’s really interested in is a smoldering, juicy slab of beef cooked perfectly to his satisfaction.  Favorite cuts likely to be most popular this holiday are baby back ribs, three inch thick pork chops and teriyaki wings that can be seasoned and sauced just about any way dad likes them.  You’re going to want to buy in bulk, too since Father’s Day is meant to be a buffet of indulgence.  Things could get kind of complicated if you haven’t made a decision on your barbecue grocery list or destination so here are a few choice ingredients and locations that always tops my list each June!

 fathersday4

What You’ll Need

It’s time to grab your beef so dig in and buy his favorites!

Select three options:

Baby Back Ribs                            Sausages                       Pork Tenderloins

Three-Inch Thick Pork Chops         Teriyaki Wings                Marinated Chicken

Lemon Infused Salmon                 Strip Sirloin Steak           Cowboy Steak

Split Roast Chicken                     Chicken Legs                  Fillet Minion

Swordfish Kabobs                       Steak Tip Kabobs             Jumbo Shrimp

 franklin-bbq-brisket

                   photo credit: bonappetit.com

It’s time to get rubbing with marinades, seasonings and sauces!

Select four options:

            Lemons                                         Garlic Rub                     Memphis Rub

            Smoked Salmon Brine                    Pork Brine                     All Purpose Meat Rub

            Chicken Marinade                          Balsamic Vinaigrette       Barbecue Sauce

            Hot Wing Sauce                             Asian Marinade Sauce    Mango Sauce

            Relish                                           Applewood Sauce           Sweet Maple Marinade   

 

Since he’ll need to eat something with his barbecue to balance things off, try grabbing a

couple of his more preferred vegetables.  Now remember, you don’t want to

take away any attention from the grill, just compliment it with some color and freshness.

Select two options:

            Tomatoes                                      Asparagus                       Broccoli

            Cucumber                                     Onions                            Carrots

            Spinach                                        Green Beans                   Mushrooms

 

Now that you’ve mapped out your list, here are a few places that serve the best choice cuts in Massachusetts!

Select 1 option-that’s all you’ll need!

 

                        Butcher Boy                                     Butcher Shop Market       

                        1077 Osgood Street                                  782 Adams Street

                  North Andover, MA 01845                      Dorchester Center, MA 02124

 

          Bucciarelli's Butcher Shop & Deli

                         147 Bridge Road

                  Salisbury, MA 01952

Tags: Father's Day, Steak, Chef, cooking, #EXFL

The Top Gifts to Give for Father's Day

Posted by Rick Canale on Mon, Jun 08, 2015

While father's day could never hold a candle to mother's day, the holiday is still a great chance to show the dads out there how much they are appreciated. While my sons' love remains my greatest gift, the gifts below are great symbols to share love and appreciation.

fathersday4

Red Meat: we tend to get in touch with our inner caveman as we spark up the grill and indulge in burgers, dogs, chops, sausages, ribs and steaks. I have yet to find a better butcher than Butcher Boy Market in North Andover, MA. My recent favorite is their two pound bone-in sirloin. 

fathersday3 Red Wine - I drink red wine. I drink red wine a lot and have found some great bottles for under $20, but when I splurge the best wine I have ever had is from Drew Bledsoe. Yes, #11 Pats QB. His Doubleback Caberbnet is hands down the best red wine I have ever had.

fathersday1Baseball Cards - specifically, the 2015 Topps Archives Series. These cards include past and current stars, along with throwback designs and special autographed inserts. 

 

fathersday2 Books - sticking with my favorite sport and one of my favorite pursuits. Buy him a book.Not sure which one, Veeck as in Wreck by baseball hall of famer Bill Veeck is one of the greatest books on baseball and marketing I have ever read. I am now reading it for the fourth time.

drones

Drones - for the gadget minded, know what everyone is talking about and fly your very own drown. I am personally waiting for the Millennium Falcon version.

 

Gardening - of course, I would be remiss if I did not suggest the spectaclar hibiscus that we have at Exotic Flowers. hibiscus

Tags: Baseball, Bill Veeck, Father's Day, Steak, Wine, Baseball Hall of Fame, #EXFL

Things to do in Massachusetts for Father's Day

Posted by Suzie Canale on Fri, Jun 05, 2015

Outings for Dad on father’s day

 

 

It’s Father’s Day so why not treat the big guy to a special outing just for him and the family to enjoy?  You know he’ll want the traditional barbecue dining experience but really, there’s a lot more you can do for dear ole dad than just feed him!  Boston’s neighboring locations has great deals, offers and promotions that are devised especially for him.  Whether he likes to visit the city’s restaurants, take in a sporting event, shop for his interests or stroll though a lovely museum, chances are we’ll be able to find the perfect activity that will let him know how much you appreciate everything he does.  Take a second to check out these exciting exhibits and events created for Father’s Day on Sunday, June 21st!

 

South Shore Arts Festival

119 Ripley Road

Cohasset, MA 02025

Monday – Saturday: 10 – 4 Sunday: 12 – 4

If your dad is one crafty guy, you might want to think about taking him to this fabulous exhibition featuring booths filled with homemade art and bric-a-brac.  Celebrating its 60th year of fun filled activities including live music and children’s entertainment, this show is entertaining for the whole family!

 

Zombie Escape zombie

628 Somerville Ave.

Somerville, MA 02143

http://roomescapeadventures.com/boston/

Okay, this trip is just so cool and while it’s not meant for all dads, it might be perfect for yours!  Enter a room for one hour with eleven other people and solve clues and puzzles to escape a chained zombie that will be released if you can’t find the answers that will lead you to the key that unlocks the door.  This isn’t for the faint of heart but if you think your dad has what it takes, this fear factor challenge will be remembered for years to come.

 

Father’s Day Sail                   Roseway_undersail_2013_square

Head Office: PO Box 51091  

Boston, MA 02205  

Phone: 857-366-4635

Ahoy Mates! 

If the ocean is where he’s the happiest, than why not take him to this special event where you can help hoist the sails and take a trip on the Tall Ship located in the Boston Harbor.  Explore sailing techniques taught by experts, learn all about the majestic history surrounding this beautiful boat or just lay back and enjoy the warm breezes off the waves.

 

 

Tags: Father's Day, Boston, Outdoor Living, Zombies

Top Things to do in the Boston area for Father's Day

Posted by Rick Canale on Tue, Jun 10, 2014

Father's Day is all about treating dad to a special day. Create your own memories with your dad, your kids' dad or even someone who is just like a dad. Boston has some exciting and fun things to do. Many of these venues are tailor made for dad. From history buffs to sports fans, here are the staff at Exotic Flowers' top things to do on Father's Day in the Boston area.

Codzilla Boston thrill rideZip across Boston Harbor at 40 miles per hour. Codzilla is a forty minute thrill ride across the ocean. High energy sounds of ACDC enhance the ride. Share this exciting ride with your dad. Create a lasting memory and start your own Father's Day tradition.

fenway for fathers day

Take a walk into Fenway Park this father's day. Every Father's Day, the Red Sox allow a stroll around the warning track, admission is free. I know we are getting a little tired of the same old, same old from the Red Sox. But if you have not tried this, why not check it out this year. Jerry Remy's around the corner is also offering some great Father's Day specials. 

USS Constitution in Boston

You know Dad loves the History Channel. Why not take him to the real life History Channel ? The USS Constitution is a living breathing museum. In celebration of its role in the War of 1812, celebrate its centennial and Father's Day with a visit to Old Ironsides.

The Patriots Hall of Fame

Okay, I know it's not in Boston. If you're like me, you consider Foxboro a town in Rhode Island. But Dad loves football and the Patriots. Why not take him to luch at Patriot Place. While you're there, he can visit the Bass Pro Shop and visit some really cool football memorabilia at the Hall at Patriot Place. Maybe even get dad a new Tim Tebow jersey while he is there.

 

These are just a couple of our favorite spots. Of course, a few of our honorable mentions include Battle Ship Cove in Fall River (a real life Military Channel); Butcher Boy in North Andover for a the griller in your life, he will thank you; or take a ride to Mystic, CT and check out their awesome aquarium.

 

 

 

 

Tags: Baseball, Fenway Park, Father's Day, Patriot Place, Boston Harbor Cruises

The Exotic Flowers in Boston Father's Day Gift Guide

Posted by Rick Canale on Tue, Jun 03, 2014

Father's Day is Sunday June 15th. Don't take your dad for granted. He appreciates being appreciated. Whether you buy him a card, a balloon or even a rose. Let your dad know how much you love him.
At Exotic Flowers in Boston, we currently have five full time fathers on staff. The dads at Exotic Flowers have put together a list of the gifts they would love receive this Father's Day.
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  • An antispasto fileld with tasty bites of olives, cheeses and salty meats is sure to please the men in your life. Throw in a bottle of red wine, an afternoon of the History channel and you have an event that rivals Super Bowl Sunday.
Fathers Day Gift
bean radio resized 600
  • The mini solar emergency radiofrom LL Bean. Hurricane season started June 1st. This is a must-have item for your dad's or husband's emergency kit, bedside stand or car. Or even if he just likes to listen to Joe Castiglione and the Red Sox in the back yard. Affordable, practical and comes from one of our favorite companies, LL Bean. Exotic Flowers in Boston has taken many pages from the LL Bean customer service program.
fathers day steaks
  •  They say a way to man's heart is through his stomach. While dad is listening to his new radio in the back yard. Why not pick him up a few thick ribeyes from Butcher Boy in North Andover. Of course, you do not have to leave Boston to buy beef, but Butcher Boy is the best in business. 
fathers day gifts boston resized 600
  • While your dad is in the backyard grilling his steaks and listening to the Red Sox, why not help beautify the yard. Many make the mistake of buying dad tools and plants for him to plant. Why not give him a break and have the staff at Exotic Flowers send our Mixed Summer PlanterThis delightful planter bustles with lovely flowers and long-lasting garden plants. With so much to offer, it'll make the days of summer brighter.
boston childrens book
What better way to celebrate father's day than reading your children a book. This is one of the best memories you can ever share with children, a father reading to their child.

Tags: Baseball, Father's Day, Steak, Exotic Flowers Employees, Red Sox

What to send for Father's Day at Exotic Flowers in Boston

Posted by Rick Canale on Fri, Jun 17, 2011

Father's Day Flowers BostonOf course Father's Day does not have the cache or exposure of Mother's Day. Father's Day is Sunday, June 19th. Father's like everyone else appreciate being thought of and appreciated. Whether you say 'thanks dad' or we appreciate everything you do. It is also nice to shower your dad with gifts too. After all, he has been a shoulder to cry on; a guy who freely gives you more $ than you ask for and even changed a diaper or two along the way.

At Exotic Flowers in Boston, we always suggest fresh flowers as being the best gift to receive. Men appreciate receiving flowers. The old fashioned theory of men not liking them is out the window. Men like flowers and men like to receive flowers.

If you are still hesitant to send flowers, the staff at Exotic Flowers Boston has come with some great gift ideas as well.

From, the Garden Center at Exotic Flowers in Roslindale on American Legion Highway; Exotic Flowers offers your dad is very own herb garden. If your dad likes to cook or grill, this item is ideal for him.

Herb Garden Boston

For a gift that’s both fragrant and utilitarian, send a selection of real herb plants in a galvanized bucket. With fresh sage, peppermint, rosemary, basil and more, it will add taste to any kitchen – and a lovely touch to any décor.

If your dad, brother or uncle is not much of a cook and enjoys indulging himself on other's cooking; we have our Take Me Out to the Ballgame gift basket for Father's Day. Father's Day Gift Basket Boston

Dads, and Red Sox fans of all ages will think you're an MVP when you send this winning basket. Full of ballpark favorites and more, perfect for a picnic or a pick-up game in the park. You'll score a home run with this yummy basket that includes a real baseball, of course.

Peanuts, pistachios, Cracker Jacks, three good old-fashioned root beer or Sam Adams if you choose are teamed up in this basket.

During our time as the Offical Florist of the Boston Red Sox, we picked up some cool artifacts along the way. For the Dad who has everything and loves the Red Sox, we have a real base used in the 2007 World Series. Red Sox Game Used Base

What more could you ask for ? A real game used base from the 2007 World Series between the Boston Red Sox and Colorado Rockies. This is a true piece of history. This base comes from game 2 of the 2007 World Series at Fenway Park. The Red Sox won this game 2-1 at Fenway Park on 10/25/7.

And finally my favorite gift for new Dads or Grandfathers; The Land of Chocolate

Cosmos children's book.

 Children's Books Boston

** DELIVERED FREE ** The Land of Chocolate Cosmos is the first book in the Green Series dedicated towards educating and empowering children to change the world's environmental concerns. Within the first tale, a community is distraught when their magical natural resource, the chocolate cosmos flower, is overused and abused. With the help of Coco, the people learn how to recultivate and preserve the cash crop, sustaining the sweet enchantment of chocolate that once enriched the tow

Tags: Father's Day, Boston Florist, Red Sox

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