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Introducing The Thomas Kinkade's Hero's Welcome Bouquet for 2020

Posted by Rick Canale on Thu, Nov 05, 2020

Thomas Kinkade Christmas Flowers

Home for the holidays! An instant Christmas classic, this lush arrangement of red roses and fresh winter greens accompanies a festive Thomas Kinkade collectible with light-up windows (starter batteries included) and hand-painted details.

 

Tags: Traditions, Thomas Kinkade, Christmas, Holiday Memories, Christmas Flowers

Fire Up The Cheer with Thomas Kinkade

Posted by Rick Canale on Fri, Nov 29, 2019

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This holiday, we reflect and honor everyday heroes with a vintage, rustic twist - making this iconic Christmas scene an instant classic.

An instant holiday classic! Capture the vintage charm of small-town Christmas with this this festive Thomas Kinkade fire station sculpture. Set atop an arrangement of red roses and fresh winter greens, the hand-painted keepsake lights up for years of fun!

This charming gift features red roses, white carnations, red and white miniature carnations, oregonia, noble fir, and white pine. Delivered with a Thomas Kinkade's Festive Fire Station Keepsake.

In addition to the whimsy and charm of this truly heroic scene, this fire station lights up to make holiday spirits even brighter.

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Tags: Traditions, Thomas Kinkade, Christmas, Christmas Flowers

What Is Your #OpeningDay Tradition ?

Posted by Rick Canale on Thu, Mar 28, 2019


From 1979 to 1987, I collected a lot of baseball cards. I ran to the corner store to see the first packs arrive or sat inside the store waiting for the stores to reload their inventory. Topps baseball cards always sold out and I could not never get enough of them. I devoured the statistics on the back. Did you know that Bill Buckner struck out only 26 times in 657 at bats in 1982? I did and still do. I still have many of these baseball cards and grab a handful almost daily and still read those stats. As long as my eyesight will allow, I always will.
Opening Day is here and I could not be happier. Baseball is on the television, the pc, the Galaxy (never been an i-phone guy), the radio and in the air. It's likely that you are not as enamored with the game as myself, but baseball connects us.

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Please celebrate Opening Day with me and open a pack of baseball cards. This is my Opening Day tradition and I am honored to share it with you.
see you at Fenway!
Rick

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Tags: Baseball, Traditions, Spring, Opening Day, topps

Saint Patrick’s Inspired Floral Arrangements

Posted by Suzie Canale on Fri, Mar 09, 2018

Who doesn’t love Saint Patrick’s Day-the one holiday of the year that everyone who wants to be is a lucky Irishman!  If you live here in Boston, it’s likely you’re looking forward to March 17th just like I am and you may even be getting ready to plan a get together with friends and family. This event has a long history of popularity within this city and is easily one of the biggest nights for celebration in the northeast region as well as Europe.

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photo via aboutflowers.com 

If you are hoping to pack in some people for a fun and festive evening of Irish tradition, you may want to get a jump on finding just the right items for décor.  You’ll need green streamers, a decadent spread of corn beef and cabbage and for the grand finale- a centerpiece worthy of even the feistiest of all leprechauns!  Yes, flowers are the perfect accessory to add when throwing a Saint Patty’s Day soiree and as luck would have it, florists have just what you’re looking for!  Stocking inventory with authentic, cheerful and affordable blooms, designers are ready to whip up arrangements that will set the tone of your party precisely the way you want.

Tags: St Patrick's Day Flowers, Traditions, March

The History of the Shamrock

Posted by Suzie Canale on Fri, Mar 02, 2018

March 17th is Saint Patrick’s Day and people all over this city are getting ready to show their Irish pride!  While there are sure to be events celebrated all over Boston with green beer free flowing everywhere, I think it’s important to take the time to acknowledge the history behind the four leaf clover.  As a floral professional, I can’t tell you how many requests we receive for potted plants of clover or specialized flower arrangements with hints of the greenery slipped here and there amongst the blooms.  Clovers are a huge part of the Saint Patty’s Day tradition so let’s do a little research to find out exactly why we go crazy over these tiny florets every March.  

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photo via Rittners School of Floral Design, Boston MA

The origin of the shamrock really does have interesting roots once you start digging since it was primarily used by Saint Patrick to introduce the religion of Christianity into Ireland.  He chose the sprig as a symbol of this faith because of the three leaves which he believed was a sign of the Holy Trinity.  Because its three leaf shape, it was also valuable due to the fact that the number “three” was held as an omen of good fortune even though we associate a 4-leaf clover as the one holding all the luck.  As time wore on, the cloves were actually seen for a brief period of time as meaning a sign of rebellion.  If you were caught wearing any evidence of the plant, you were immediately considered any enemy to the state.  This belief did not last long thankfully, and eventually returned as a sign of spring, luck and Irish pride.

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photo via aboutflowers.com

Today, shamrocks are recognized all over the world and not just on our beloved Saint Patrick’s Day.  No matter what your religion or origin, millions of people search each year in the hopes of finding a four-leaf clover, although a three-leaf clover brings good tidings, too.  Standing for love, hope and faith (in the case when a fourth leaf is found-God), this tiny treasure is Mother Nature’s gift to the adventurous heart who seeks out the magic of the petals growing across green countryside.  If you do not have access to a blooming lea, supermarkets often carry pots of clover during the months of February through April at an inexpensive cost.  For those who enjoy growing their own, you’ll be happy to know that shamrocks (or otherwise known as Oxalis) are perennials which bloom every year as a ground cover.  Many of which are planted as a bulb, the best places to start your own crop are nearby garden edgings or rock formations.

Tags: Flowers as Symbols, St Patrick's Day Flowers, Traditions, Saint Patricks Day, March

Thomas Kinkade - A Holiday Flower Tradition

Posted by Suzie Canale on Fri, Dec 15, 2017

If you’re an art fan like I am, you may have come across the infamous painter Thomas Kinkade at one point or another.  1 in 20 homes across America owns an original painting by the artist whose work appealed to a wide variety of eclectic tastes and preferences .  His brilliant use of chiaroscuro – the use of strong contrasts between light and dark, made him a favorite for many enthusiasts who are moved by the unique style and emotion he depicts throughout his work.  Critics who often criticized his shallow perception within this field are often brutally abutted by popular perception of the market which continues to drive up Kinkade’s marketable value.  One reason behind this is the note of inspiration behind his work that is commonly said to be attributed to a religious region- a source of his true passion.  Others argue that many of his ideas stemmed from a deep connection to the outdoors and the importance of “home” and what that truly meant.  You can’t miss the abundance of houses featured in the vast majority of his paintings and the gorgeous colors typically emanating from within the structures.  Although Kinkade passed away at an early age in 2012, his artwork still goes on to affect thousands of people with his talent for using oils.

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Art dealers aren’t the only one who strive to keep Kinkade’s memory alive since the flower world has decided to take a piece of his essence and add it to this season’s holiday floral line!  Thanks to the visionaries behind Teleflora, this December customers will be able to purchase the very first, “Thomas Kinkade's Family Tree Bouquet”.  Using varieties of carnations, magnolia leaves, white pine, noble fir and cedar, the scent of the arrangement is just as appealing as the Christmasy vision it illuminates.  Not only does the centerpiece feature these stunning hints of the yuletide season, each one comes with a Thomas Kinkade hand sculpted, ceramic collectable that can be saved and reused for years to come.

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Mirroring the warm feeling the artist inflicted in each and every canvas, designers have worked out a beautiful and festive tribute to his memory using seasonal flowers and greens.  These blooming works of art not only can be used as a fantastic addition to your celebratory dinner tables but also make the perfect gift to that special someone on your list.  Enjoy this precious holiday creation today by calling your local florist~

Tags: Traditions, Thomas Kinkade, Christmas, Holiday Memories

A Thanksgiving Letter to our Clients

Posted by Rick Canale on Wed, Nov 22, 2017


" Gratitude can transform common days into thanksgivings, turn routine jobs into joy, and change opportunities into blessings." - William A. Ward
Dear friends,
Thanksgiving day is the unsung hero who lives in the shadow of black Friday and the subsequent holiday season. Wouldn't it be great if Thanksgiving reclaimed its crown as the most important holiday ? If you go anywhere these days, 'thank you' are magic words. So few people say it and the ones that do just say it because it is rehearsed.
This Thanksgiving, invite someone over who tends to stay alone. If they cannot leave the house, bring them a plate and spend twenty minutes with them. Your time is the greatest gift you can give someone.

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Tags: Traditions, Thanksgiving, Holiday Memories

Flowers for Rosh Hashanah

Posted by Suzie Canale on Wed, Sep 13, 2017

Rosh Hashanah begins on Wednesday, September 20th 2017, which marks the celebration of the Jewish New Year and the first of the High Holidays.  For two days, families will gather together for the festivities, dining on sweet meals, listening to the sounding of the shofar and enjoying one’s company to ring in the fresh start of a new year.  Favorite dishes may consist of challah bread, apple cake, honey and kugel, which will dress banquet tables as well as beautiful candles being lit in honor of the world’s birthday.  Among the customary rituals associated with this holiday, hosts are also planning their floral centerpieces to assist with the decor, adding another level of color and inspiration to their event.  Boston florists are preparing for this occasion by updating their inventories to appease requests for those observing Rosh Hashanah and are excited to create bouquets uniquely designed just for you!

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For families who follow a customary view about what types of flowers are proper to present during Rosh Hashanah, white tinted blooms are usually the best choice.  The reason lies within the custom to wear white clothing, signifying the first of the ten days of repentance.  Linens are also typically coordinated in shades of white so keeping the theme throughout will emulate a crisp and fresh presentation as well as honor traditional frameworks.  Excellent selections include:

  1. White Lilies
  2. White Hydrangea
  3. White Calla Lilies
  4. White Phalaenopsis
  5. White Roses
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If you are looking for a more contemporary feel in your home, don’t be afraid to splash in some color if you feel too much white will be bland for your display.  Since apples are a large motif for this holiday, you can mirror stunning vases in reflection of this fruit’s crimson or green coloring.  It is the fall after all and these shades are exactly reminiscent of life blooming all around us.  Smart options include:

  1. Red Roses
  2. Peach Amaryllis
  3. Orange Gerbera Daisies
  4. Green Dendrobium Orchids
  5. Red Amaranthus

Tags: Traditions, Flower Arrangements, Rosh Hashanah, Jewish Holidays

Graduation Flowers

Posted by Suzie Canale on Tue, May 30, 2017

Tis’ the season for graduations in Boston and we couldn’t be prouder of all seniors who are moving up and out into the world!  Whether you’re becoming a high school or college grad, there’s bound to be tons of celebrations surrounding your accomplishments in the academic world.  No doubt, family and friends will be gathered to witness the big moment when your name is called and you receive the diploma that will guide you towards the next chapters of your lives!  With all the festivities soon arriving, parties will be in full swing hosting yummy buffet dishes, live entertainment and hopefully a stunning presentation of floral décor.  Haven’t gotten that far yet in your planning yet?  No problem!  Here’s a great list of options and ideas to get the graduation motif wheels turning!  Pay close attention to the difference in styles recommended per age gap as well, since florists have already designed a unique set of creative floral menus specific for each.

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School Graduates

High School graduates need a little something different compared to college students because they are just taking their first big leap of living on their own at a college or university.  For this segment, try either incorporating their new school’s mascot colors in flowers placed in bud vases or arrange quick and easy blooms such as wildflowers or garden perennials.  Daisies are one of the most popular species as well as gerberas, zinnias’ and sunflowers to be used for high school graduation parties and bouquets.  Cute accessories like adding a key to a mason job also sends the perfect message for them to go out into the world and find the key to their own success!

 

Tags: Traditions, Graduation Flowers, Spring

Beautiful Corsages and Boutonnieres for Prom

Posted by Suzie Canale on Wed, May 24, 2017

Yes, kids…. It’s PROM SEASON!  I know so many of you are getting ready to slip on that beautiful sequin dress and snazzy tuxedo to enjoy a night on the town with that special someone.  Prom is a sacred right of passage for high school seniors, an evening that will live on in your memories for decades to come.  Some of us daydream about our experiences decades afterwards, believing it was one of the biggest highlights of our youth.  I know it was one of mine…

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There will be photos galore to help capture this exciting time so you’ll want to look your best and plan on every detail to the “T”.


PROM CHECKLIST


  1. Gown … check.
  2. Tux... check.
  3. Shoes… check.
  4. Hairstyle… check.
  5. Jewelry…. check.
  6. Handbag…check.
  7. Limousine…check.  
  8. Makeup… check.
  9. Dinner Reservations… check.
  10. Flowers….  Flowers?

So I noticed we hit a snag in our planning and may have forgot to order the corsage and boutonnière from our local florists?  Well, this is just catastrophic!  Who ever heard of not pinning a flower to the lapel of your handsome date or slipping on a stunning wristlet on the girl of your dreams?  It’s just not how things are done, people so let’s make sure step #10 is covered.  

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In general, the blooms are bought according to the color palette the pair will be wearing but it doesn’t have to be this way for everyone.  Maybe she likes orchids or her favorite flower is a rose?  Select a variety that will go well with HER instead of panicking over the tint of fabric her dress is made out of.  For HIM, choose something that isn’t going to be too bulky because he’ll lose or damage the head for sure once the dancing gets started.  Think small roses, mini gerberas, mini callas or ranunculus as options and ask your florist what they advise will work well for the both of you.


Have a ball… BE SAFE and Enjoy Your Special Prom Evening!

Tags: Corsages, Prom Flowers, Traditions, Boutonnieres

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