Exotic Flowers in Boston

Finding the perfect presents can sometimes be challenging during the holiday season when we often find ourselves either over spending for items that the receiver doesn’t really want or grabbing just anything you can find at the last minute with no real thought put behind it.  The goal for Christmas gifting should be found in the consideration and affordability, not the expense or haste to get all of your shopping done.  One strategy that always receives a winning response is making your own gifts, which are fun, efficient for budgets and most importantly, sentimental to those we care for.  The options are numerous including woodworking, sewing, clay and painting crafts where you can create just about anything that your imagination will allow.  This year’s most popular made-at-home presents are utilizing flowers as the primary material because the color, scent and flexibility in design allow designers to come up with some pretty interesting ideas!  Curious about how to make a bookmark or delicate necklace made from the natural gifts found in your garden?  Here are some options to get you reeling in the world of floral crafting. 

Bookmarks are a great present to give any avid reader because they are always in demand and can be styled after millions of different themes.  If you know someone who loves books and also gardening, this might be the ideal present.  Begin by picking flowers that can be easily pressed.  Excellent candidates include lavender, violets, pansies, delphinium, freesia, daisies, larkspur and hydrangea.  You are looking for flowers that can be easily flattened and do not hold a lot of water within their structure so be careful not to choose bulky blooms.  Once you have made your choices, take the stem and place it between two pieces of absorbent paper and then slide the pages within a heavy book.  Make sure the weight is adequate by placing a brick or other heavy object on top of the stack.  Allow two weeks for decent pressing results and then carefully lay the bouquet within two pages of transparency paper.  Using scissors carefully cut a desired shape for the bookmark, either a rectangle or oval.  Punch a whole at the top and finish off with a piece of tied twine. 

Although the traditional form of the necklace commonly given at Christmas is made out of gold or silver, I can tell you first hand that flowers make stunning links when crafting your own jewelry.  There are many different varieties that will work but I have found that the best and easiest flower to use is a small rose head, particularly from the spray rose family.  You will find that not only are they much more efficient when stranding but they are grown in a large spectrum of color in shades of white, pink, red, orange, yellow and purple.  To get started, simply hang the bunch of roses upside down for a minimum of four weeks.  After the heads have dried, carefully snip off the rose buds making sure that there are no protruding stems left attached that may wound the person who is to wear the necklace.  String a needle with a heavy-duty thread and pierce the head at the bottom of its neck.  Continue the process until the desired length has been achieved.  When finished, secure a clasp that can be bought inexpensively at your local craft or fabric store.   Place the chain in small box and there you have it, the perfect gift for any jewelry lover on your list!

 Suzie Canale, Westwood, MA

Suzie works at the Westwood Public Library and also serves as the President of the Women's Lockerroom Foundation of Boston.

Top Floral Pieces Requested For Christmas

It’s about that time to break out the ornaments, eggnog and yes, the Christmas greenery!  Florists are busy this time of year with an extensive line of holiday products just perfect to spruce up your home.  Worried that your budget can’t handle the extra expense of centerpieces and roping?  Don’t be!  Boston designers have all you need to fit anyone’s spending guidelines.  Many are actually unaware of the multitude of choices that they have access to during the month of December, holding the presumption that trees, wreathes and roses are their only options available to them this time of year.  Well, nothing could be farther from the truth and to convince the hesitant floral buyers, you wont believe these stunning holiday décor pieces that I’ve come up with just for you!

Boxwood Trees

Boxwood trees are lovely compliments to your regular Christmas decorations and provide an authentically elegant appeal for holiday parties and festivities.  Produced in a variety of different sizes and themes, box trees can be purchased plain or with ornamental accessories, although trust me, they are equally as stunning.  Florists are clever in they way they are constructed by placing balsam strips into a preformed structure of oasis making them durable and healthy for a long period of time as long as they are watered consistently.  Box trees are perfect either dispersed throughout the home or placed in the center of the dining table, making it an excellent fuss-free option for centerpieces. 

Kissing Balls

Kissing Balls may seem traditional but have remained one the most frequently requested items from Boston florists.  Shaped in a ball of balsam, some designers have put their own signature stamp on the piece by adding tiny pine cones, dried flowers, white lights, ribbons and even round sparkle gems.  Historically kissing balls were used to instigate a smooch from couples standing beneath one, (resembling the mistletoe effect) but nowadays, many are hung in front of houses in replacement wreathes.  Again, these simple but charming Christmas florals are both inexpensive and easily maintained to last throughout the entire season. 

Contemporary Christmas Flowers

Contemporary Christmas flowers hold a traditional appeal but possess a modern presentation for the Christmas lover dying to create outside of the box.  Most of the time, this consists of changing one aspect of the arrangement such as replacing a clear vase with a vessel wrapped in birch bark or using a bright flick of orange to break up the ho-hum red, green and white holiday palette.  Berries are another wonderful option for those wanting to design a piece themselves.  Since there is an abundance of pinecones, fir greenery and wild bittersweet growing naturally in the New England habitat this tie of year, these are extremely easy to find and are less expensive than some of the harder to find and imported flowers. 

 Suzie Canale, Freedom Trail Boston, 2014

You can be sure to see orchids at Suzie's home in Westwood at Christmas time.

There’s nothing like snowfall, a roaring fire and a great holiday flick to cozy up to during the Christmas season.  Being one of the largest topics played out on screen, holiday movies rank as some of the highest watched movies through November and December.  Why do you ask are they so popular?  Many of us need a little pick me up during this time of year because there is sometimes added pressure to complete tasks such as cooking, shopping, decorating and yes- family get-togethers which can also cause us to feel overwhelmed and anxious.  We need that burst of laughter or sentimental teardrop that is experienced while watching Christmas movies because they give us comfort and enhance a further enjoyment of the holiday.  I certainly have my favorites and the list is long!  Here is my top five with a small introduction about each to help select the perfect Christmas movie just right for you!

The Family Stone (2005)

This is definitely one movie that I look forward to watching every year because of the all-star cast and witty mix of comedic drama.   New Englanders will fall in love with the beautiful cinematography as well as the heart felt writing that pours throughout the story that includes disagreements between siblings and misled expectations for romantic partners.  Starring Diane Keaton, Sara Jessica Parker, Rachel McAdams, Claire Danes, Luke Wilson, Dermot Mulroney and Craig T Nelson, a family reunion gets sticky when the eldest brother brings home his uptight fiancée to his wacky childhood home.  Trouble begins when the special guest just can’t seem to fit in which leads to couple swapping over the holiday weekend.  Sure to make you giggle and cry, The Family Stone is reflective of the common misunderstandings, mishaps and quirky relationships that most households possess during the celebration of the Christmas season.

Fred Claus (2007)

Funny, hilarious and a laugh out loud film, Fred Claus is both a comedic and sweet film about the pains of being the older brother to one of the most famous men in the world, Santa Claus!  Moviegoers will take a ride with Fred Claus to the North Pole where he must step up and save Christmas from extermination from the evil efficiency expert determined to end the holiday for good.   Starring Vince Vaughn, Elizabeth Banks, Paul Giamatti, Kathy Bates and Kevin Spacey, the hysterical combination of Vaughn’s dark humor (you’ll love him dancing to Elvis on top of tables) with the festive glee of Santa’s elves is brilliant and succeeds in presenting the lesson that family is the strongest unit of all.

National Lampoons Christmas Vacation (1989)

It’s a classic and if you haven’t seen it, you have to!  Following along in the beloved ways of the Griswold’s, this time Clark (played by the infamous Chevy Chase) is determined to make it the best Christmas to date by digging deep into customary traditions and creating the zaniest craziest celebration ever.  Accompanied by a cast including Juliette Lewis, Beverly D’Angelo and Johnny Galecki, the Griswold’s welcome their extended family of grandparents, great aunts, uncles and cousins to experience over cooked turkeys, gas explosions, fire fried trees and even the kidnapping of Clark’s boss over a bogus Christmas bonus.  The laughs are endless in this classic Christmas comedy where you learn that family is everything to the Griswold’s.

Jingle All the Way (1996)

So you’ve seen Arnold Schwarzenegger play action hero before but I promise you, the actor puts a whole new spin on the character.   In this fun loving comedy about a business man to busy to spend time with his family,  he makes the ultimate mistake by forgetting to buy the only present his son wants, a Turbo Man doll.  Taking you through a hilarious journey where he fights a mailman (played by Sinbad) through malls, radio stations and a holiday parade in the middle of the city, he finally figures out in the end that his son really just wanted to spend time with his hero, his dad. 

Deck The Halls (2006)

If you love lights, then you will love this flick about two neighbors in a heated competition for who can put on the best Christmas display on the block!  Led by Danny Devito, Mathew Broderick and Kristin Chenoweth, the jokes start reeling when a new family moves into town and decides to shake things up from the usual low-key traditional décor to a wild holiday spectacle.  Attempting to have their home seen from outer space, the tension grows when situations arise between the two families as electricity is stolen, blinding light shows start occurring in the middle of the night and egos are bruised.  This story is not only incredibly funny but sends a sweet message to viewers about the true meaning of Christmas.

  Suzie Canale, Westwood, MA 

Suzie is a huge movie buff. She will be sure to watch these movies and more with her husband.

                                                                                               photo credit; The Santa Clause 3

The Christmas season is filled with gift buying, cookie baking, Yule decorating, card sending and most importantly, enjoying the time that we share with one another.  As parents, we try to involve our children with as many holiday themed activities as possible, hoping that they will relish in the seasonal cheer and maybe someday, pass these memories onto to their own families.  Don’t get bogged down with an elongated to-do list that seems never ending during the month of December.  Instead, take a little time out to use your hands with your children to make adorable crafts that will not only develop stronger skills in both the right and left sides of the brain, but help build a stronger foundation between each other.  Projects are numerous and can be created easily and inexpensively requiring only one necessity, your imagination!  If you wouldn’t call yourself especially gifted in this department, there is no need to worry.  Here is an idea that uses few supplies, uncomplicated to construct and most critically FUN for everyone, a Christmas snow globe!  Follow these steps and you will be well on your way towards a success Christmas craft.

Snow globes are very popular within the arts this time of year because let’s face it- it’s cold outside!  These spherical wonders are a fantastic option because you simply need colored paper, glue and a few white cotton balls for the materials.  Begin by cutting out a circle and a base as shown below.

 Light blue construction paper works best to represent the glass ball but other colors that will work are white and black.  The base can either be darker in shade or leave it up to your kid’s to choose their favorite color to put their own signature mark on the project.  Glue the circle to the top of the base hiding a small portion of the bottom arc behind the base as shown below.  

Once you have this attached, cut out seasonal pictures of your choice and glue them onto the globe, making a lovely winter landscape that can include (but are not mutually exclusive to) snowmen, Christmas trees, wreathes, Santa Claus or any imagery that represents something special for you and your family.  Once the scene has been attached, glue tiny white pom pom balls to represent snowfall.  If you can’t find these to use, take a whole puncher and make your own using white paper.  The shape is the same and can be mounted just as simply. 

 Suzie Canale lives in Westwood, MA. An author of four childen's books, Suzie also works part time at the Westwood Public Library and raises her two boys who loves the holidays.

Boston is one of the best places to visit during the Christmas season because there are loads of fun things to do with your friends and families!  Whether you are interested in lights, physical activity or the arts, visitors will not be disappointed with the array of events that this city provides for the yuletide season.  Don’t be intimidated by thoughts of exorbitant expenses for high ticket prices or admittance fees, I assure you there is plenty to do without having to break the bank.  This is the time of year to enjoy quality time with your loved ones, and you shouldn’t have to spend huge amounts of money to partake in the wonderful Christmas activity that Bean Town provides.  Here are some of my favorite things that put me in the holiday spirit while visiting Boston.

                    photo credit: bostonballet.org

The Nutcracker

The Nutcracker is a time-honored tradition that Bostonians have enjoyed for decades.   The dance of the Sugar Plum Fairies, the Land of Sweets and the running of the mice are exciting to watch as ballet dancers float across the stage and captivating music is played composed by the infamous Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky.  Costumes and stage design are also magnificent aspects of this production and are sure to inspire the joy of Christmas to whomever takes a seat in the theater.  Tickets are on sale at the Boston Opera House and shows run from December 3^rd to December 31^st with ticket prices ranging from the low one hundreds to above.  Perfect for children, you wont be disappointed in the amazing cast, music and directing of The Boston Nutcracker. 

        photo credit: bostonfrogpond.com

Frog Pond Skating

Get your coats, scarves and mittens on and high tale it over to the Frog Pond located in the Boston Common of downtown Boston.  Skaters come from all over to take their turn gliding across the pristine ice while watching the stunning Boston skyline scrawl across the city.  Amenities include the Frog Pond Café where you can grab yourself a snack or a cup of hot chocolate to warm your bones.  You can even book the rink for holiday parties or schedule lessons for the kids!  The pond is open daily at 10 am only costs $5.00 for those over 58 inches tall and is absolutely FREE for under.  

                                          photo credit: nytimes.com

Faneuil Hall Shopping

If you are a shopper at heart, you won't want to miss the deals going on in the infamous Faneuil Hall Marketplacein Boston.  Packed with every boutique imaginable, you’ll be bedazzled by the Christmas decorations hanging from every ceiling as well as the enchanting carols being played both in person and over the loud speakers.  Be sure to check out the largest Christmas tree in Boston along with international phenomenon Blink light show.   If you would like to attend these events, visit their website for more information.

Suzie & Rick Canale, Westwood, MA 2014

Suzie's husband Rick managed the Exotic Flowers in Faneuil Marketplace from 2001 to 2011.

Christmas music is one of the foremost magical aspects during the yuletide season.  Hymns from long ago allow us to join together in unison whether we are caroling from door to door or listening while sitting in front of an open fire.  Some say that kids today don’t engage enough in this time honored tradition and have raised concern about the future of Christmas music for generations to come.  Will “Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire” be a tune of the past?  Not according to these special contemporary artists who have vowed to keep the spirit of the season going for our youth and generate a whole new appreciation for music composed especially for this holiday.  Here is a list of some hot and modern melodies that top artists are promoting this Christmas season.  

“Do They Know Its Christmas” is a classic hymn sang originally by Band Aid in the 1980’s where cause centered towards raising awareness about poverty in Ethiopia.  Due to the recent Ebola breakout, a new band of stars are determined to raise awareness once again, this time by changing the lyrics to reflect the devastating effects that this disease inflicts.  A few of the singers for the project include Bono, Sinead O’Connor, Seal and One Direction, which are sure to succeed in producing a wonderful and memorable rendition of the Christmas song.

Country music lovers are going to flip when they see that an incredible compilation of their favorite southern artists have joined together to release, “Christmas in Nashville”.  Including some of our favorites such as “Santa Baby”, “Baby It’s Cold Outside” and “Blue Christmas”, you will hear the voices of Connie Britton, Will Chase, Aubrey Peeples and many more top chart stars.  Grab your CD today, I promise listeners will be in awe of the beautiful carols performed with a soothing country flair!

If you are looking for something from a few of our favorite pop artists, try Kristen Chenoweth’s new release, “ A Lovely Way To Spend Christmas” or “Christmas (Please Baby Come Home)” by Melissa Etheridge who puts an edgy rock appeal to classics like “O Night Divine”.    Sixpense None the richer is also on board with a couple of great Christmas melodies in their CD, “O Come, O Come Emmanuel”.   Sarah Brightman, Faith Hill and the infamous Aretha Franklin can be added to your list of digital downloads this holiday, too!

  Suzie Canale, Westwood, Massachusetts 2014

Suzie can be found enjoying music in her car, at her home in Westwood, at the gym and while dancing with her husband,

Christmas is filled with beautiful arrangements created in festive colors and designs using a variety of flowers and accessories.  While the poinsettia is definitely a seasonal favorite because of its deep red pigmentation and traditional sentiment, florists are looking to expand this year’s selection by offering new options for December floral décor.  Wreaths,garlands and trees are essential but there is no rule against looking outside the flower box and trying something new!  Stray away from the ho-hum greens and ornamental basics by delving into a more contemporary style that mixes customary basics with a modern flair.  Stumped as to how to accomplish this presentation without wandering too far away from the Christmas favorites?  Here are a few simple tricks to step up your holiday floral game!

Roses are a stunning substitute for the poinsettia plant because it holds well in arrangements (particularly in oasis) and grows in a massive spectrum of color.  Roses also hold a simple but compact shape that compliments other varieties of flowers without overcrowding the piece.  Just because the expected tints of green, red and white are popular, don’t be afraid to throw in your own idea of Christmas spirit by adding shades of blue, purple or maybe even pink.  Furling together tones of blush, beige and cream sprinkled with glitter and finished with a few sprigs of pine can be perfectly wonderful combination for the dinner table centerpiece.  Not only does it hold the quality of longevity but expresses a sophisticated feel with a unique body of texture.  If you really want to try an interesting look, dip white roses in red sparkle glitter and let them dry before inserting them in vases.  You’ll be surprised as to the elegance this expels and without a doubt; it will become a strong conversational piece for holiday parties. 

Suggestion color palettes to mix this season’s Christmas centerpieces:

Hot pink, orange and lime green

            White, blush and beige (lambs ear or pine sprigs for greenery)

            Blue, white baby forest green

            Dark red, peach and baby yellow

            White, cream and brown

Suggested Natural Accessories

            Box Tree

            Pine Cones

            Seasonal Nuts

            Pine (A staple)

            Birch Bark

            Pine Needles

            Seedling Trees

Photo credits: all photosin this post can be attributed to Flower Factor and AboutFlowers.com

Suzie Canale

Westwood, MA

Suzie is a published children's book author, avid gardener and enjoys cooking and spending time with her family.

It’s the time of the year when we see the most spectacular window displays in storefronts and why do you ask?  The reason lies within the themes that emulate from the Christmas season, specifically lights, beauty and warmth.  Whether you are designing the window for a clothing boutique or home improvement outlet, you can bet that that the possibilities are endless when selecting items and props for an eye-catching presentation.  So what if you’re a florist and at your wits end as to how to attract more customers, potential buyers and passerby’s into stepping into your store this Christmas?  Don’t be worried that the same snowman holding a rose that you’ve put up for the last ten years will be your only solution.  Put Frosty away for good this Christmas and try out some these templates proven to increase walk-in percentages in any flower store. 

Clean, Clean, Clean

The first thing that any window designer absolutely must do is snag a bottle of Windex and start scrubbing.  It will not do to have a musty, stained or cloudy glass appearance, the window front must be immaculate!  Any dirty residue will immediately distract from your presentation and confuse onlookers from what you are really trying to show them.  Flower arranging, in general, is about orchestrating a beautiful compilation with the use of single objects being put together.  We don’t fill vases that are filthy so why fill a window that lacks the same appeal?  Many proprietors have employees who are in need of extra hours during this season, and this is a perfect job to fulfill them!

Original if Possible

Flower shops often employee creative thinkers, people who are capable of thinking outside of the box, so it is detrimental to utilize their ability of imagination when making an effective window front.  Ask your designers to take three minutes to brainstorm their ideas on a piece of paper, where you can afterwards sift through and choose themes that they have come up with that are perfect for your shop.   Try to stay away from the traditional and done-to-death looks such as stuffed Mr. and Mrs. Claus dolls or giant plastic snowflakes.  It’s boring.  Use materials that you already have in your inventory to come up with fresh accessories such as stringing dried flowers to wrap around Christmas Trees, a recreated gingerbread house made from flowers or design a winter scene made up of entirely blooms and plants.  Another tip is to be vigilant of staying away from the conservative red, white and green color palette.  Mix and match to build a spectacular presentation that is sure to allure anyone who walks past your window. 

Suzie & Ryan Canale, Fall 2014 Newbury Street, Boston, MA

Suzie worked in wholesale floral for many years in Boston. She has received training in visual merchandising from Europe's master floral designers.