Exotic Flowers in Boston

   

Surprisingly, lots of Bostonians use flowers and plants to celebrate one of the biggest party days of the year. Super Bowl Sunday is known for big tv's, guacamole, buffalo wings and beer. But at Exotic Flowers, we ramp up for Super Bowl Sunday too. From black and yellow balloons (or green and yellow) to spectacular floral arrangements created for your hosts.

Arrangements can also be created with miniature football helmets, football action figures as well helium filled football balloons. Keep in mind, we also have a liquor license in Boston and can get your favorite fan a case of Sam Adams in time for kick-off. Gift baskets featuring snacks, drinks and football gifts are also a great gift to send to any Super Bowl Party.

Our staff at Exotic Flowers in Boston does not suggest you gamble, but keep in mind what better way to wager the game than bet a dozen roses versus one of our gift baskets on the outcome of the game.

Or if you make yourself an unwelcome guest, be sure to call us on Monday and we can deliver the perfect apology flowers to your hostess.

Our Prediction: Packers 24 Steelers 13

 

As a fixture in the Boston area, Exotic Flowers and Lombardi Florist have a major responsibility to our neighbors. On a daily basis, the Exotic Flowers floral designers create memorial and sympathy tributes. Funeral flowers represent over thirty percent of our daily orders. We send flowers to all the local funeral homes on a daily basis; including J.B. Johnson on Warren Street in Roxbury, Davis Funeral Home on Walnut Ave in Roxbury and on CUmmins Hwy in Mattapan, Lawler and Gormley Funeral Homes in West Roxbury.

Flowers are often the last gift one can send to the deceased. We suggest a lasting tribute. Flowers make an enormous difference at a funeral. Flowers are clinically proven to help ease the grieving process. 

" It is never easy comforting a relative, friend or associate who has lost a loved one. People are often uncertain as to the best way to show their sympathy. Adding to this uncertainty are changing trends in how Americans commemorate the death of a loved one. Services are simpler and shorter. Viewing periods are now typically limited to one day, if they occur at all. A greater number of cremations have resulted in shorter or no memorial services.

Flowers have traditionally been sent to the funeral home for display during the viewing and service. However, this does not mean that there should be no show of sympathy if no service is held. Grief therapists agree that the rituals surrounding death are an aid in the grieving process. In instances where there is no service, experts recommend sending condolences to the bereaved person or family's home. " - www.aboutflowers.com

With over one hundred years in sales and floral design experience, Exotic Flowers in Boston implores its neighbors not to chance it with their sympathy orders. Funerals are a lasting memory and the staff at Exotic Flowers is the most experienced in dealing with many cultures and clients at this most difficult time.

Chinese New Year is the most important holiday in Chinese culture. Known also as Lunar New Year, Chinese New Year celebrates traditions and customs. Some traditions include buying presents, clothing, decorating, feasting and cleaning. Families clean their homes in hopes to make way for good incoming luck. Red is prevalent. Wealth, prosperity, health and happiness are thematic. Parents often give their children money in a red envelope on New Years Day to help begin the year with luck.

Floral decorations, all available at Exotic Flowers in Boston, for the holiday could include orchid plants, bonsai trees, floral arrangements and lucky bamboo. According to Feng Shui principles, Lucky Bamboo is an excellent way to attract positive 'chi' energy. For centuries, Asian culture has considered it symbolic of luck and good fortune. Different stem collections are said to symbolize different elements of positive chi. Three stems attract happiness; five bring wealth; seven promote good health for all; and the tower of twenty one represents a very powerful blessing for all.

February 3rd, 2011 marks the year of the Rabbit. A rabbit year is often a quiet respite in response to the previous wild year of the tiger. Be sure to visit Chau Chow City in Boston or Golden Temple in Brookline. These venues offer a great porthole into Chinese culture and offer great food as well.

Boston has a reputation for having some flower snobs. These snobs do not care for the most tradtional of all flowers, the carnation. People often ask if we use carnations at Exotic Flowers in Boston ? Yes, Exotic Flowers sells carnations. However, we only use carnations upon request. You might be surprised, but people do ask for carnations. Clients may not ask often, but the carnation has seen a resurgence in popularity in the past few years.

The traditional red, white and pink carnations remain passe, but new varieties like lime green, deep purple and lilac are popular and affordable. This arrangement, 'Roman Holiday' is one of our features for Valentines Day and the arrangement highlights the colors of the holiday and showcases the trendy purple carnation.

The carnation remains affordable, usually $12-$15 per dozen. At Exotic Flowers headquarters, we carry about 600 stems on hand daily. Clients often arrive looking for a long lasting, inexpensive flower. Carnations are also versatile, fragrant and durable.

The carnation remains the flower of the month for January. Its scientific name, Dianthus Caryophyllus, is derived from the Greek-“dios” and “anthos”,  translation being “The Flowers of God”.  Carnations have been around for about two thousand years. 

At Exotic Flowers in Boston, we pride ourselves as florists, neighbors and businessmen. An old time rep used to say 'you should love a third of your merchandise, a third of your merchandise should be your best sellers, and a third should be things you wouldn't be caught dead with.' We really do not care for red carnations, but we are businessmen and aim to meet all the floral needs of our Boston flower buyers.

2010 has been a year of many honors and accomplishments at Exotic Flowers. Sonny Canale celebrated his 52nd year at the helm of Exotic Flowers and Lombardi Florist. We delivered over 10,000 gifts to our clients and provided jobs for more than twenty local residents.

2010 was also a year of personal accomplishment for me as well. I was invited to judge the Floral Management Marketer of the Year competition and the Outstanding Varieties Competition at the Society of American Florists (SAF) Convention. I was also asked to participate in a panel on social media at the SAF convention as well. These invitations are considered some of the highest honors in the floral industry. My exposure and contributions in these fields have also led to more invitations.

My colleagues had recently asked me to help lead the newly formed Massachusetts Professional Florists Association; to serve as a member of the SAF members committee and to serve again on a social media panel at the SAF Growth Solutions Conference in 2011.

Below is my letter of response to these invites.

" I have thought long and hard about your proposal. I am honored, flattered and grateful.
Your invitation has paid me the highest honor - the respect of my
peers... and more importantly those who I aspire to. Having grown up in the flower business, I have always known how hard it is to make a career of this business. I do my best to give back to an industry that has given me and my family so much.
Of course, everything comes back to family. At this time, I must
respectfully decline your invitation. I do not feel I can give the
commitment SAF deserves. Please know, I do not feel this is a
permanent answer. I will continue to do everything I can for the
growth of our business as a whole.

Respectfully yours,

RickCanale"

 

• #5 - Maintain and nurture our relationship with technology. In January, 2011 Exotic Flowers will be in your pocket. Our floralApp will go live for both your Android or iPhone. You will be able to order flowers from your cell phone with a just a few button pushes and be able to pay with your Paypal account. Exotic Flowers in Boston knows how busy you are and  wishes to make ordering flowers hastle free.

    

• Resolution #4 - Wine and Roses at Exotic Flowers in Roslindale. For over 20 years, Exotic Flowers has held a package store license in Roslindale for our gift baskets. Finally we are going to bring our wine selection to the front of the store so our clients can not only buy their roses on the way home, but their wine too. We also deliver wine, champagne and spirits in the entire Boston area.

New Years Resolution #3 - invest a higher precentage of our marketing budget in packaging. In 2011, we have chosen not to renew our Yellow pages ad. We are using these funds to reinvest in monogramed bags, cellophane and interior and exterior signage.

New Years Resolution #2 - 'Fish where the fish are.' You will no longer see Exotic Flowers trying to sell popsicles to eskimos. You will see a concerted effort by our staff to remind flower buyers of the importance of flowers for speical events like Easter, Passover, Secretaries Day and Thanksgiving.

New Years Resolution #1. Find more ways to send Yes to our customers. We will no longer be afraid to price for our services. If you have a special request, we will do our best to say yes and offer your fair price for your request.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      

With the recent run of bad weather and snow, Exotic Flowers dispatch would like to remind our customers that we are like the US Postal. Neither sleet, nor snow, nor blizzard... using our front wheel drive mini vans and the Exotic Flowers H2 Hummer, Exotic Flowers was making floral deliveries during both days of the blizzard of 2010. 

That’s thanks to our our dedicated staff – we don’t have the difficulties many other delivery companies, such as couriers, might have.

When you place your order with Exotic Flowers, it’s a local florist, close to the chosen recipient, who will create your bouquet  and hand-deliver it to your loved one.

And our staff always goes above and beyond while battling the elements. We spoke to driver Bobby Plunkett of Hyde Park who told us a fantastic story of a delivery he made in the snow.

Bob had a delivery to make on December 26^th and given the snow in the area he had to go to he knew he wouldn’t be able to make it. He rang the customer who understood and said that whenever Bob could make the delivery could he help clear the stairs as she was elderly.

Bob was able to get a lift in the H2. On the way to make the delivery he stopped to help dig out a car that was stranded but eventually Bob got to the house with the bouquet of flowers and a shovel to help remove the snow.

As you can see, there’s not much that will stop our determined flower deliverers from getting our flowers out to you, whatever the weather.

So, don’t worry – our staff sets us apart and allow us to get those flowers to you our most loyal customers.

 

The Christmas Tree is arguably the most traditional symbol of Christmas. Christmas trees are often displayed indoors, but also can be placed outdoors as well. Decorations range from lights to popcorn.. pine cones to glass ornaments. An angel or star is often placed on top of the tree. The tradition of decorating a Christmas tree dates back to 16th century Germany.

Christmas trees can be artifical as well as real. At Exotic Flowers in Roslindale and Boston, we have been selling real Christmas trees to Bostonians for over fifty years. We carry Canadian Balsam, Fraser Fir, Douglas Fir, Concolor Fir, Blue Spruce and White Pine.

Many of our clients enjoy this great variety of evergreen trees. Our Christmas center in Roslindale serves clients from Dorchester, Mattapan, Hyde Park, Boston and many other communities. Exotic Flowers does not just sell flowers. We are Christmas Tree Experts.

We also feature ornaments, tree stands, lights, tree removal bags and living Christmas trees too. We also give your Christmas tree a fresh cut so it last longer. We not only bind your tree for easy transport, but will also tie the Christmas tree to your car as well. If you have always had artifical trees, stop by. As we say, "real tree equals real Christmas. Fake tree equals fake Christmas."

In 2010, Exotic Flowers has made a concerted effort to help out our local Boston school children. We have partnered with the Manning School of Jamaica Plain and the Haley School of Roslindale to bring more children into our compound and show them all the living items the Christmas season has to offer.

For centuries, Christmas has been celebrated with many symbols, especially the presence of evergreens. Evergreen boughs and garland were present in many cultures and celebrations. Jewish history shows the use of evergreen boughs in during their Feast of Tabernacles. While the Germans used evergreen boughs in their homes during winter to bring life indoors. The Romans celebrated their winter solstice with boughs, garlands and flowers. These celebrants were the beginnings of the floral industry. Our florist ancestors showed the importance of floral decor as a part of winter celebrations.

Christmas wreaths aand garland trace their symbolism to early Christianity. As Christians began celebrating the birth of Christ, the pagan traditions of winter were carried over and somewhat modified and new meanings were created. The boughs and garlands served as a symbol to remind Christians of the salvation and redemption of Jesus.

The presence of the holiday wreath resonates with religious symbol of a ring. Wreaths represent God's eternal nature; no beginning, no end. Many believe the origin of the Christmas wreath comes from Jesus' crown of thorns. The adornment and decoration of a Christmas wreath emanate from the celebration of Christ's birth as well as a crown for a King.

Hanukkah, also known as the Festival of Lights, celebrates the victory of the Jews over Greek persecution. When the Maccabees, the leaders of the war against the Syrians, reclaimed the Temple, they only had one flask of oil to light their candle lit Menorah. Miraculously the Menorah stayed lit for eight days - thus the eight days of Hanukkah, which begin on the 25th day of the Hebrew month of Kislev. In 2010, Hanukkah begins on December 1st.

In partnership with the Society of American Florists and www.aboutflowers.com - Exotic Flowers in Boston is honored to present some flower decorating ideas for Hanukkah.

Ask the staff at Exotic Flowers to design a festive arrangement featuring flowers in the traditional Hanukkah blue and white or in all white - perfect for a centerpiece or to greet guests on a table in the foyer.

Use fresh evergreens to decorate around the menorah. Place colorful dreidels and chocolate coins around the table for kids to enjoy.

If you are having an open house is and many persons will be in a room, it is important to give special attention to the larger display areas such as the front door, foyer, mantle, buffet or serving areas, powder rooms, windows and staircase. This decorating tactic will help you get maximum impact because with many people in a room smaller arrangements placed around will not be seen at all times. By focusing on a few focal areas in each room, more space is made for glasses, cups and food plates and there is less chance of an accident.

As guests leave, have a vase of loose flowers by the door and invite them to take one home as a gift.

For an elegant celebration, take advantage of all places where candles could be displayed:

Line a walkway with votive candles in luminaries leading up to a door.

Place garland on the mantle with fresh flowers and candles to beautifully grace your room and make the most of light by enhancing the fire.

Float candles and flowers in treasured crystal or silver bowls to create a fabulous effect.

Place scented candles with fresh blossoms in each powder room.

Ask Exotic Flowers about Hanukkah Flower Decorating and Entertaining Ideas.