Exotic Flowers in Boston

" ... compared to the past, American consumption is getting both increasingly expensive and, well, decreasingly nice.” - Helaine Olen

Season's Greetings,
Dear friends,
Higher prices, staff shortages, supply shortages, traffic, and long lines at stores have added even more stress on all of us.
Our Christmas trees arrived yesterday. Our order was shorted 23% and of course, our costs increased. It seems like every order is shorted on supply and increased on price, and our staff is as lean as it has ever been. Luckily, we work smart. Decades of experience give us an edge to work smarter and keep our prices reasonable.
If you know us, onward and upward is a mission. This year, we have made a huge effort and investment in our holiday displays. You deserve a break and giving this little urban oasis back to the community is the least we can do for those who do so much for us. If you believe in magic, stop by. The explosion of color and holiday decor is sure to bring a smile to a rushed season.

with respect and gratitude,
Rick Canale

As you’ve probably noticed, streets are slowly being filled with lit up homes dressed in garland and other festive décor that lets everyone know it’s their favorite time of year.  For decorators and floral designers, it’s the busiest time of the year where they put their creative thinking to the test to manifest stunning holiday pieces that will encourage the holiday spirit.  From trees to pine roping, experts are hard at work accommodating their customers tastes and needs to produce beautiful reminders that Christmas has indeed arrived.  One area of particular interest is the demand for personalized hanging door wreaths which are an increase of demand.  In past years, trends have shown an absence of interest in this item but in 2017, wreaths look to be making a gigantic comeback.

One reason why they are returning to so many Christmas lists is the fact that this symbol encompasses the true meaning of the season, which embraces unity, love and the centrality of togetherness.  The circular shape of the ornament is the expression of eternity where there is no end, just the continuation of interwoven branches that signify the bonds between family.  The significance of the wreath dates back to centuries ago where people made their own decorations using material they had available and replicated formations of icons they found of importance. The circular shape being one that held the most importance during celebrations-particularly Christmas.

Although you see many wreaths made out of pine, there are many different types sold in tree lots, flower shops or ones you can whip up on your own.  You can use a variety of materials to create breathtaking décor to be placed on your door and several can be found for little to no cost at all.  Here are some of my favorite branches and foliage which are fabulous for this type of project:

Leather Leaf

Eucalyptus

Pussy Willow

Grape Vine

Privet Berries

Ruscus

Boxwood

Evergreen

Dried Flowers and Herbs

Depending on what you have chosen for greenery, you can add ornaments to the piece by using a hot glue gun to secure the items.  Ribbons, pine cones and small charms make wonderful additions to holiday wreathes or you can forgo further design to allow a natural style for you to enjoy.

Alert!  Alert!  There has been another fashion trend flowing towards the floral industry this holiday season naming silver as decorator’s top choice for accessory material.  Designing experts have revealed that following in the footsteps of the metallic vogue, silver is the newest sensation to sweep seasonal décor and we couldn’t be happier about the news.  Professionals are loving this idea because not only does it make a dazzling display when applied properly, silver has the tendency to make holiday presentations appear crisp, majestic and glamorously ornamental.  It’s a real change from previous years when we’ve been dependent on boring, dull shades that have been on the downtrend for decades.  By instead using silver mixed with white, we can illuminate pieces in a naturalistic manner allowing designers to use a “less is more” approach when making flower bouquets, wreaths and garland for clients. You may have noticed that major retail outlets have already jumped on board since aisle upon aisle is lined with silvery baubles which are being scooped up by our pros.  If you like this idea but are interested in surveying the availability of flowers dressed in silver- you may be surprised to learn that creative geniuses behind the bench are brainstorming exciting answers to this puzzle… Think spray paint, glitter and acrylics when imagining how to replicate this look and here are a few ideas to go those artistic wheels turning.

Silver Bells

The easiest way to make an infusion of silver within your holiday decorating is to pick up packages of inexpensive silver bells you might find at a Christmas Tree Shop, Walmart or Target.  You can add the ornaments throughout a low-lying centerpiece or glue them to the base of the arrangement making a pretty base for the flowers to reflect off of.  If you are planning on using the bells as a part of the floral design, attach the ornaments to six inch picks using a glue gun and place within the assortment.  If you want to try matching the shade of featured species, request a bunch of eucalyptus, Artemisia or dusty miller.  All of these varieties will look amazing in contrast to this particular motif and expel the feeling of joy we emulate during the season.  

Never Underestimate the Power of Spray Paint…

I don’t know about you but I’m a huge fan of spray paint because it’s a really simple way to quickly change the shade of any solid object and that flowers are no exception. While some of the softer species might have trouble with this process, others have no problem absorbing a coat of paint and quite often will last longer with this system of preservation.  Foliage such as ruscus, leather leaf, bear grass and willow branches are excellent examples of greenery which will work well spray painted as well as poppy pods (hens and chickens).  Make sure you have an area that is well ventilated to complete this project and have fun sprucing up your home in silver this holiday season.

Christmas is the season for time-honored traditions experienced with friends and family.  We mark this special occasion by decorating with particular items in order to make our homes feel festive for ourselves and for those who visit.  Twinkle lights, wreaths and trees are in high demand throughout Boston and are slowly appearing on doors and spotted within windows.  Just by driving by a house lit up by tiny rainbow bulbs, many of us experience a feeling of uplift and immediate joy.  Holiday décor plays a very strong influence upon creating the magic that the Yule Tide brings and the emotions that effervesce from these beautiful signs we associate with Christmas.  Every year, families partake in seeking out these novelties but have you ever wondered where the traditional influence began?  Find out what makes a balsam a Christmas tree and why a circle of garland eventually resulted into a holiday wreath.  You may just be surprised how these icons earned their fame and resulted into our most cherished seasonal ornamentation!

Christmas Trees

Here’s an interesting fact:  Did you know that Christmas trees are the only single variety of arbor grown in all 52 states?  Yup- and that even includes Alaska and Hawaii!  Balsam, spruce and fir species are the #1 cultivated species in the U.S. and that’s all because of our love for Christmas!  Historically, there’s a ton of stories claiming the truth behind the Christmas tree but the one I like best is the tale about how the ancient people in the northern hemisphere celebrated the winter’s solstice, (the longest day of the year).  They believed that the Sun God had cyclical levels of feeling well during the warmer season and weak during the cold.  On December 21st, there would be a celebration for the Sun God because it was the end of her “ailing term” (the cold dark nights) and the beginning of her health once again (the return of heat and sunlight).  The people would mark this occasion by using pine and evergreen boughs to hang in their homes as a gesture for an early spring arrival.  They chose pine because it held its bright green color throughout the year.  The early Vikings and Romans also implemented a similar ritual when they displayed Christmas trees as a sign of continued health and everlasting life.

Wreaths

As you can imagine, wreaths have been used as a symbol throughout time holding both a positive and negative implication.  Depending on the culture, region and religion, this icon could be gifted as either a token of victory or hung as a sign of death.  In “Christmasy” terms, the shape being a circle is typically tied with unity, everlasting love and “infinity” depictions, almost always recognized as a pleasant connotation.  As you might see today different styles woven out of berries, twigs or branches, the wreath is traditionally made with pine bows because past civilizations sought after its unchanging green hue.  If you’re Catholic, you might be interested in knowing that the wreath became associated with Christmas after the resurrection of Christ as it became used as a sign of eternal life.  

There’s been a lot of hubbub lately surrounding the issue of whether it is too early to be stocking up on Christmas fare when it’s only November.  Starbucks is the latest culprit who recently launched their “red cup” marketing ploy, which interestingly enough has attracted a large amount of controversial press.  Is it wrong to change all accessorized décor color to red and green?  Is it pushing things to be lighting up the trees with holiday bulbs?  Or how about this one- buying floral centerpieces designed to reflect the Yule Tide season?  Is it offensive or simply a show of our adoration for the merriest time of the year?  

photo credit: Flower Factor

Personally, my holiday spread is put up a couple of weeks into December and taken down one week after Christmas but that’s just me.  I understand that there are many people out there who want to grab every second they can out of the season and I admire you, I really do.  But you have to admit, there’s no doubt the ugly head of commercialism does play a part in the mass movement to put Santa Clauses in storefronts even before we’ve celebrated Thanksgiving.  Do we actually spend more when influenced by the merchandising of Frasier Firs standing in doorways and twinkling lights dangled across glass display cases?  Most advertising business experts agree that inarguable, we do.

photo credit: Flower Factor

So what does that mean for Boston florists who are beginning to bring in shipments of poinsettias, Christmas trees and wreaths?  I’d say it’s a pretty good prediction that there will be a solid sales base for the early bird shoppers who can't wait to stock up on seasonal festivities. If customers are eager for holiday pieces but are torn by the issue of the timing possibly being premature, offer them arrangements that include some identifiable props but still can be categorized as appropriate for fall.  By not overwhelming clientele with a complete switch to silver bells and frosted greenery, we can make the most of November and December by easing ourselves gently into the holiday season.

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.

We all know there are a million things to get done during the month of December in order to prepare for one of the biggest holidays of the year, Christmas!  Our lists are long and we sometimes find ourselves overwhelmed with trying to accomplish an impossible tally of tasks, at the end feeling apprehensive, uneasy and exhausted.  Well, that’s not the way the holiday season should be at all!  Christmas is about being together and enjoying the special spirit the yuletide season summons in all of us.  So how do we fix the Christmas frenzy of anxiety?  We get organized with a simple calendar that will help us get all of our undertakings accomplished while still having fun and enjoying Christmas for all of the magic that it brings.  Here is a schedule that works for me but design yours to suit your specific needs and agenda.

December 1^st    Break out the Christmas Advent for the Kids. Lego offers a really cute one with a new mini set daily. 

December 2^nd   Begin preparing the house for decorations by storing excess clutter

                            and knickknacks. 

 December 3^rd   Lights go up outside - white lights are my favorite!

 December 4^th  My husband's birthday. The Christmas Wreath is hung on the door and the Christmas cards are addressed. The Jimmy Fund offers beautiful holiday cards that Exotic Flowers send to its top clients.

 December 5^th   Make a complete list of gifts for family and friends.  It’s better to plan

                          ahead to defer from going over the budget. 

 December 6^th   Bake a cranberry pie and put in freezer to be stored until Christmas

                          for last minute hostess dessert needs.   

 December 7^th   String the rest of the cranberries for garland.  They are beautiful on

                          The tree!

 December 8^th   Gingerbread House Project Day!  One of the kid’s favorite activities!

 December 9^th    Make sure the kids have made their last and final version of their

                           Christmas lists.  You don’t want any new wish list surprises popping

                           up any later…

 December 10^th  The tree arrives!  Put in stand with water to allow the branches to

                             relax overnight.

 December 11^th  My son Lance's birthday. We have a tradition of putting up ours today. The tree is ready to                         be decorated with lights, tinsel, popcorn strands and ornaments!

 December 12^th   Buy Christmas pajamas for everyone!  Decorate the hearth with

                            candles and balsam garland. 

 December 13^th     Christmas bonuses for the mailman and paperboy. 

 December 14^th    Buy the wine for the holiday table.

                                                  photo credit: honeyandjam.com

December 15^th    Bake sugar cookies for the neighbors and package those that are to

                             be given as small gifts.

 December 16^th    Donate items to the local soup kitchen for their holiday feasts. 

                            make sure to include some children’s books for the kids.           

 December 17^th    Finish up any last minute Christmas present shopping and be

                             officially DONE!

 December 18^th    Plan your menu for Christmas dinner including everything

                             from the main course to the dessert.  Don’t forget the rolls!

 December 19^th     Finish wrapping all of the presents and hide them in the attic. 

December 20^th     Pick up the floral centerpiece from Exotic Flowers in Boston 

December 21^st     Brace yourself-its grocery store shopping day for your holiday

                              food!   

 December 22^nd    Grab stocking stuffers at CVS- make sure you don’t forget the

                              candy canes.

 December 23^rd     Prepare the side dishes that can be refrigerated.  Get as much of

                               the cooking done as early as possible!

 December 24^th    Christmas stockings are hung by the fire and cookies and milk are

                              left by the fireplace for Santa Claus. 

 December 25^th    Christmas Day-Enjoy the holiday with friends and family!

 Suzie Canale at Fenway Park with her boys May 2014.

Suzie will be celebrating this Christmas with her familly at her home in Westwood, MA.