Spring is in the air! The bright colors and beautiful blooms make it one of our favorite seasons at Tipton & Hurst. As we take down our Easter bunnies, we’d love to help you transform the front of your home to spring and the warmer months ahead.
Our front porches are oftentimes the first impression for guests, presenting you with the perfect opportunity to express your personality. Introducing natural elements, like grapevine balls, dogwood branches and pampas grass is an easy way to evoke that spring feeling.
Start with a Neutral Base
When choosing your outdoor containers, stay within the color palette of the exterior of your home. By using neutral tones for these foundational pieces, your eye will automatically be drawn to the “pop” of color in your blossoms of choice. We can help you pick out the perfect potted plant that includes pothos, ferns, gardenia plants and so much more.
Gather in Groups
One of the best ways to get that Pinterest design effect is to stick with a few key elements and weave them throughout your entire spring decor. Create warmth and aesthetic appeal with pot groupings – we love using baskets and different size pots. Fill these with moss and greenery and you’re all set!
Door Decor
A conversation about front porch decorating isn’t complete without dressing up your doorway. Your front door is the perfect backdrop to hang your favorite spring flowers. This year, we are seeing a rise in popularity of traditional wreaths with groupings of everlasting succulents, ferns, mosses and natural elements. Tired of wreaths? Our expert designers can put together the perfect spring flower basket to display.
The only limitation to spring decor is your imagination, so let us help you make it a reality!
Everyone enjoys a thoughtful gift. Our Administrative Professionals’ Collection is full of affordable and attractive desktop options for every budget. Simply stop by any of our stores or order online and we will deliver on your behalf.
Did you miss Good Morning Arkansas?
Our Chris Norwood showed Todd Yakoubian of KATV Channel 7 a few of his favorite picks for Administrative Professionals’ Day. If you missed the segment, we have all the details here on our blog! Chris and Todd Yakoubian discussed the numerous options that are available for gift-giving during Administrative Professionals’ Week. This season’s desktop favorites include colorful blooms and organic terrariums. This is a perfect gift for a small space! Terrariums are easy to care for and long lasting. These thoughtful gifts are sure to be treasured.
Terrariums are affordable and attractive. Our terrariums start at $27 for the small size and go up to $55 for the larger size. Terrariums are just a few of our current favorites for Administrative Professionals’ Week. Another gift idea that Chris showed during Good Morning Arkansas was the Got a Gerber arrangement. This arrangement is a best seller and an attractive addition to any desk. The Got a Gerber arrangement is tall and narrow, making it an ideal arrangement for a small space.
What is the Most Popular Gift?
Our most popular Administrative Professionals’ Week gift is the Tipton Hurst Delight. This gift includes a bright 4″ blooming plant, a box of cookies, and a box of tea. This joyful arrangement begins at $30 for the standard size and is also available in a Deluxe version at $40 or our Premium size at $55.
Bold n’ Beautiful is the best selling arrangement at Tipton & Hurst. This gorgeous clutch arrangement is rich with color! When you want to make a statement, go with the Bold n’ Beautiful arrangement.
We carry local products!
A local favorite in Arkansas and beyond are LUX Candles. These heavenly candles are long lasting and are famous for their decorative boxes. No need to gift wrap these beautiful candles! Our current LUX Candle fragrances include Blue Hydrangea, French Lavender, Grapefruit Candle, Orange Blossom, Veranda, White River, Cape Jasmine, Lover’s Lane, and Shine. Come in and see us at Tipton & Hurst and find your favorite!
We deliver!
We want to make gift-giving as easy as possible for our customers. Our delivery option is fast and reliable. Everything that we do at Tipton & Hurst is 100% Satisfaction Guaranteed. We want our customers to know that we stand behind everything we create. Customer satisfaction is our top priority.
Where is Tipton & Hurst located?
We have four locations to serve you. We are located in the Heights area of Little Rock, Conway, Baptist Hospital, and in North Little Rock. Give us a call at 501-666-3333 and let us help you make this Administrative Professional Week memorable for you and your staff.
2017 has arrived, and this year is already shaping up to be a hot one in the floral industry. From exciting new color palettes to creative new textures, here are some trends to watch for this year.
Color My World
Pantone recently announced their pick for the 2017 ‘Color of the Year,’ and this year’s winner is one that ties in extremely well to the floral industry. In fact, the name itself – Greenery – is something that florists use every day!
According to Leatrice Eiseman, Executive Director of the Pantone Color Institute, the newly crowned Greenery is ‘nature’s neutral’ and is symbolic of new beginnings.
“Greenery bursts forth in 2017 to provide us with the reassurance we year for amid a tumultuous social and political environment. Satisfying our growing desire to rejuvenate and revitalize, Greenery symbolizes the reconnection we seek with nature, one another and a larger purpose,” Eiseman said.
Greenery is a very versatile color that is considered “trans-seasonal” and thus lends itself to many complementary floral color combinations, including last year’s co-colors of the year, Serenity, and Rose Quartz.
A Twist of Modern and Antiquity
Each fall, the Society of American Florists previews some trends in the floral industry that they think will be at the top of every fashion-forward list for the upcoming year. This time, SAF identified four trends to watch for in 2017.
Photo by SAF
The French Connection – This trend is all about the beauty and romance that surrounds the French culture. Thoughts of cobblestone streets and quaint countryside cottages were the inspiration for this trend which features a color palette of reds with hints of chocolate, burnt orange, golden yellows, sage grey-greens, charcoal and muted pink. Featured flowers include multi-petaled blooms such as garden roses and peonies combined with textured berries in aged metallic pedestal containers and distressed ceramic vases.
The Force of Nature – The focus of this trend is all about our love for nature and the connection we have within in our lives. Bright teals, ocean blues, and mossy greens, blend flawlessly with muted gray undertones in this nautical-inspired palette. Natural textures such as driftwood, sea glass and shells complete the trend with featured flowers including delphinium, hyacinth, veronica, and Nigella.
Modern Wonders – This dynamic trend stresses simplicity. A blend of modern, sophisticated lines with furnishings from other cultures and metallic finishes; this trend unites young and old with a fresh new approach. Featured colors of this trend include plum red, lavender, taupe, gray and copper with floral selections including bold single blooms or uniquely shaped flowers like Protea, red ginger, cymbidium orchids and muted lavender rose shades.
Into the Jungle – The final trend is an untamed, wild mix of jungle-inspired colors that excites the senses in a classic departure from more formal, muted palettes. Bright shades of orange, yellow and green mix with animal prints, hand-woven baskets, and hand-carved wooden vases, highlighted with tropical flowers and foliage including bamboo, moss, and cork.
Wedding Trends
In addition to the new trends in floral design, weddings also play an instrumental role in determining what’s hot and what’s not for the upcoming year. While each wedding is unique and the design choices are ultimately determined by the wedding party and their florists, certain trends signal a preview of what brides will be asking for in 2017.
Organic and natural is one of the top wedding trends for 2017, and loose, unstructured arrangements are becoming a popular choice for many of this year’s brides as many choose cascading bouquets that appear to flow like a floral waterfall.
Those with tastes leaning in the opposite direction may opt for a simple, more traditional round bouquet with bold eye-catching colors. Some brides may elect to take that simplicity a step further with bouquets consisting of only one to three flowers for a dynamic effect.
Of course, there are also the giant, oversized statement bouquets which have been popular in recent years. That trend has been strong for a while and shows no signs of slowing down anytime soon.
Whatever your style dictates, and however your tastes decide, consider giving some of this year’s floral trends a try, or better yet, start a trend of your own! We’re here to help you find the perfect bouquet for any occasion, and our design team will be happy to work with you to help make your world beautiful in 2017!
It’s that time of year once again – summer vacations are winding down and school is back in session (or will be very soon). Whether you’re excited about this time or year or are already missing the hustle and bustle of summer activities, it’s an excellent opportunity to start anew. It’s a special time of year with a clean slate or new memories to be made and new friendships to formed, so why not take the time to celebrate the occasion – and what better way to celebrate than with flowers?
No matter what you role you play in the start of a new school year, there are plenty of opportunities to spread some cheer with some fresh flowers or plants. Here are a few ideas:
Apples are so cliché
Why does nearly every illustration of a classroom depict a big, juicy apple on top of the teacher’s desk? It may be a nice gesture in theory, but in reality, it pales in comparison to a beautiful bouquet of flowers! Even better would be a lovely green plant that would last the entire year.
Argenta by Tipton & Hurst
It takes a village
Most people immediately think of teachers when they think of school, but it takes a finely tuned machine comprised of dozens (or even hundreds) of people to make a school run smoothly. From bus drivers to librarians and administrators to custodians – and everyone in between; there are many behind-the-scenes areas where people spend their time. Why not make these spaces special with some pretty petals?
Empty nest? Fill it with flowers
With kids back at school, the house is probably a lot quieter this time of year – which makes this an excellent reason to treat mom and dad to some beautiful flowers. They’ll appreciate the gesture and it’s a nice way of saying thanks for all their time spent on summer activities. Conversely, if you have older students leaving home for school, what better way to warm up their dorm or apartment with beautiful flowers and plants?
Whatever the reason, flowers are the perfect way to make someone’s day a little brighter. Tipton & Hurst can help you find the perfect gift for any occasion, whether it’s school-related, a birthday or anniversary, or just something out of the blue. Give us a call today – we’ll take care of the rest.
Thursday (October 16th) is National Bosses’ Day, which makes it the perfect opportunity to send your supervisor a gift from Tipton & Hurst! We specialize in exclusive, custom gifts and arrangements that will be sure to brighten anyone’s day. If you need assistance determining which present will suit your boss the best, don’t worry! We have fantastic collections for you to browse. Read More 4 Gift Ideas for National Bosses’ Day!
TIPTON HURST EXPANDS WITH
NEW WEST LITTLE ROCK LOCATION
Little Rock, AR, 7.30.2014 – Tipton Hurst, Arkansas’ oldest and largest florist is expanding with a new location in West Little Rock located within The Promenade at Chenal shopping center.
The new Tipton Hurst store will be located in the former Coldwater Creek space at the front of The Promenade main entrance. The store is expected to open mid to late September 2014 and will offer a unique array of seasonal and holiday focused décor, floral arrangements, gifts and more. Special creative learning seminars will also be offered for the DIY customer later in the year.
“A seasonal Tipton Hurst location at The Promenade is a perfect addition just in time for our holiday shoppers. We are proud to have them join us for what we hope will be a very exciting end to 2014. ” Linda Hinton, General Manager, The Promenade at Chenal
Coldwater Creek vacated The Promenade at Chenal with the recent Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing of Coldwater Creek, Inc. that instituted the closure of all 365 stores in the company portfolio.
About Tipton Hurst
Since 1886, Tipton & Hurst has been constantly evolving, innovating, and raising our own expectations, all with the goal of satisfying yours. Tipton & Hurst was built on a foundation of family — meaning we put our name on everything we do. With that in mind, we work to make sure that every plant, every flower, every gift, and every interaction meet the Tipton & Hurst standard of excellence.
With an award-winning team and vast resources that include our own wholesale warehouse and a network of the premier suppliers around the world, Tipton & Hurst continues to work hard to make sure that you, your friends and your family always get our best.
About The Promenade at Chenal
The Promenade at Chenal is a 303,000 square-foot open-air lifestyle center located in the Chenal Valley Neighborhood of west Little Rock, Arkansas. The shopping center is home to a variety of upscale national, regional and local merchants, many of which are first or only to the market, such as Apple, Anthropologie, Nike Factory Store and J Crew. In addition to the shopping, visitors will find an array of dining and entertainment options, including the Chenal 9 Theatres with IMAX.
Each Year Google selects one business and one city from every state to feature in their Economic Impact Report. This year, Tipton Hurst is proud to announce that we were selected to represent the state of Arkansas. We are more than honored to have such a company recognize our online marketing and e-commerce efforts.
Google came into our store in May to take pictures and interview President and CEO, Howard Hurst about his use of Google within his business and the efforts of his staff to create Tipton Hurst’s online presence. While in the interview Howard said “[The Internet] is how people find you today, whether they’re on the next block or overseas” and “People will email us or contact us and say, ‘I’m overseas,’ even service members in Iraq and Afghanistan. We get them emailing us and saying, ‘Hey, I found you online and I’m looking at your website.” How awesome is that?! With the help of Google and the internet a local business is able to send flowers around the world!
Our customers deserve a HUGE thank you for all of your loyalty and support. Without you all there would be no marketing, no e-commerce and no Tipton Hurst. We know that you have a choice when sending flowers and we are so thankful that you place your trust in us to handle all of your floral needs.
You can read the full story on Tipton Hurst and view the Economic Report Below.
Family owned and operated since 1886, Tipton Hurst has spent more than a century working toward delivering customer service that exceeds customer expectations. With every sale, every customer interaction, and every plant, flower or gift that leaves our store, our goal has always been perfection. Because at Tipton & Hurst, we understand your satisfaction is vital to our success!
This month marks 128 wonderful years of service to central Arkansas and our customers around the world! We at Tipton Hurst view being the area’s oldest florist as an honor and we are excited about what the coming years will bring! We are so excited, in fact, that we had to celebrate with our customers. So, starting this month come in to any Tipton Hurst location and receive up to 90% off on select home decor, mesh, wire frames and silks. Come see us and take advantage of these great savings!
In fact, in 1986 President Ronald Reagan signed a resolution making the rose the national floral emblem. As a part of that resolution President Reagan said “Americans have always loved the flowers with which God decorates our land. More often than any other flower, we hold the rose dear as the symbol of life and love and devotion, of beauty and eternity. For the love of man and woman, for the love of mankind and God, for the love of country, Americans who would speak the language of the heart do so with a rose.” With that said, Americans have communicated feelings via roses for a number of years. However, did you know that different colors of roses mean different things? Here are just a few:
Red : Love, Beauty, Courage and Respect
White: Purity and Innocence
Pink : Appreciation, “Thank You” and Admiration
Yellow: Joy, Gladness and Friendship
Yellow with Red Tips: Falling in Love
Orange: Desire, Enthusiasm
Peach: Appreciation, Sincerity and Gratitude, Closing The Deal
Lavender: Love at first sight
Could you imagine showing up to a final business meeting with lavender roses instead of peach roses? That would just be awful.
So once you’ve bought the correct roses, how do you arrange them?
Look no further, our own Chris Norwood was on television this past week giving advice. Check it out!
On Sunday, May 11, more phone calls will be made than on any day of the year. In the days both prior and after, hand-written cards will zoom across the nation to land in mail boxes at childhood homes. And flowers galore will travel from florist to doorstep, bringing smiles to the faces of mothers everywhere.
This year marks the centennial anniversary of when President Woodrow Wilson signed a measure officially establishing the second Sunday in May as Mother’s Day. While this holiday had been celebrated long before 1914, it serves a national recognition of how important our mothers are to us.
Are you prepared to show how important your mother is to you? This year, give more than a phone call. Below, we have the top 5 Mother’s Day gifts. While your voice and presence is sure to be enough for your mother, it never hurts to send her a beautiful surprise in the days leading up to Mother’s Day, just something to say “Thank you for everything.”
1. The Morning Sunshine
A perfect gift for the woman who motivated you out of bed every morning for school, the Morning Sunshine arrangement is a stunning bouquet of yellow roses, blue hydrangeas and white stock held in a blue glass vase. And with a hand-written note saying thanks for all those morning wake-up calls, it’s sure to add brightness to her home and a smile to her face. And when you order the $99 arrangement from Tipton & Hurst, get it $20 when you use promo code MD14.
2. Bold ‘N Beautiful
Is there a better way to describe moms? For the woman who can easily shift between sophisticated hostess to mama grizzly bear protecting her cubs, get her a bouquet of flowers that perfectly matches her personality. The Bold ‘N Beautiful bouquet holds a stunning collection of colorful gerber daisies, red roses, lilies and stock in a glass cube vase. It’s like bringing an elegant explosion of color that will undoubtedly make this Mother’s Day one to remember.
3. European Garden Basket
Mother’s Day comes at the most beautiful time of the year. Spring has been busy blooming and summer’s heat hasn’t gotten a hold of the outdoors yet, so nature is all pretty pastels, verdant green and huge blossoms. For this Mother’s Day, bring your mom a piece of that beauty with blooming plants she can keep long past May 11. You can have the blooms delivered in a garden basket in an assortment of brilliant colors, bringing the best of the season to your mother’s home.
4. Scents Baskets
Is your mother something of a smell freak? Is she into gifts she can really use? She may love flowers, but when it comes to scent products, there’s along list of gifts you can choose from. If that’s the case, then go with a gift basket overflowing with sweet and soothing scents. If she’s looking to aromatize her home, get her a candle collection basket. If she wants to aromatize her style, send her a Rose Water basket. Or go with Sorbet by Aromatique basket, a dreamy assortment of candles, fragrance sprays, votives, diffuser oils and potpourri. Regardless of which you choose, any of these baskets will be sure to lift her senses and her spirit.
5. Orchids
Orchids symbolize perfection, because of their symmetry and the straight lines of their petals. During the Victorian era, orchids were considered a luxurious gift, since they could only be grown in the Tropics. And in Japan, orchids were treasured by the royalty and seen as a
symbol of wealth. So can you think of a better gift to give you mother? Get her a double stemmed phalaenopsis orchid with air plants, set in a ceramic container, showing just how special and perfect she is to you.
We know Mother’s Day is more than a holiday, it’s a day of saying “Thank you” and “I love you” and “I wouldn’t be here at all without you.” So we ensure every gift we design and deliver receives a motherly dose of care and attention. Any of the gifts listed above can be bought at Tipton & Hurst’s locations or online. And if you live in Arkansas but your mother lives far away, we won’t charge you the extra wire fee for delivery (use promo code FREEWIRE at checkout). We’ll still make sure she feels your love even from afar.
It is not easy to experience a loss. Even if the deceased was not of direct relative of yours, but a friend, it is still a difficult time. There is usually uncertainty of what to say or do when someone you know experiences the passing of a loved one. You want to show them you care and are thinking of them, but at the same time, you want to give them space to breathe. It is always important to show support and encouragement during this time and flowers express your sympathy beautifully.
But what are the rules for sending funeral flowers? Is there a proper etiquette you should be aware of when it comes to what types of flowers to send and when to send them? And what about instances where the deceased is cremated?
If you’ve found yourself asking those questions, you’re in the right place.
The Personal Touch
To start off, when it comes to sending floral arrangements, always add a personal touch. When you send flowers, be sure to send a short note expressing sympathy and support. They don’t have to be long letters, just something as short and sweet as “Thinking of you during this hard time,” is enough. It depends on how well you know the deceased’s loved ones. It is always best to attend the funeral if you can. Many funerals are private matters for the family and close relatives, but there will often be memorials or viewings of the body for more people to pay their respect. It is always good to appear at these times, even if you already sent flowers. A personal touch provides warmth and encouragement to the family, enhancing the gift you send.
What Kind of Funeral Flowers Do I Send
When it comes to picking the type of flower arrangement to send, get an arrangement that matches the deceased’s personality. Feel free to be creative and let the flowers stand out by including the deceased’s favorite flower, favorite color or photos and ornaments. Tipton & Hurst can add ribbons with the deceased’s name or relation to you (such as “friend,” “mentor,” “uncle”, it makes a nice touch). You can plan it out together with your floral designer if you’re unsure how it should look. It shows you went the extra step for the family. But don’t feel obligated to personalize it if you did not know the deceased very well. Traditional arrangements include roses both red and white, sprays you can lay on the coffin and standing sprays that can be arranged around the coffin.
As for what kind of color of flower to send, like we mentioned before, it is creative to incorporate the deceased’s favorite color or something that matches his or her personality. However, if you didn’t know the deceased well enough, you might be hesitant about what kind of colors to send. Colors convey messages all on their own. White communicates tranquility, serenity and purity. They also evoke strong senses of humility, reverence and modesty, always a classical choice. Pink is more of a feminine color that signifies grace and gentility. Yellow is a strong symbol of friendship and caring, and communicates hope. It is all right to send red roses as well; red captures the essence of strength and courage (they’re not just for Valentine’s Day).
Where and When to Send the Flowers
It is acceptable to send flowers as soon as you learn of the death. Sometimes you learn the same day as the deceased passes, sometimes you don’t learn until after the funeral. Even if you do learn of the death after the funeral, it’s still perfectly fine to send flowers to the family’s home. There are no set rules for whether to send your flowers to the family’s house or the funeral home. Flowers in the home are good reminders to the family that others are thinking about them during their time of grieving. If you decide to send to a funeral home, check with the funeral home to see what kinds of vases they take. Some do not take glass vases, as they are likely to shatter when dropped. Most funeral homes recommend that flower shops have the flowers delivered two hours prior to the service. Please, keep this in mind for orders that are delivered to the funeral home.
Can I Still Send Flowers When I See “In Lieu Of”?
If the deceased’s family requests in the death notice a charitable donation or “In Lieu Of”, it is still acceptable to send flowers. It is also advisable to make a donation or follow whatever the “In Lieu Of” states, but do not feel guilty for sending flowers as well. They still express support and sympathy during this tough time. And it shows the family you went the extra step as well.
What About Cremations?
We definitely still encourage you to send flowers to funeral ceremonies where the deceased was cremated. You can send flowers to the family’s house or the venue where the ceremony will be held. Treat it like you would a traditional funeral.
Feel free to reach out to us if you have questions or concerns about what kind of flowers to send. We can help you decide which way is best for expressing your support and provide our experience in what to communicate.
Prom season is upon us. Mark your calendar. Grab your tickets. Gas up the limo. Schedule the hair stylist. Find the perfect shoes. Call in dinner reservations. Make sure you have a date.
And don’t forget the corsage and boutonniere.
Prom has become a massive part of American culture — a rite of passage, almost. There are so many things to consider and plan for: shopping for that one-of-a-kind dress, tux fitting, saving up for the limo, making dinner reservations, telling all of your friends where to meet. It’s so exciting, and yet hectic, it’s easy to forget about one of the most traditional and classic parts: your corsage and boutonniere.
Make no mistake; those two little flower arrangements you wear to prom have been around a whole lot longer than prom itself. The Ancient Greeks used to wear them to ward off evil spirits. As it relates to prom, the tradition began when men picked up their dates for the evening. Each man would have a bouquet they would present their date with, then take a blossom from the bouquet and pin it to her dress around the bodice or on the shoulder. As dress styles have shifted in the past years, moving toward strapless and spaghetti straps, the corsages are now more commonly worn on the wrist.
For those who are first-time prom attendees, corsages might be a little confusing. What color do you go with? How much should you pay? Who pays for it? And when should you get it?
Here are some tips from the florist experts themselves:
What do corsages cost? And who pays?
Generally, corsages can run more than $25. The price increases if the corsage requires customization and add-ons. The rule of thumb for purchasing a corsage is to expect to pay 10 percent of the dress’s cost. It is traditional for the male date to purchase the corsage and the female date to purchase the boutonniere. That being said, the female typically still picks out the corsage and boutonniere designs to ensure they match each other and your outfits.
What color or type of corsage should I get?
Nowadays, modern corsages come in an amazing variety of styles. The color of your corsage should match the color of the dress or contrast the outfit. Rather it should enhance the outfit. That being said, choosing the color is only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to your corsage. The first thing to do is select how you will wear the corsage (read further down for traditional styles for corsage-wear), is to pick out the pin or ribbon. At Tipton & Hurst, we have a whole wall dedicated to ribbons and bracelets in dozens of different styles, from silver chains that wrap around your wrist to gold bracelets encrusted with jewels. The variety is almost limitless. Once you have the flower and pin/bracelet/ribbon chosen, you can also add on accessories, such as small sprays, jewels, feathers, bows and so much more. While corsages may have been simplistic in the past, it’s definitely now in style to go flashy and big. No matter what your style, whether you’re into Great Gatsby classic or big purple everything, Tipton & Hurst can help you find the design perfect for you.
When should I start shopping? When should I pick up the corsage?
As mentioned before it’s important to have your dressed picked out before you decide on your corsage, since the flower arrangement will be complimenting the dress. It’s good to start shopping early, but don’t worry about going months early. It’s best to order your corsage at least a week before your prom night. Especially if you have a customized corsage, you’ll want to give the florist plenty of time to make it. As for picking up the corsage, this will occur the day of prom since it a live flower arrangement and you want it to be fresh.
Do I have to wear it on my wrist?
With today’s fashions, it’s most common to see corsages worn on the wrist. However, it’s not your only option. They can be worn in a variety of ways; it depends on what looks best with your dress. The most traditional way to wear a corsage is actually on the bodice of your dress close to your shoulder, but you’ll only want this if your dress has sleeves. There are also corsages that you can pin to your hair. However, this depends on the style of your hair. If you do wear a hair corsage, be sure to let your hairstylist know before he or she starts to style your hair. Another option is a clutch corsage. This is for those who don’t want to wear flowers, but still want to be in on the tradition. There are corsages you can pin to your clutch or purse. It’s definitely different, but still adds a touch of panache. If you do decide to not go with a wrist corsage, you can still add accessories and extra flair regardless of where you place it. Tipton & Hurst has several gorgeous pins that are noticeable and make a great statement.
What about the boutonniere?
Boutonnieres are similar to the corsage in color and style and are worn by the male date. While the color and flower of the boutonniere matches the corsage, the boutonniere is much more simple and usually only has one flower. They are pinned to his jacket’s left lapel just above the heart with the stem facing down and flower facing up. They should be ordered and picked up at the same time as the corsage.
It’s always a good idea to talk to your florist about your corsage. Be sure to come by Tipton & Hurst this prom season to visit our corsage bar, where you can hands-on design your own unique corsage and boutonniere.
Check out Chris Norwood’s TV appearances to learn more about the latest trends for Prom this year.
We are all ready to hear the song of spring in the Natural State. Follow along as Chris Norwood creates an enchanting spring wreath. Watch closely, and you’ll have the tools you need to build your very own spring showstopper. Give the birds in your neighborhood something to sing about!
Start with a wire wreath form and attach wide burlap ribbon along the inside of the form, using the form’s “twisty-ties” to secure the ribbon to the form. Continue incorporating ribbon in a regular repeating pattern until the desired texture and density is achieved. Next, give your wreath some personality by adding a shapely material, such as grapevine. Using the “twisty-ties” on the form, secure these accents evenly across the wreath’s visible surface.
With this foundation, you’re ready to add quirky touches and express your uniqueness. Chris uses silk dogwood stems to add a crisp white color with lots of texture. He embellishes by bending them into “perfectly imperfect” natural shapes, weaving the branches in and out along the wreath form. Try using florist wire to secure unruly branches. Chris also points out that using wire will allow you to easily retrofit the wreath for future holidays and seasons.
Chris chose to incorporate bird nests at varying intervals. These “ornaments” pair perfectly with the natural moss ribbon which is added next.
Watch the video to get inspired for spring! Chris’ wreath design should get you thinking about making your very own wreath. What’s your favorite part of this season? Chances are you won’t have to look far for a unique inspiration. Once you’ve found your inspiration, visit Tipton & Hurst! We have everything you’ll need to design the perfect spring wreath. Shop now and save 25% on our premium selection of permanent botanicals!
Try adding flowers to your morning routine for a quick mood boost. Photo courtesy of Flower Power. Some rights reserved
Some people are naturally “morning people.” They wake up in a great mood, ready to tackle the day with a smile on their face and a song in their heart. I would venture to say, however, that most people are not inclined to cheerfulness in the AM. But there may be hope! A study at Harvard University showed that flowers may help some people feel “happier and more energetic” at the start of the day.
“The morning blahs, it turns out, is a real phenomenon, with positive moods – happiness, friendliness and warmth, for example – manifesting much later in the day,” says lead researcher Nancy Etcoff, Ph.D.“Interestingly, when we placed a small bouquet of flowers into their morning routines, people perked up.”
So, putting a some fresh flowers in your kitchen or bathroom or wherever you spend time during your morning routine can help kick start the day. I don’t think I’ll be getting rid of my coffee maker any time soon but this sounds like an easy way to get even more mileage from that cup of joe.
A good mood can be contagious so adding flowers to your home can even help your co-workers.
“What I find interesting is that by starting the day in a more positive mood, you are likely to transfer those happier feelings to others – it’s what is called mood contagion,” says Etcoff. “And, the kitchen is the place where families tend to gather in the morning – imagine how big a difference a better morning mood can make.”
How would you like to brighten the day of at least 12 people with one simple gesture? All you need is a dozen roses (or any flower for that matter) and the desire to make some fellow humans happy.
Instructions:
Give a dozen roses to someone — it could be someone you know or a total stranger — but tell them there is a condition for receiving the flowers. Instruct them to keep a single rose and give the remaining 11 roses to someone else. That person should then keep one rose and give the remaining 10 to someone else with the same instructions and so on.
It’s that simple. Not only do the recipients get the joy of an unexpected gift, they also get the added pleasure of making someone else’s day by giving an unexpected gift.
Obviously, you don’t have to limit yourself to 12 roses. The more you start with, the more happiness you can spread!
Hand-tied bouquet of fresh flowers. Photo Courtesy Society of American Florists www.aboutflowers.com
You probably don’t need a scientist to tell you that receiving flowers makes people feel good. But did you know that there’s a scientific research that backs this up? It’s not necessarily the gift-giving that boosts your mood but the flowers themselves that are a natural mood enhancers.
Jeannette Haviland-Jones, Ph.D., professor of psychology and director director of the Emotions Laboratory at Rutgers University has spent a lot of time researching the way that flowers make us happy, as well as make us generally more satisfied with life.
“Common sense tells us that flowers make us happy,” says Dr. Haviland-Jones. “Now, science shows that not only do flowers make us happier than we know, they have strong positive effects on our emotional well being.”
A study by Nancy Etcoff, Ph.D., of Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, found that people feel more compassionate toward others, have less anxiety, and feel less depressed when they have flowers in their home.
“As a psychologist, I’m particularly intrigued to find that people who live with flowers report fewer episodes of anxiety and depressed feelings,” Dr. Etcoff says.
What does this mean for you? If you are feeling blue, buy some flowers! You don’t have to wait for someone to give them to you. Keep a fresh arrangement or two (or more!) in your house not only to beautify your house but to for lasting mood enhancer.
And if you know someone who is feeling down or just had a bad day, give them the gift of a better mood. It doesn’t have to be anything extravagant, a simple bunch of fresh flowers will do the trick!
Flower arrangement in a decorative, reusable pitcher. Courtesy of Society of American Florists, aboutflowers.com
Flowers make wonderful gifts, no matter the occasion, but their beauty is temporary. All fresh flower arrangements will eventually whither and die, even if you follow your florist’s recommendations for keeping them looking good. There are alternatives, however, that still have the beauty of flowers but are less temporary.
If you really want to give fresh flowers—they are always a good gift after all—consider the container in which they are arranged. You don’t have to use a standard glass vase. Container choices are as endless as the flowers they hold. Your florist likely has teacups, coffee cups, bamboo pots, baskets, ceramic vessels, silver bowls, and other less-than-traditional containers already on hand.
There’s no reason to limit your creativity to what is in the floral shop, however. Your florist can most likely order anything you can dream up, with a little notice, and may even let you bring your own container to use for an arrangement. Here are some idea’s to get your creative juices flowing:
A flask or beaker for a doctor/researcher/lab technician
Pyrex measuring cup for a cook or baker
A Mason jar for someone with a country decor or someone who likes to make preserves
A silver ice bucket for a wine lover (maybe include a bottle of champagne if the occasion calls for it)
A watering can for a gardener
Another option to consider is giving a plant instead of fresh flowers. Plants can last for years with proper care and can remind the recipient of your generosity every time he or she looks at it. Whether the plant is intended to live in a pot inside the home or be planted in the yard, some are easier to take care of than others so talk to your florist about the best plant for the recipient of your gift, as well as the occasion.
With a little outside-of-the-box thinking (a wooden box might make a good container!) you can come up with a gift that is both beautiful and long-lasting. Don’t be afraid to ask your florist to help you come up with the perfect container or plant to make your gift memorable. After all, that’s what they are here for!
The second in a series of three wedding-bouquet tutorials.
Chris Norwood, AIFD and VP of Tipton Hurst, creates a “modern” bouquet that focuses on the concept of “color blocking.”
Next in the series: a bit of a twist on the “traditional” bouquet.
Color My World
Modern Wonders – This dynamic trend stresses simplicity. A blend of modern, sophisticated lines with furnishings from other cultures and metallic finishes; this trend unites young and old with a fresh new approach. Featured colors of this trend include plum red, lavender, taupe, gray and copper with floral selections including bold single blooms or uniquely shaped flowers like Protea, red ginger, cymbidium orchids and muted lavender rose shades.
It’s that time of year once again – summer vacations are winding down and school is back in session (or will be very soon). Whether you’re excited about this time or year or are already missing the hustle and bustle of summer activities, it’s an excellent opportunity to start anew. It’s a special time of year with a clean slate or new memories to be made and new friendships to formed, so why not take the time to celebrate the occasion – and what better way to celebrate than with flowers?
