Flower Factor: A Lifestyle Blog From Aboutflowers.com

Thanksgiving is a time when families gather, feasts are prepared, and we say our final goodbye to the growing season before winter covers the ground in a blanket of white.

There is something comforting about this autumn holiday as it provides time to pause and reflect on our surroundings and brings family and friends to the gathering table.

As you prepare for Thanksgiving, you’ll want to make sure flowers are part of your celebration. This time of year offers a variety of textural blossoms in rich tones of golden yellow, velvety burgundy and deep oranges.

Sunflowers, roses, chrysanthemums, lilies and alstroemeria are widely available this time of year and range in almost every color of an autumn sunset.

Combining these harvest favorites in vintage or rustic containers with accents of bittersweet or rose hips make for interesting centerpieces perfectly fit for a traditional Thanksgiving table.

But what if your style and tastes take you in a different direction?  Read More

With little ghosts and goblins trick-or-treating and adults enjoying special witch’s brew, flowers are a must for Halloween décor and gifts.

Festive fall floral arrangements designed in pumpkins are the spooktacular traditional option for celebrating Halloween. The addition of fun-size candy makes this floral arrangement a perfect conversation starter for party guests of all ages.

Be sure to display pumpkin floral arrangements on plate or platters to protect furniture surfaces and avoid placing them near heat sources or drafty areas.  Read More

Fall by far is my favorite time of year with the cooler temperatures, leaves changing colors, pumpkins, pumpkin spice latte and all the fun ways to celebrate the season with flowers. Here are some trendy looks for fall arrangements.

Flowers in traditional fall colors arranged with traditional fall accents like figs, corn and other vegetables make a classic floral gift.

Even soft colors can look natural for fall, like this lush garden arrangement.

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One of the things on my bucket list was to go to the Kentucky Derby, and I was lucky enough to get the opportunity last year. And boy, I was not disappointed!

As a floral designer, I have always been excited by the tradition of the Garland of Roses presented to the winner. I had no idea about all the other flowers before, during and after the race.

The minute I got off the plane in Kentucky and walked into the terminal, we were greeted with every ticket area decorated with red roses.

On the moving escalator, a huge floral arrangement of probably 150 red roses lined the walkway every 10-ft. I counted about 24 arrangements! The red roses continued at the car rental desk, and the lobby of our hotel had flowers everywhere.  Read More

The second big color and design trend theme you’ll see this year is called “The Incarnation of Earth’s Elements.” This is the second in a four-part series.

With the Incarnation of Earth’s Elements, we see how the fundamental elements found in nature, such as minerals, fire, water, and wood are incorporated into our lifestyles. Today, many of us take time to invest in ourselves in living healthier. We may eat healthier and exercise more. One may also explore outdoor activities such as hiking and bike riding which provide a balance and an escape from our hectic daily work routines. It’s all about healing our spirits.

We have seen for several years now nature becoming a strong trend incorporated into our home and work places. The addition of natural products helps us keep in touch with nature rooting and connecting us with our environment. Interior plants such as orchids, callas and easy-care succulents will continue to see a rise in popularity. We also see in interior design elements from nature being mixed — metals with interesting grainy woods such as zebra or burl to marbles and stone with wood.

Colors explode with fiery reds, watery blues, vibrant grass greens that are occasionally soothed by the addition of some more neutral gray, chocolate and champagne gold.  Read More