Flower Factor: A Lifestyle Blog From Aboutflowers.com

Mother’s Day is Sunday, May 14. It’s no surprise flowers are a popular gift for mom! There is nothing like a gift of flowers to show mom she is special and appreciated. The beauty and ephemeral nature of flowers are a unique investment in memories. According to research, 77 percent of women can remember the last time they received flowers. Plus, receiving flowers — and just being around flowers — have so many wonderful emotional health benefits. A study by Rutgers University shows flowers create instant delight and increase enjoyment and life satisfaction. Who wouldn’t want that for mom?

How do you pick the best flowers for mom? That’s easy. Call your local professional florist who can customize the flowers to match your mom’s personality and style. Here are some ideas:

Colorful Mom: She brings fun and energy wherever she goes.

Trendy Mom: She deserves flowers that are as cool as she is.

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This year, St. Patrick’s Day falls on a Friday. No matter how the leprechauns are celebrating — from a low-key corned beef and cabbage family dinner at home to a shamrockin’ party — floral gifts and decorations add to the merriment.

Start the countdown to St. Patrick’s Day by treating yourself to flowers on your office desk. They’ll keep your spirits up through the workweek until the Friday night festivities.

Photo Courtesy Leanne and David Kesler, Floral Design Institute, Inc., in Portland, Oregon

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What a year! We had a blast showing the country how good it feels to give and receive flowers through “Petal It Forward.” We showed how flowers are a small, yet powerful gesture for recognizing achievements. We celebrated exciting wedding and event party trends, a long romantic Valentine’s Day weekend and even Super Bowl Sunday. Thank you to our contributors for sharing their expertise. And a great big thanks to YOU for reading and sharing our ideas on all things floral.

And now, please enjoy this trip down memory lane as we look back at the top Flower Factor posts of 2016:

Flowers Create Connection: In response to new data reaffirming the science behind flowers’ ability to improve moods and lessen anxiety, the Society of American Florists and florists nationwide hit the streets on October 19 in 234 cities in all 50 states to hand out tens of thousands of flower bouquets to busy commuters. This “Petal It Forward” effort was meant to not only brighten the day of those receiving the bouquets, but recipients were also given a second bouquet to share with someone who needed a lift.

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Poinsettias are a traditional holiday plant that bring color and life to home décor. They last the whole season and are harbingers of spring plants to come. Here are some interesting facts about the poinsettia.

• John Quincy Adams is responsible for bringing the poinsettia to America. Joel Roberts Poinsett introduced the poinsettia to the United States in 1825, but it was JQA who appointed Poinsett as our first ambassador to Mexico.
• December 12th is National Poinsettia Day and was established in 1851 to honor Joel Roberts Poinsett. Read More

Fiery-hued leaves, cinnamon spiced cider, cornstalks, snuggly sweaters, shiny rain boots and pumpkin flavored EVERYTHING! Did you know? There are Pumpkin Spice Cherrios. (Really!) This is the time of year to gather together with friends and family. With the shorter daylight hours and colder temperatures, there is nothing better than entertaining at home. Cozy evenings by the fire, casual dinners and fabulous feasts are in order. And, Thanksgiving is just around the corner.

Autumn entertaining always sounds great. Then, reality sets in. Is the house ready? When was the last time you dusted? Do you have the right hostess outfit? Can the guests wear shoes in the house? And, in today’s jargon, are you “Instagram” ready?

Take a deep breath. With these simple tips, you’ll be ready for Thanksgiving in no time. Read More