It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas!

It's not that I am a Bah Humbug (cough) but as an adult, I have never really enjoyed Christmas. It was always tinged with family dynamics, sharing children, the stress of finding the right present or an overall sense of sadness. But as Albert Einstein said: The definition of Insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results. So let's switch it up and bit and see what we get!

To start with, I have brought Anne Turcic, a Christmas specialist, down from Canada to help out in the shop. She's more passionate about Christmas than Rudolf. Since she arrived, Anne's been decorating everything from 20' trees and wreaths for clients and creating and designing our now famous 2' trees. I am sure she'd decorate me if I stood still long enough! The air in the shop is festive and infectious. Fresh Magnolia Wreaths, lacquered in Antique Gold or Silver, hang on the wall. And there is a pile of pine wreaths excitedly waiting to be decorated. 

From large pine cones to mini me's (tinged in copper) and dried pomegranates...

to our new Christian Tortu vases filled with pink hydrangea and anthurium

Our new over sized blown glasses in copper and blue 

have bubbles of happiness captured in the blowing

Mini cymbidium orchids

Pine

Our rectangular vases with a hole in the middle are fun, funky and colourful

Tulips 

Anne brought down thousands of Christmas wreath and tree accents. 

I so want to take these owls home!

The white hydrangea is nothing short of stunning - it reminds me of snow

Amaryllis with copper asparagus

Buttercup yellow spray roses languish in a metal pail

Our reaction to the mini carnations was surprising. Sssshh. Don't tell.... we adore them! 

They sort of destroy all the preconceptions I have had about carnations. Hmmm. 

The Belle Fleur Candles are so beautifully fragrant. I have been doing a poll on people's favourite. And there's a complete art to smelling them you know! One has to waft the dome in front of your nose and like a wisp of air from a genie's lamp, the smell escapes! I have my favourite - what's yours?

Anethum graveolens

Lilac - its fragrance is so soft and beautiful...

Freesia

Gerbera

"Cabbage Roses"

Iris

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas! And suddenly, I just can't wait xox

A Season of Gratitude

One of the best things about Americans is they sure know how to celebrate. Thanksgiving Day defines the American Spirit of family, friends and giving thanks. It's as if time stops and arms are open wide. Homes are shared. The oven is positively bursting with a huge turkey slowly going golden brown. Unless you are a vegetarian of course. 

The flower arrangements that are being made for Thanksgiving mirror the change of seasons; the turning of the leaves, a sudden awareness of the air turning crisp. In the shop, Kirsteen has been designing the most exquisite table arrangements. The phone has been ringing with clients requesting flowers and foliage in browns, oranges and golds. There is a warmness in peoples' smiles as Thanksgiving approaches - as if we need this special day as a gentle nudge - a reminder of everything we have to be grateful for. 

 

Anthurium

Asparagus fern in Copper

Mustard Carnations

Amaryllis

Gerbera

                                                                            Gerbera

Double Lisianthus

Double Lisianthus

Double Lisianthus

Freesia

Fabulous Flowers on a Friday

What an awesome day in the shop... Kirsteen and Kati were out on site and I was left to my own devices. That's usually when I get into trouble! Instead the phone rang off the hook, guests came in to buy flowers, I sold one of Amanda's awesome paintings and yet I was still able to do some creative Christmas planning. It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas (but more on that later...).

But the best part... The items I purchased at the New York Gift Show in August have just begun to arrive.  By the truckload - I can't wait to unpack some of the new items we'll be offering as of next week. You really don't want to miss a thing!  If you're not watching the rugby, do come for a visit. We'd love to see you and share our love for flowers. xox

I so loved the white arrangement Kati did in one of the new large mercury vases. Tres chic!

These David Austen Garden Roses with red thorns deserve a whole post to themselves. 

Loved that the Anemones came in a Chinese Red

 - my neighbour, who is gently into her 80's would go mad for this colour.  

We often spend Friday nights walking the pups once back at her house 

together we solve the world's problems over a glass (or two) of Champagne and smoked salmon

Note to self: Send Hope a bouquet of Chinese Red Anemones, wrapped in our signature ribbon, and tied up with love

Even the Anthurium was tinged with red

Do we have seasons in Bemuda? 

So loved seeing these branches; it felt like I was bringing back a reminder from Central Park

The purple Dendrobium Orchids were bursting out of the container

And yellow Irises brightened the day 

and reminded me that summer will soon be here before we know it