Flower Power

Perhaps nothing quite lifts the spirits and makes you smile as quickly as flowers can which probably explains why weddings are so synonymous with beautiful blooms. From the bridal bouquets to the boutonnieres to the ceremony and reception décor, flowers have a dramatic impact. They make a statement; reflect your personal style and, well, they just make everyone happy!

So, along with BG’s resident flower (and budget) guru, Executive Editor Susan Schneider, I eagerly accepted an invitation from the Society of American Florists to attend “The Flower Factor,” an event featuring new tips and trends on, what else? flowers. We walked off the gray streets of NYC into a floral fantasy where room vignettes were set up featuring the most gorgeous array of colorful plants and flowers all created by Tim Farrell of Farrell's Florist in Drexel, PA. Already I could feel my spirits lift!

In each of the room vignettes we were introduced to some very impressive experts on how to incorporate flowers into your life. First up was Jeanne Benedict, host of DIY Network’s “Weekend Entertaining.” Jeanne is also a chef and the author of four books including “The Sophisticated Cookie” and “Celebrations”. Here’s Jeanne holding a gorgeous cascading bouquet:

Jeanne said that yellow, the happy color, is now the “It” shade, which makes perfect sense since the whole country could use mega doses of happiness right now. She also recommended that you consider a variety of textures or monochromatic hues in your floral arrangements to lend more interest. I also love this party tip from Jeanne which is perfect for dinner or drinks at home with your bridesmaids over for dinner or drinks: Select a flower based on each friend’s personality and place it on top of her napkin. (Go to aboutflowers.com to find out the meaning of each flower.) This is not only a great way to honor your friends but it’s also a thoughtful personal touch and a fun conversation starter. You can even attach a handwritten note to the stem with the flower’s meaning explained. Sweet! And take a look at some of these amazing bouquets. Can’t you just picture yourself carrying one of these beauties?

In the next room setting, we met Kelli Ellis who appears on TLC’s “Clean Sweep”, HGTV’s “Takeover My Makeover” and is the resident designer on Bravo’s “Real Housewives of Orange County.”

Kelli noted that flowers are an easy, versatile and budget-friendly way to change things up a bit in your home and create a different ambience. (So instead of buying a new couch, just bring in some fresh flowers!). She said that when a room is less than perfect (old couch) create focal points with flowers and plants to divert the eye and make the room look better overall. Another tip: If you love your room (perhaps you’ve just repainted or bought that new couch) then use monochromatic shades of flowers that match your décor. They won’t detract and will enable people to really see the room. Kelli’s third tip is fantastic and something that never occurred to me. Think recycle and reuse! Bring your favorite vases, containers, urns, whatever to the florist and have him (or you!) create your arrangements right there. That way, you won’t accumulate a lot of glass vases that might ultimately get thrown out. And, your own pieces will definitely work best with your décor. Thanks, Kelli!

In Kelli’s area I loved the majestic tropical arrangement featuring two artichokes. Talk about making a statement!

And check out these fantastic arrangements in bamboo containers. One looks like a mini-garden while the other resembles a forest of roses. What an ingenious, creative way to display this traditional flower!

Waiting for us in the third, and final, room vignette was Christine Arylo, a life coach, motivational speaker and author of “Choosing ME Before WE.” Christine spoke to us about the power of flowers to create happiness and strengthen relationships.

In fact, when she arrives home from a trip Christine’s husband, Noah, has placed her favorite flowers in unexpected spots throughout their home How romantic is that?

Christine stressed how flowers are less complicated than words and can truly evoke strong, positive and loving emotions. Again, in her room vignette, these lush flowers looked so impressive in their silver vases:

She also spoke about how the style of the arrangement itself can evoke different emotions such as the one on the left (below) that’s perfect for someone who needs a lift or the arrangement on the right that says “You’re in my heart”.

We could have gone on chatting with Christine for hours but there were other editors waiting their turn. By the way, did you know that according to a survey conducted by Texas A&M, men come up with 30% more ideas when they are in an environment of flowers and plants and women are more adept at problem solving? Who knew? I think I better run to the flower market right now. In the meantime, I’m admiring the gorgeous bouquet of sunny yellow and white flowers that we received from our hosts. And I will be very happy all week!

Posted by Diane at 5:15 p.m.