A Handcrafted Christmas

As soon as Thanksgiving is over we start preparing for Christmas, and along with cookie baking, present wrapping and Christmas shopping we somehow have to squeeze in decorating. While it can be one of the best tasks for getting into the Christmas spirit, it can also be daunting trying to give your home that perfect Christmas feel. At FTD we wanted to inspire some of our favorite décor and design bloggers to add a handcrafted touch to their Christmas tree this year, using FTD flowers, Use our exclusive FTD promo codes to find fresh flowers, original gift baskets, and lush greenery for any occasion at a great value.

Shannon at Eat Sleep Make bought a small rosemary tree and filled it with roses and other flowers to make a beautiful mini Christmas tree. Shannon encouraged her readers to, “step out of your floral comfort zone and play with different ways of displaying your favorite flowers.” We think she did a great job doing just that.

Over at Restyling Home, Kelly named herself the “craft queen of Christmas” and after seeing her mini Christmas tree we would have to agree with her. Kelly used purple ornaments, garland, and ribbon on her tree, but her purple and white flowers were meant to be the main focus, and they certainly stood out. You can see the full story on how she decorated her beautiful tree here.

An elegant coastal themed Christmas tree is just what Diane wanted this Christmas, but since she didn’t have access to most of her Christmas decorations, she had had to get creative and crafty. Using her DIY skills she made seashell and message in a bottle ornaments and then completed her tree with coastal colored flowers. Read more about the making of her tree at An Extraordinary Day.

At Twin Stripe, Katie topped off her beautiful tree with traditional red and green orchids. Katie said she put the orchids in flower tubes to keep them fresh and then attached them to the tree with fishing line. You can take a look at her tree and more of her Christmas decorations here.

Cindy turned her Christmas tree into a DIY masterpiece, filling it with ornament vases complete with red roses. She decorated all the ornaments herself using glitter glue and ribbon, and transformed them into vases by removing the cap of each ornament and wrapping wire around the top for hanging. You can get the full tutorial at Little Miss Celebration.

Jen stayed true to the name of her blog, Craft-O-Maniac, by decorating a beautiful gold and sparkly Christmas tree to sit in her front room and be admired by all through the window. As a finishing touch, she added white roses to the top of her tree to give to give it a fresher and fuller look.

Chrissy took her hand crafted Christmas to a whole other level, not only using red and green orchids to accent her tree, but also making six different types ornaments to decorate with as well. To see her rustic themed tree and get some inspiration and tips check out her website The Pearl Blog.

Next year if you are struggling to find a way to make your Christmas decorations unique try incorporating somefresh flowers for a new and distinctive touch.

4 Tips to organize your home for spring

With spring comes crisp air, blooming flowers, singing birds and of course, cleaning and reorganization after a long winter. This year, start the season off right, and bring the fresh vibes of spring into your home. It’s time to get rid of all those items that are collecting dust, and make some changes in your current organization methods.

Not sure where to begin? Don’t worry – FTD created an easy spring cleaning guide for you to have your home organized in no time. 

Find discount Anniversary Flowers at FTD! Go through this FTD coupon code 2016 and save up to 10% OFF! 

 Here are four tips to get you started:

1. For notes, cards and important papers
If you find yourself at a garage sale or antique shop, be on the look out for wooden shutters – extra points if they’re distressed. Hang the piece in your entryway, kitchen or common room so the whole family has access to it. The shutter’s louvers are the perfect spot for invitations, lists, artwork, important messages, bills, etc. This is a great alternative to just piling up papers all throughout your home. Add a spring touch to the shutters and scatter foliage like airplants and succulents throughout the crevices.

2. For your broom closet
Are you sick of having a broom, feather duster or vacuum topple over or fall on you every time you open the closet door? Well, there’s an easy fix for that! Tidy up your closet by purchasing sturdy hooks from your local hardware store. Nail them onto the walls and door, and hang all your cleaning utensils and tools up on the hooks. Get even more organized, and tape a label about each item so you know exactly what to reach for and where to put it back when you’re done. Place all your cleaning supplies in a bucket and store that in the closet as well.

3. For your keys
Finding your keys in the morning may be a struggle, especially if you’re already running late. If you are the type of person who often forgets where you place your keys the second you put them down, a key organizer is a must have. If you’re feeling crafty, create a custom-made key rack. Purchase a large picture frame and place a piece of cork behind the frame. Insert thin hooks into the cork board, create labels and you’re done! The labels could be what the specific key is for or, if you have a large family, create a hook for each member. This will help declutter your counter space and significantly reduce the amount of time everyone spends searching for their keys.

If you have a couple of extra hooks, adorn the key organizer with blooms that are starting to deteriorate. Simply hang the flowers upside down and let them dry out. For your reference, hydrangeas dry beautifully. While their coloring does start to fade, the dry flowers can last between 9 months to a year.

4. For your bathroom toiletries
It’s hard keeping the bathroom organized, especially with all those hair tools and products, lotions and other essentials. It’s time to clear the windowsill, tackle the medicine cabinet, and rid the area around the sink of all those toothbrushes. Need more room for storage? Transform the unused wall space above the toilet and install shelving. Consider assigning a shelf for each member of the family so everyone has their own designated area in the bathroom. You could even hang some shelving on other unused wall space and place bucket or bins on top for everyone to store their bathroom necessities in.

Now that the extra space in the bathroom is free of random items, add some life by placing couple of potted arrangements like these Blooming Plants or Zen Florals & Plants onto the windowsill. This is a great way to brighten up the room for spring.

October Birth Flower: Marigold

The marigold is the October birth flower. It is known for its vibrant orange color and is native to the Mediterranean. The first recorded cultivation of marigolds began with the Aztecs, who believed that the sunny flower possessed magical properties. Spanish conquistadors took these marigolds back with them to Spain where they were grown in monasteries.

From here, the marigold spread throughout Europe, and ultimately the rest of the world. Throughout history, marigolds have been used as dyes and as culinary ingredients, as well as a cure for many health ailments. In Mexico and Latin America, marigolds are used as a primary decoration for All Saints Day, where altars are embellished with these bright orange flowers. Today, the marigold is one of the most popular flowers in the United States.

With a bloom time that spans nearly the entire year, this October flower blooms from spring to fall and are one of the hardiest fall flowers. Avid gardeners plant marigolds due to their ability to repel insects and pests. Additionally, their odor can repel bacterial growth within the soil, keeping it healthy and nutritious for other plants.

Marigold Meanings and Symbolism

Marigolds are available in yellow, gold and red, but they are best known for their bright orange color, which symbolizes creativity and passion. However, in different cultures, the marigold can take on a wide variety of meanings, both positive and negative, such as:

• Promoting cheer and joy
• Winning over someone’s love with hard work
• Desire to be wealthy and successful
• Despair and grief
• Remembering those who have passed away

October Birthstone

The month of October officially has two birthstones: opal and tourmaline.

The opal is an opaque gemstone that has a holographic sheen. When light is flashed onto it, the opal sparkles with the colors of the rainbow. This unique reflection is due to tiny cracks within the stone that cause light to break into various colors when hit. Even the black opal is known for reflecting bright colors of red and green. The opal gets its name from the Latin word opalus, which means “precious stone.” The opal is a symbol of love and hope.

The tourmaline is a mysterious gemstone that exhibits a wide variety of colors. In fact, many rubies and emeralds have been misidentified, and are actually tourmaline. Other tourmaline colors include: yellow, blue, green, pink, brown and black. Tourmaline gets its name from the Sanskrit word toramalli, which means “something little out of the earth.”

Because the tourmaline is a recent discovery, it lacks the rich history that other gemstones have. However, the tourmaline is known to bring calm and eliminate fear and has come to be known as the “peace stone.”

October Zodiac Horoscope

According to the zodiac horoscope, both Libras and Scorpios are born in October.

Libras are characterized as refined, social, artistic, and communicative. Libras born between October 1st and the 22nd, fall on the Libra-Virgo cusp and tend to exhibit analytical qualities and rational nature of Virgos. These qualities can easily take over making it difficult to interact with others. Because of this, October Libras can be extremely self-critical.

Scorpios are characterized as passionate, secretive, steadfast and stubborn. Scorpios born between October 23rd and the 31st fall on the Libra-Scorpio cusp and tend to be pleasure seeking and become social butterflies. October Scorpios are known for being highly intuitive and intelligent, however, their straightforwardness and bluntness when it comes to expressing their opinions can come off as egotistic. On the other hand, their charisma and sociability shall take them far.

Famous Birthdays In October

• Gandhi, spiritual leader, October 2.
• John Lennon, member of The Beatles, October 9th.
• Julie Andrews, Oscar winning actress for her role as Mary Poppins, October 1st.
• Matt Damon, American actor, October 8th.
• Kate Winslet, Oscar winning actress, October 5th.

Do you have an October birthday, or know someone that does? From beautiful bouquets to gourmet birthday treats, check out our selection of truly thoughtful birthday gift ideas! Use our exclusive FTD coupons and promo codes to find fresh flowers, original gift baskets, and lush greenery for any occasion at a great value.

Source: Ftd.com

FTD Blog: Freesia Meaning and Symbolism

Freesia Story & Origins

The freesia flower originated in South Africa, and belongs to the Iris family which includes approximately 14 freesia species. This flower got its name when the botanist, Christian P. Ecklon, named the flower after Friedrich H.T. Freese, a fellow botanist, as a commemoration of their friendship. Freesia meanings include friendship, trust, and innocence, among various other meanings.

Due to their delicate fragrance, freesias are one of the most popular flowers in the world. However, they are very difficult to grow in domestic gardens and their petals are extremely delicate. They are popular as cut flowers and are often a florist’s favorite for bouquets and centerpieces.

Freesia flowers are similar to gladioli in that the flowers grow from a central stalk that has sword-shaped leaves. The flowers are funnel-shaped and their stalks can grow up to one foot in height.

Save up to 25% OFF on Sympathy & Funeral Flowers. Save Now! Click here

Freesia Meanings

Freesia flower meanings generally include: friendship, trust, thoughtfulness and innocence. They are a popular gift for friends and family, as are a popular flower amongst various cultures.

• According to the Victorian language of flowers, the freesia is the ultimate flower of trust.
• In the United States, the freesia is the official flower to commemorate a couple’s seventh wedding anniversary.
• In numerology, freesias signify the number nine, which signifies selflessness and obligation.
• Since the 1950s, freesias have been widely used as wedding flowers because they represent both the purity of the bride as well as the trust between the couple.

Freesia Symbolism & Colors

Due to their popularity, freesias have been widely cross bred. Today there are over 1,400 species of cultivars ranging in color from red, white, and yellow, to purple and pink. Freesias of all colors generally symbolize trust and innocence, but there are several freesia colors that carry specific meanings.

White freesias symbolize purity and innocence. They are one of the most popular wedding flowers because they are symbolic of the purity of the bride as well as the trust between the couple.

Multicolored freesia bouquets symbolize friendship and thoughtfulness. They make great gifts for family, friends, and even co-workers.

Pink freesias symbolize motherly love.

Yellow freesias symbolize joy, renewal, and friendship.

Red freesias symbolize passion.

Freesia Cultural Significance

Robert Henry Forster, a famous English poet, refers to the freesia’s sweet fragrance in his poem “The Greenhouse in Early April.” In the poem, he describes the abundance of colorful blooms in his well-stocked greenhouse just as winter is fading and spring is approaching.

Fragrance the newly opened Freesia sheds

From its white trumpets with the splash of gold;

Freesia Facts

• Freesia flowers can either be single or double petaled, and grow in a Y-shape.
• Although non-poisonous, the sap from a freesia can cause irritation for people who have sensitive skin.
• The “Ballerina” freesia is named for its shape, which looks like the silhouette of a ballerina dancer.
• Freesia plants are zygomorphic, which means that their flowers only grow on one side of the stalk.

Freesia Uses

Since freesias are best grown in humid and subtropical climates, they are difficult to grow in domestic gardens in the United States. Thus, they are primarily used as cut flowers and can last at least a week in a vase.

The freesia flower is known for its fragrance, which has many applications and uses. Freesias are widely used in aromatherapy as a means for stress relief. Placing a bouquet of freesias in your home or office can have a significant impact on your mood and reduce your stress levels. Since the fragrance from freesias is so pleasantly sweet, the species Freesia refracta is widely cultivated as a fragrance for use in shampoos, body lotions, and perfumes. In fact, many of the most popular designer perfumes today include the freesia scent to balance out the overall fragrance.

It’s easy to see why the freesia is one of the most popular flowers in the world. Their sweet fragrance and variety of colors make them the perfect gift for showing your friends and family that you are thinking about them.

Resources

www.flowermeaning.com  |  www.namesofflowers.net  |  www.ehow.com  |  www.auntyflo.com  |  www.flowerexperts.com  |  www.homeguides.sfgate.com  |  www.inspirationalstories.com

Image Sources

Middle image top left CC Image courtesy of Alvesgaspar on Wikimedia Commons

Middle image top right CC Image courtesy of Melissa Wiese on Flickr

Bottom image yellow freesia CC Image courtesy of Toshiyuki IMAI on Flickr

5 Rose Backgrounds To Celebrate Every Day

The rose is a classic flower that is used to celebrate countless occasions. From receiving a single red rose from your first love, to giving mom a bouquet of pink roses to tell her thank you on Mother’s Day, there are different rose colors that are used to express different meanings. Buy Flowers for Under $35 at FTD. Buy Now! http://coupon4share.com/store/ftd.com

Red roses are known as the ultimate symbol of love and romance. Pink roses of all hues ranging from light pinks to fuchsia, represent admiration and gratitude, and are the perfect way to say thank you. Orange roses symbolize enthusiasm and passion and sends a message of excitement. White roses represent purity and innocence and can also represent reverence for a loved one.

Since it’s so easy to incorporate roses into life’s most memorable moments, why not celebrate everyday with roses? With everything that life can throw at you, it’s easy to get discouraged or feel a lack of motivation to power through your day. That’s why we created these five rose backgrounds to brighten it up!

Each rose background includes words of encouragement and inspiring quotes that will be sure to inspire your creativity, and motivate you to think positively. Decorate your computer desktop, or iPhone wallpaper with these backgrounds to remind yourself to stay positive and to find something new to celebrate everyday!

Download this image for: phone | tablet | desktop

Download this image for: phone | tablet | desktop 

Download this image for: phone | tablet | desktop 

Download this image for: phone | tablet | desktop

Download this image for: phone | tablet | desktop

No matter what the occasion, roses can help make life’s most memorable moments even more memorable. To celebrate an anniversary, there’s nothing more special than receiving a classic bouquet of red roses. Celebrating a special friend’s birthday? Get creative by sending them a dozen of our famous rainbow roses. It’s clear to see that roses are the perfect way to brighten up anyone’s day and by sending roses, you’re letting that special someone know that you’re thinking of them.

Aster Meaning and Symbolism

Aster Cultural Significance

Renowned American poet, Robert Frost, is known for his poetic descriptions of rural life. In his famous poem “A Late Walk” he describes a solitary walk through a somber landscape. In the end he refers to the aster flower as an emblem of hope.

I end not far from my going forth

By picking the faded blue

Of the last remaining aster flower

To carry again to you.

Aster Facts

• Asters are known as being drought resistant and are great for desert landscaping.
• Bushy aster species have seeds that are shaped like parachutes and travel by way of wind.
• There are over 600 species included within the Aster genus, which shares the same family as the daisy.
• Asters are composite flowers, meaning that they are made of a central core of many tiny flowers surrounded by long petals.

Aster Uses

In Chinese culture, the aster is used as a medicinal herb that’s effective for treating a wide variety of ailments, from hangovers to epilepsy. When brewed as a tea, asters can aid in digestion as well.

The aster is also used as a holistic remedy for various respiratory ailments such as coughs, lung deficiencies and asthma. It is effective as a decongestant for the lungs, especially during cold and flu season. This medicinal herb can also be quite effective as a relaxant by increasing blood circulation.

Would you like to see more varieties of this playful wildflower? Check out our bouquets that feature various types of asters, including Matsumoto and Monte Cristo asters!

Buy Flowers for Under $35 at FTD with FTD coupon code 2016. Buy Now!