How to care for poinsettias

Nothing shouts Christmas like a big ol' poinsettia! The plant was initially known in the United States as “painted leaf” or “Mexican fire plant” until it eventually was named poinsetta pulcherrima, or “poinsettia,” in honor of of its “discoverer” Dr. Poinsett. There are also white, pink and dappled poinsettias. By the early 1900′s, they were sold as potted plants in California. Many poinsettias are still raised in the state, especially for use as Christmas gifts and decorations. The city of Ventura, California is even known as the Poinsettia City.

How to Care for Your Poinsettia

- Display your plants in a bright location, but avoid direct sunlight as it can burn the bracs.
- Avoid drafty locations, where either hot or cold air blows directly on your plant.
- The best temperatures for keeping are between 65 and 75 degrees. Do not expose your plant to temperatures below 50 degrees.
- Keep soil moist to the touch, but never allow it to become soggy, or allow your plant to sit in water.
- Fertilizer should not be required during the holiday season.

Happy Holidays!

Sushi Anyone?

We hope y'all had a great Thanksgiving. Now that the turkey's all gone, how about some sushi? Not only does our sushi look good enough to eat, it's also a gift-within-a-gift! These fun sushi rolls are wrapped in leaves stuffed with colorful blooms. They are then presented on a pretty tray that can be used over & over.

Amazing Chocolates

On a recent visit to New Orleans I came across this amazing shop called Sucre'. It's a feast for the eyes as well as the mouth. I had been in search of new sweets to offer our customers and happen to stumble across this. You never know when you're going to find what you've been looking for!

We're carrying the Indulge Chocolate Collection which includes malted milk, rhum, hazelnut cream, wedding cake and pb & j chocolates.

If you have a sweet tooth, this is the place to go. If you're not going to be in New Orleans anytime soon, stop by one of our shops for a box of these incredible chocolates.

Bridal Beauty Game Plan

Every bride-to-be should live by the motto “always plan ahead.” Prepping your skin, hair, body, and mind for your wedding in advance is just as important as selecting the perfect gown and flowers. Check out this article on birchbox.com.

http://www.birchbox.com/the-haute-box/bridal-beauty-game-plan/

It's Homecoming Mum Season!

When it’s homecoming season across the nation, only in parts of Texas and Oklahoma is it also homecoming mum season. Some students take homecoming mums just as seriously as the homecoming football game itself.

For the uninitiated, a homecoming mum is an oversized mum corsage decorated with three-foot long streamers in the school colors, bells, charms, banners, little plush animals done up in bows, sparkly letters, even Christmas tree lights.

It is usually worn in the middle of the chest like a breastplate with the streamers flowing down the front of the body almost touching the ankles. It is, in short, a fashion statement.

But homecoming mums are so much more than that. They are a sign that somebody loves you. They’re no longer given only by boyfriends. Mums can come from friends, your mom, dad, aunt, or even a booster boy (a boy-friend who is not your date).

Anybody who's anybody wears one, or two and can

weigh as much as 12 pounds!

Homecoming mums have become a status symbol for many junior high and high school students. Designs change every year. The more original, the better.

Bosses Day is October 16.

National Boss Day is October 16 each year. When the holiday falls on a weekend, it is generally celebrated on the working day closest to October 16.

National Boss Day offers employees an opportunity to recognize those in supervisory positions. Popular ways to say "thanks" include cards, a lunch in the boss's honor, flowers, or gift certificates.

National Boss Day was started in 1958 when Patricia Bays Haroski, then an employee at State Farm Insurance Company in Deerfield, Ill., registered the holiday with the Chamber of Commerce of the United States. She designated October 16 as the special day because it was her father's birthday. Ms. Haroski's purpose was to designate a day to show appreciation for her boss and other bosses. She also hoped to improve the relationship between employees and supervisors. She believed young employees often do not realize the challenges bosses face in running a business.

Bridal Bouquets - Getting Attached to Specific Flower Types

Not all flowers are available all year round. When planning your wedding flowers, it is best to think in terms of colors and shapes rather than specific flowers. If there are certain flowers that have a special meaning, or you just have to have, specify that flower but also ask your florist to suggest a back up.

Summer Design Contest

Each of our designers were given a set of parameters to work within - same container, same price point, same set of flowers. Visit our contest page on Facebook and vote for your favorite design. The design with the most votes wins. But better yet, 3 lucky voters will be randomly chosen to win each win a $25 In Bloom Flowers gift certificate. Vote now!

Zinnias Are Here!

Dazzling zinnia bouquets have just arrived! Be the first of your friends to pick up a bunch. Only $12.95. Once they’re gone, they’re gone! Stop by your nearest In Bloom Flowers today. Plano . Arlington . Carrollton . McKinney . Lewisville . Dallas http://www.inbloomflowers.com/aboutus.asp#3

Wedding Season Color Trends

The hot colors this wedding season are apple green, hot pink, coral, orange, yellow and turquoise. The colors are so bright and vibrant - you gotta love 'em!

New Location in McKinney TX

Our flower shop in McKinney TX has a new home! We're up on the hill in Craig Crossing, Eldorado Pkwy & 75, next to Panera Bread. Stop in to say hello. We hope to see you soon.

Send a dozen, get a dozen FREE!

Check out our Valentine's Day special -- Send a dozen, get a dozen FREE! Click here for more details about this great offer and remember to show your sweetie how much you care this Valentine's Day.

What Is this?

Our talented staff is busy doing something.  What do you think this is???

Here Comes the Bride

Getting married?  Congratulations!  Planning a wedding can be a time of extreme excitement, yet somewhat stressful.  Following are some helpful tips to reduce stress and have fun planning.

- Choose a theme that reflects the personalities of you and the groom.  Discuss what each of you envisions for your wedding day.  You will know you've hit on your theme when you're both excited about it.

- Identify your style.  Look through bridal magazines.  You'll get lots of ideas.  Now close your eyes and imagine your perfect wedding.  This will give you a sense of your "style".  Is it traditional or contemporary?  What colors do you envision?  Carry your style through from your invitations to your wedding dress, wedding flowers and reception.

- When you're ready to talk about your flowers, schedule an appointment with a reputable florist.  The more information you can bring to your consultation, the better.

Bring a photo of your wedding dress and the bridesmaid's dresses.  Bring a sample of any fabric if you have it.  If you have pictures of your bridal and/or reception flowers from magazines that depict your style, bring them as well.  If you're not sure what style you'd like, ask your florist for suggestions.