Category Archives: Holidays

Mother’s Rule Book

Posted on by
Reply

When you were growing up, did it seem like your mother had millions of rules?  She probably had one for just about everything you wanted to do!  But these rules were all for one purpose: to teach us how to be the best person we could be.  Here are a few different rules your mom might have had.

•    Clean up your room!  This was really just a rule to teach us to be clean and organized when we owned our own homes.

•    Eat your vegetables!  One fact of life is that as we get older, our bodies start to break down.  Having a balanced diet can help prevent that.  Eating vegetables, fruits, and other foods we may not necessarily like but are needed for a healthy diet will help keep the body functioning properly.  Mom was just trying to make sure we would live to a ripe old age!

•    Don’t watch more than an hour of TV!  This was mom’s way of making sure we would go out and play or do something active instead of sitting in front of the TV, computer, or video game all day.  It kept us healthy and, hopefully, gave us an appreciation of exercise and being active.

Did your mom have these rules for you?  She probably had them and a lot more!  But they were all for good reasons.  Show your mom how much you appreciate everything she did to keep your healthy and safe by giving her a great Mother’s Day flower bouquet in St. Petersburg, FL, on Mother’s Day.

Holiday Organizing Tips

Posted on by
Reply

Having some trouble keeping your holiday organized?  It can get a bit overwhelming with all the shopping, wrapping, cooking, and traveling you’ve got to do.  Fortunately, with just a few simple steps, you can be organized and handle the holidays with ease.

Before you even start shopping, make a list of everyone you have to buy for.  Put a dollar amount next to each one—this isn’t a reflection of how much you value that person but a budget for each of them.  For example, you’ll probably spend more on your children than you will on your co-workers.  It’s important to set a budget so you don’t spend way too much on gifts.

Once you’ve decided how much you plan on spending on each person, write down a list of gift ideas.  Try to think of at least one thing for each person.  This will make it much easier when shopping.  You won’t be going up and down each aisle looking for things, nor will you be going in and out of every store in the mall.  You’ll have an idea of what you want and where to get it.

Mark things off your list as you shop (so take the list with you), and once you make a purchase, don’t change your mind.  If you see something you think the person would like better, only buy it if you can give the already-purchased gift to someone else.  Otherwise, you’ll end up either returning a lot of items or blowing your budget.

Once you get everything home, it’s helpful to put a sticky note on each item so you don’t get confused as to whom it’s intended for.  You can also group gifts in bags or boxes.  Once you start wrapping, be sure to put a name tag on each gift as it’s wrapped.  If you wrap several at once, you might get them mixed and put the wrong name on gifts!

These tips should help you organize your Christmas shopping and gift-giving.  By taking the stress out of what is one of the more stressful parts of the Christmas season, you’ll give yourself more time to enjoy everything else.

Also, don’t forget to bring a bit of holiday joy into your home with some of our amazing Christmas flowers in St. Petersburg, FL!

Thanksgiving Decorating

Posted on by
Reply

Thanksgiving is going to be here before you know it.  Are you ready?  If you haven’t started thinking about how you’re going to decorate for the day, now’s the time.  Here are a few different tips on Thanksgiving decorating.

If you’ve put out any fall decorations, keep them.  Most of them work very well for Thanksgiving.  In fact, if you want, you don’t have to use any Thanksgiving decorations.  A fall tablecloth, napkins, and place mats will look right at home with your turkey.  Fall wreaths and flowers also work very well for Thanksgiving.

If you do want to add to this décor, you don’t have to do a lot.  A few small turkeys or pilgrims are fine.  Remember, Thanksgiving isn’t like Halloween or Christmas.  Most people don’t have much, if any, actual Thanksgiving decorations.  You don’t have to go overboard with decorating.

Kids can help with the holiday décor, too.  You can help them make hand turkeys or turn pine cones into little turkeys for a centerpiece.  This makes your decorations more personal and gets your kids involved with one of the holidays that doesn’t have a lot for kids to do.

Finally, let your food be the décor.  A golden brown turkey looks amazing, but you can do a lot with other dishes, too.  Use decorative bowls, arrange finger foods so they’re presented more, and look at food colors when setting out dishes.

If you need any help with your Thanksgiving flowers in St. Petersburg, FL, just check out the amazing options we have available online and in our shop.

Halloween Decorations

Posted on by
Reply

Looking for some amazing Halloween decorations for your Halloween party?  While some of the cheap decorations you’ll find out there look kind of tacky, you can put together an elegant yet festive décor for your adult party.  It might take a bit of work, but it is possible.

First, think of your theme.  Are you going to go all out haunted house?  If so, then those tacky skulls, rubber bats, and plastic spiders might be the best thing.  They do bring out all of the trappings of Halloween, even if they do look cheap.  However, don’t discount these things if you want to have a more tasteful décor.  A few skulls, for example, can make nice accent pieces on your bookshelves or on the table.

Many people love putting up fake cobwebs for Halloween.  Don’t go overboard on this, but a few here and there are OK.  You might want to avoid the cheap looking plastic spiders, though.

For an adult, more elegant Halloween party, your table is going to serve as the centerpiece of your decorations.  Think about how you can make your finger foods and desserts match your decorations.  Decorate cupcakes with black and orange sprinkles or, if you’re more artistic, make them into bats, pumpkins, or witch’s hats.  You can also do fun Halloween appetizers like shaping a cheese ball into a pumpkin, making little bats using small balls of different foods with chip wings, and creating blood-colored punch and other beverages.

Don’t forget a few pumpkins!  You can use large ones or small ones, carved or uncarved.  If you don’t like carving, you can always paint images on them.  If, on the other hand, you’re pretty handy with a knife, you can do more than just a funny face.  Some talented people carve entire scenes into pumpkins.

Of course, not elegant Halloween party would be complete without a boo-tiful bouquet of flowers!  Order you Halloween flowers in St. Petersburg, FL, today!

Great Card Messages for Father’s Day

Posted on by
Reply

It can be difficult to find the perfect words to write in a Father’s Day card.  If you’re having difficulty, here are some messages that might help get you started.

Dad, you have been there for me all of my life. Thank you for giving me everything I needed and a lot more.

Happy Father’s Day! You have been a great role model and inspiration to me.

Thanks for acting like a kid when I was a kid, a friend when I needed a friend, and my dad when I needed my dad.

I didn’t realize how important it was to have a dad like you when I was growing up.  Now I do.  Happy Father’s Day!

I’m happy to have a dad who is cool enough to hang out with!

Dad, I can’t imagine what life would have been like without you.

Has anyone ever made you realize how much of your life you gave up just to raise me? Thank you for sacrificing so much!

Thank you for helping me become the person I am today.

Some of my friends didn’t have a dad when they were growing up. I’m thankful for you.

You watched out for me, taught me, laughed with me, and loved me.  Thanks for being the best dad anyone could ask for.

Happy Father’s Day to the dad who loved me enough to teach me some tough lessons, even when I didn’t want to learn them.

Dad, you have been one of my greatest influences in life.  You have taught me many things, I’m a better person because of you.

Dad, I think God knew what He was doing when He made you my dad.  He knew that it would take someone patient, wise, and loving to raise someone as willful as I am.

Dad, you are my hero and my role model. Thanks for being there and being such a great example.

Other things you could write:

Share a special memory with your dad.
Thank him for something he recently did to help you.
Tell him how much you love him.

Don’t forget your Father’s Day flowers in St. Petersburg, FL!

Father’s Day Fun in St. Petersburg, FL

Posted on by
Reply

Father’s Day is this Sunday, the 17th of June.  What do you have planned for your dad in St. Petersburg, FL?  There are a number of different things you can do with your father.  Here are just a few different ideas.

Have Dad and the family over to your house for lunch and conversation.  Sure, you’ll have to do some planning and cooking, but if you don’t get to visit with your Dad very often, he and you will enjoy spending some time together.  Your Dad might even want to do the cooking himself if he loves grilling.  The weather is usually pretty nice for Father’s Day, so cook some hamburgers and hotdogs and have a picnic!  It’s also a good time to play outdoor games.  If you don’t want to be outdoors, you can play cards or other games with Dad or watch his favorite movie.

Another option is to go out to eat at one of Dad’s favorite restaurants.  This way, the family can spend some time together, no one has to cook, and all the dishes are taken care of.  You’re also not out in the heat.  Of course, restaurants do tend to be somewhat crowded on Father’s Day, so you may need to make a reservation.  If you’re going out, here are a few great restaurants in the St. Petersburg area:

•    Red Mesa (if dad loves Mexican)
•    Grazzi Italian Grill
•    Parkshore Grill
•    MadFish on St. Pete Beach
•    Columbia Restaurant
•    Cody’s Original Roadhouse
•    Primi Urban Café
•    400 Beach Seafood and Tap House
•    Café Alma
•    Harvey’s 4th Street Grill
•    Have Father’s Day brunch at the St. Petersburg Yacht Club

You might also want to go out and do something with your father.  There are a number of different options in and around St. Petersburg.  Here are just a few ideas:

•    Go for a walk at the Boyd Hill Nature Park
•    Visit the Salvador Dali Museum
•    Take Dad golfing at the Renaissance Vinoy Golf Club
•    Have a picnic or play games at Pioneer Park
•    See the Tampa Bay Rays play at Tropicana Field
•    Take a trip out on the Tampa Bay and see the dolphins at the Dolphin Landings Charter Boat Center.  Dads ride free!
•    Dads also get in free to see the blown glass art of Dale Chihuly at the Chihuly Collection.

Of course, don’t forget to get your dad a Father’s Day gift.  While he might not want roses, we’ve got some great Father’s Day flowers in St. Petersburg, FL.

Valentine Flower Guide for the Romantically Challenged + Free Delivery on February 10, Offer Expires 2/6

Posted on by
Reply

Deciding on the perfect Valentine’s Day bouquet of flowers can be difficult, especially if you rarely buy them.  You want to get an arrangement that your significant other will absolutely love, but there are just so many choices!  If you need a little help in selecting the right Valentine’s Day flowers, there’s a quick guide.

Here are some of the most popular Valentine’s Day flowers:

•    Roses are traditional.  You don’t have to go with red roses, either.  How about a dozen pink ones, or a dozen of her favorite color.  Remember, though, that different colored roses have different meanings.  Avoid yellow roses, for example, because they signify friendship.
•    Tulips are a nice alternative and come in many colors
•    Orchids are great for a simple arrangement
•    Dahlia signify passion and romance
•    Hyacinth are very fragrant and colorful
•    Iris are out of season but can make a great bouquet
•    Carnations are often cheaper than roses, and they’re available in many colors and varieties
•    Her favorite flowers make for a very personal bouquet
•    A mixed bouquet.  You don’t have to go with just one flower, and your florist can help create something beautiful that’s also unique.

You can often add extras to a bouquet of flowers, such as balloons.  However, with Valentine’s Day arrangements, the simpler is usually better.  The focus should be on the flowers, not the extras.  If you do get her a gift or two (and you probably should), don’t attach it to the vase.  Present it separately.

Do add a handwritten note to the arrangement.  It doesn’t have to say a lot, but do say something.

Don’t give her flowers in the middle of the date and expect her to carry them around.  If you want to do that, give her a single rose.  Present a full bouquet at the start of the date.

Don’t give her any flowers wrapped in plastic!  It looks incredibly cheap.  If you don’t have a vase for the flowers, put a rubber band around the stems and cover it with a ribbon.

If you need any help, we’re here.  Artistic Flowers is your go-to florist for all of your Valentine’s Day flowers in St. Petersburg, FL.  Want to send her flowers a few days early?  We’re offering free delivery on February 10!  This offer expires on Feb. 6th.  Just use discount code BLF when ordering.

Celebrating Christmas in St. Petersburg, Florida

Posted on by
Reply

How do you celebrate Christmas in St. Petersburg?  Well, there are many things to do in and around the city.  If you haven’t been out and about this holiday season, why not take this week to really go see what the community has to offer?  You’ll find Santa, some great Christmas shows, and much more.  Whether you want a small, local gathering or a huge event, you’ll find something to suit your tastes.

The classic ballet “The Nutcracker” will be performed at the Mahaffey Theater at the Progress Energy Center for the Arts.  This performance, the Moscow Ballet’s Great Russian Nutcracker, will be held on Dec. 26th and 27th.  You can also catch the Moscow Classical Ballet and the Florida Orchestra perform “The Nutcracker” at the Ruth Eckerd Hall in Clearwater on the 27th and 28th.

The Morean Arts Center is doing Holiday Music in the Hot Shop up to December 24th.  In addition to the great holiday music, you can also watch talented glass blowers create hand-made ornaments and other items.  While you’re there, be sure to check out the amazing Morean Art Glass Christmas Tree, a beautiful tree created from glass!

All the businesses located on Central Avenue from 4th to 8th street have decorated their windows for the holidays.  Drive or walk these festive blocks and check out what they’ve done.  If you wait until dark, you can drive around the entire city and take in the amazing light displays some businesses and homes have created.

Santa will be in North Straub Park until the 23rd from 6:00 to 9:00 pm.  You can also go skating and see the giant greeting card contest display along with many great holiday light displays.

The American Stage Theatre presents “Holiday Series: Ring-A-Ding-Ding!”  This show features jazz pianist Michael Raabe and Sara DelBeato.  The two put their own twist on some great classic Christmas songs.  The concert will be held on the 22nd, 23rd, and 24th.

Finally, go check out the holiday exhibits at Creative Clay between now and January 7th.  These interesting and unique artworks are definitely something you’ve never seen before.


Christmas Flowers in St. Petersburg, Florida.

Bringing Back the Magic of the Holidays

Posted on by
Reply

The holidays are a magical time full of get-togethers, great food, and much more.  However, sometimes it can all seem the same.  If you’re falling into a “bah-humbug!” mood, you should take the time to recapture some of that holiday magic.  Here are a few things that can become tired year after year and ways you can reinvent them.

Do you put up the same old decorations every year?  If so, go with something different.  For example, try a theme.  Decorate your tree in all silver ornaments and white lights, or use only hand-made ornaments.  Try putting your tree in a different area, or change up which decorations you use.  If you have enough, you can rotate decoration themes each year.

What events do you usually attend?  Do you go to a local holiday tree lighting or parade?  If not, attend one this year.  If you’re religious but don’t usually attend holiday services, go this year.  Being together with others while celebrating the holidays can be just the thing to bring the magic back.

Do you have any Christmas traditions?  If not, start one!

How do you go about exchanging gifts?  Some families buy gifts for everyone, while others draw names or do a Dirty Santa exchange.  Try something different this year to make your gift buying a different experience.  Maybe exchange themed gifts, such as buy each person their favorite food.  You could also do gag gifts, like exchange the ugliest Christmas sweaters you can find.

What do you do as a family?  If you often do your own separate things, try doing a few holiday events together.  Bake cookies and help your children decorate them, go out ice skating as a group, or get together with your extended family for the holidays.  Being with your loved ones can truly reignite the spark of the holiday season.

These are just a few different ways to bring back some holiday magic this year.

Christmas Flowers in St. Petersburg, Florida

Thanksgiving Entertaining

Posted on by
Reply

When you think about Thanksgiving, usually you think of the great food and of everyone around the table eating and catching up.  But what do you do after the meal?  Some people watch sports or take a nap, but that’s no way to spend the holiday!  This is especially true if you have family in from out of town who you don’t get to see often.  If you need a few tips for entertaining after the meal, we’ve got some ideas.

•    Play cards or board games
•    Rock out with Rock Band, Guitar Hero, or any multiplayer video game
•    Go through the Black Friday ads and trade holiday wish lists
•    If it’s nice outdoors, set up a volleyball net or play basketball
•    Have games, coloring books, and other entertainment on hand for the kids
•    Scrapbook, knit, or do other crafts together
•    Make hand turkeys with the kids

The idea is to have activities that you can do together that still allow for some conversation.  You may also need to combine some of these ideas.  For example, many men at your Thanksgiving may have no interest in scrapbooking, but you can set them up with a card game.

Of course, no matter which type of entertaining you plan on doing, you’ll need snacks!  Pumpkin pie, cookies, and other desserts are great, but be sure to have some veggies and other low-fat snacks on hand, too.  This is especially important for the kids, as most parents won’t want them filling up on sugary snacks.  Have plenty of beverages on hand, too, including non-caffeinated and non-alcoholic options.

Thanksgiving Flowers in St. Petersburg, Florida