Whoever wins the next presidential election will definitely have a huge job on his hands and fixing the economy is a top priority.
It’s hard to turn on the news or read a paper without being reminded of the economic downturn.
So it’s not surprising that consumers are taking a less-is-more approach to lots of purchases, including flower buying.
Take casual parties, for example. Since the all-perfect, all-matching look is out anyway, we’re seeing a move toward using monochromatic (all one color) flowers or monobotanic (same flower, different colors) in several simple mismatched containers instead of big mixed centerpieces.
And as for what the containers are made from, rustic materials rule. Try ceramic jars and pots or textured glass in darker tones like brown, burnt orange and violet. Clear glass is best left to spring and summer.
Teleflora's Williamsburg Golden Pitcher is a great example of the vintage trend. And if you buy it, you'll be entered in an exclusive sweepstakes. For details, go to: teleflora.com/williamsburg.asp.
And a personal touch is taking on a whole new meaning. Tom Simmons, president of Three Bunch Palms Productions threebunchpalmsproductions.com in Palm Springs, CA, puts it this way: “There’s a movement toward vintage looks, especially in terms of containers, such as an antique pitcher or your great grandmother’s china pieces.
Simmons says he’s also seen a vintage butterfly brooch pop up in a bouquet as well as a maid of honor’s longtime collection of decorative bumblebees adorning a small tree of hanging place cards at her sister’s wedding.
“It’s personal and at the same time it’s comforting,” Simmons says. “People tend to be drawn toward that comfort. It’s a soothing, homey atmosphere without being generic.”
So the next time you’re entertaining with flowers, take a quick trip down memory road for your inspiration.
Who doesn’t need a little comfort right about now?
Flower Fact of the Day: I was glad to see that I’m not the only one who sees the cool side of chrysanthemums. Financial Times weekend columnist Robin Lane Fox recently wrote about the pleasures of this flower: http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/e49233f0-959a-11dd-aedd-000077b07658,s01=1.html?nclick_check=1.
