In like a lion...
What is the old saying about March? In like a lion, out like a lamb? I think it has been the other way around. The girls and I went to Philly to see the amazing designs put together by landscapers, designers, judged entries by garden clubs, etc. It is amazing to see how landscape and floral designers can use the same materials and end up with such different results. Truly inspiring. There was a lot of color this year. Green and pink with some chocolate accents still lead the pack, but blue and yellow are coming on strong. The blue color scheme is interesting to me. Obviously, it is driven by the latest fashion trend. But in reality, there are only so many 'true blue' flowers. It takes some creativity to continually use blue tweedia and hydrangea and have them look different. That is why going to the show is so great. It reminds me it can be done!
Fall in NYC
November 1, 2005
I guess I have to finally admit summer has slipped away and fall is here. We had a wedding in the city last weekend and the weather suited our flowers. It was a crisp, chilly day, and our fall color palette blended in with the leaves in Central Park. Sweet gum, bronze amaranthus, peach dahlias, hydrangeas from Ecuador and Holland, pale yellow stock (so fragrant!), red and yellow ranunculas, and seasonal berries all graced the ballroom at The Essex House. As we move towards the season of thanks and giving, the flowers in the flower market are alive with brilliant colors and lots of texture. I am so lucky to do a job I love. Our couple this last weekend was like many of our couples we work with. They become a part of the Soiree family, and on their wedding day, I feel like I am sending them off to college. I look forward to ‘adopting new kids’ as we book our weekends for 2006 weddings. Our summer is almost full, so don’t hesitate to contact us. We would love to be a part of your special day.
Cheers!
Recharging your batteries
October 21, 2005
Yesterday I was lucky enough to be a privileged few to attend a seminar in NYC given by the Flower Council of Holland. I was surrounded by my peers as we listened to a lecture from a designer who grew up in Holland and now lives in Iowa (yes, I said Iowa!). Els (the designer) gave us her thoughts on the latest and greatest in flowers from Holland. Gorgeous amaryllis, long-stemmed gloriosa lilies, funky containers, and colored sisal/beads/leaves all had the makings for great event design. We were all awed by her talents and inspired by her enthusiasm and love for what she does. I came away with some new and creative ideas for both weddings and social events. Attending the event reminded me just how important it is to step outside of our own ‘world’ and see what is going on around us. After a fabulous summer in Nantucket filled with beautiful brides on their special day, it was nice to re-energize and be inspired for the holiday season ahead. Happy fall!
Trends for 2006
Aug 17, 2005
The Gift Mart in NYC was abuzz yesterday with the opening of many new suites. I attended a seminar on the upcoming trends for 2006. Fashion, home décor, and paint colors all affect the world of flowers and drive the ‘next big thing.’ What is up-and-coming for 2006? Well, many things at every end of the spectrum actually. Black and metallic gold will be strong (especially in jewelry). Wooden beads covered in crochet (which will translate over to flower containers) will also be big in jewelry as consumers look for a more relaxed, clean, earthy feel. The first half of the year will still show the bolder colors of this year in a more subdued palette (instead of burnt orange we will see a melon color, instead of deeper azure blue, we will see sky blue) with a softening towards neutral, clean color palettes. Sky blue and butter yellow will be big in clothing (and that translates to pale blue bridesmaid dresses) and make a wonderful backdrop for chocolate accents in bouquets and centerpieces. Black and white will be big in home décor, and that translates to a bold, modern look of black and white flowers (yes, black flowers! Black millet is absolutely gorgeous and looks stunning with white anemones which also have a dark center). The abundance of color combinations, textures, and new hybrids in flowers make for a promising 2006 season.
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