23 August 2010

Pieces of Work

It's always nice when you walk into an office and you see fresh flowers.  I think it says a lot about the office and the people in the company.  It shows that they care about you and are making an effort to make their office or reception area warm and inviting.  There's nothing less appealing than a stark office with no life in it!  Here are a few of my faves that we have designed for some of our corporate clients. 


17 August 2010

Boutonnieres and the history of the buttonhole on a lapel

It was said that Prince Albert was presented with a small bouquet from Queen Victoria on their wedding day. He made the gentlemanly gesture in cutting a hole in his right lapel and put the flowers in his lapel. He later had his tailor put holes in all of his jacket lapels and history then followed!

It's also true that the hole in the lapel had a real use which was to be able to button your suit jacket before overcoats.  "Boutonniere" is French for buttonhole.  In the US boutonniere is the flower itself that adorns the lapel.

The proper way to wear a flower in your lapel is to place it into the buttonhole and not pin it to your jacket.  Typically there is a thread that can be found on the rear of the lapel slightly below the buttonhole.  The thread holds the flower stem upright against the lapel.  A pinned boutonniere is on par with clip-on neckties and fake pocket squares.  The buttonhole is there for a purpose, so use it!  However, don't offend your family and friends if you're being asked to pin on a boutonniere.  You can always have your tailor sew one into your lapel if you do not already have a buttonhole present.

16 August 2010

Flower Tip of the Day

Hydrangea comes in white, shades of green, pink, burgundy and blue. The flower is actually scentless and one of the most widely used flowers to make arrangements fuller and to add color. The best part, is that its moderately priced, can stand up to all temperatures and available all year long!

07 August 2010

WHAT'S BLOOMING IN AUGUST


















amaranthus, cockscomb, calla lilies, dahlias, godetia and lily of the valley