Send Holiday Flowers

There is something about holiday flower arrangements that puts a smile on a face, a twinkle in an eye, and pulls on heart strings. Flowers are brilliantly hued bits of nature that remind us of God's love and speak volumes that can never be written. A holiday bouquet can say, "I love you," "Im thinking of you," and "I care." For the elderly, receiving a bunch of black eyed Susans can bring back fond memories of childhood. For wives with soldiers fighting wars in faraway places, a carefully selected floral gift can keep the flames of love alive in a foreign land. And for a teenager's first prom, the fragrance of an elegant orchid will last long after her first beau has been forgotten.

Special occasions are the perfect time to send holiday flowers. Mother's Day wouldn't be the same without a traditional vase of red carnations or a pastel palette of exquisitely hued tulips. Easter lilies with fluted blossoms announce the Resurrection of Jesus Christ in majestic splendor and can easily grace a garden pathway each spring. Christmas poinsettias in shades of red from claret, to burgundy, and fire bright to delicate pinks bring Yuletide cheer to homes and businesses; while a dozen red Valentines Day roses is synonymous with many a couple's sacred love. Even Dads delight in rustic arrangements of sunflowers, daffodils, lilacs and raffia, wrapped up in a Father's Day bow.

Fragrant floral arrangements remind us that sometimes we just need to take time to enjoy the simple pleasures, rather than the cares of this life. "Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin: And yet I say unto you, That even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which to day is, and to morrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith? Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? Or, What shall we drink? Or, Wherewithal shall be we clothed? (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you" (Matthew 6:28b-33).

Holiday flower arrangements serve to make any observance that much more special. Like an exclamation point at the end of a sentence, fragrant bouquets and bountiful blossoms accentuate a celebration, add spice to an occasion, and fire to a special evening. Local and online florists beautifully interpret sentiments into creative arrangements of nature's artistry. And while no one can improve on God's handiwork, florists are adept at translating feelings into flowers that impart happiness, well being and joy to the heart of the recipient. Florists can help customers send holiday flowers that are lovely to look at and easy to care for at almost any price range. The average arrangement starts at $20, while more intricate, larger designs can cost as much as $200 and up. Corporations have long valued spectacular floral masterpieces for the impact and impression they make at grand openings, banquets, or holiday gatherings. Custom designed arrangements placed as centerpieces at formal dinners welcome each guest and set the tone for an exceptional dining experience.

To commemorate Veterans Day, Memorial Day or the 4th of July, businesses and individuals can send holiday flowers in red, white and blue to widows of fallen servicemen, to World War II and Vietnam Veteran associations, or to local Veterans Administration hospitals and national monuments, such as the Pearl Harbor Memorial in Hawaii. In spite of a festive appearance, floral arrangements can add a poignant touch to grace a gravesite or to commemorate the loss of a loved one. Wounded and hospitalized service men and women would love to receive a patriotic-themed bouquet ablaze with the American flag as a token of gratitude for selflessly serving their country.

After the celebrations end, unusual uses for holiday flower arrangements include dismantling bouquets and baskets to separate each stem, then hanging stems upside down to dry naturally over a few days. Dried blossoms can be recycled into new arrangements or petals can be picked from stems to make fragrant potpourri. Before petals dry, children can press flowers between sheets of wax paper and add natural blooms to scrapbooks or photo albums. A great project to make Mother's Day last a little longer is to take dried blossoms, Mother's Day greeting cards, bits of ribbon and collectible items such as buttons from one of Mom's favorite dress, and old photos to make a one-of-a-kind shadow box. And why not send holiday flowers to a nursing or retirement home resident by sharing a gorgeous vase of sunlit daisies before the flowers fade and wilt?

Whatever the occasion, holiday flower arrangements make it extra special. Customers can browse local florist shops or go online to view photographs of arrangements, baskets, and stems. Pricing varies from florist to florist, but major providers offer seasonal specials. Ordering flowers two to three days in advance during peak seasons is advised. Many florists ship arrangements overseas or to other international locations, however international shops may not be able to duplicate orders exactly and arrangements depend on the availability of species and plants indigenous to the locale. Many florists do not deliver on Sundays or holidays, so customers need to plan in advance. Major credit cards can be used to pay for arrangements online or in person. Nothing brightens a smile, cheers a heart, or adds a little bit of sunshine like flowers. From an exquisite bouquet to a tiny boutonniere, blossoms that commemorate or celebrate a special holiday are always in season.