Valentines Day Flower & Candy Arrangement

But Valentine’s Day doesn’t have to be limited to only red roses. Roses in a variety of hues are popular among recipients, as are other flowers, such as lilies, tulips, orchids, gerbera daisies, hydrangea and callas. (In fact, tulips are one of the most popular choices for Valentine’s Day.)

No matter what choice of flower or color that you decide to give for this special holiday, you can’t go wrong when you pair it with candy. To build on that quintessential combination, we’ve incorporated candy into the actual floral arrangement and prepared a tutorial to show you how you can create your own flower arrangement for Valentine’s Day. You can choose whatever flowers you desire and match it to a candy that complements the colors in your blossoms.

Here’s How

Step 1

Choose a vase and then find another container that will fit inside. You need enough space between the two for your candy to fill the void. You can use a drinking glass inside your vase as long as the lips of both containers are of similar height.

Step 2

Fill the space between the two containers with candy. Among pastel-colored choices are traditional conversation hearts, petite nonpareil mints, Jordan almonds or hard-coated chocolate candies (such as M&Ms). Or choose solid red- or pink-colored candies, such as red-hot cinnamon candies, gummy bears, red licorice bites, sour cherry balls, raspberry drops, Swedish fish, jelly beans or wrapped taffy pieces.

Step 3

In a separate container, mix water with flower food following the directions on the flower-food packet. Carefully pour this liquid into the inside vase.

Step 4

Trim your Valentine’s Day flowers to the appropriate length. You can determine length by holding a flower upside down next to your vase. Measure how high you want the flowers to extend over the top of the vase and trim the stem at that height. Then cut all your stems to match.

Step 5

Remove any foliage that will be underwater from each stem.

Step 6

Insert each flower stem individually into the vase. Crisscross the stems to create an internal framework that supports the stems. Fill in with additional flowers as needed.

Make sure your loved one keeps their Valentines flower arrangement away from heat vents or bowls of fresh fruit. The heat will dry out the flowers, and the fruit will emit an odorless, colorless gas that is nontoxic to humans but lethal to flowers.

Add water to the arrangement as needed, every one to two days. Trim the bottom of each stem when you add water to ensure the bottom doesn’t become mushy, which impedes the uptake of water.

Of course, you don’t have to limit the gift of flowers to only one day a year. Research proves that people love to receive flowers any time of year. So whether you are giving Valentine’s Day flowers or giving a floral gift “just because,” take time to personalize your present and make the occasion that much extra special.

Written by

Gina Kellogg

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Tulips Are Another Favorite for Valentine’s Day Giving

Whether you have sticky typing fingers or just don’t know the correct words to key in, you aren’t alone in stumbling over your keyboard trying to find the perfect search terms to lead you to the perfect Valentine’s Day gift for your loved one.

No matter. The end result is that, here, you have actually found some advice that should set you on the road to choosing the perfect blossoms for your beloved. We’ve gathered some valuable information to help you on your quest. But let’s start first with the search terms that got you started in your pursuit for posies: Valentines roses. You were searching for how or where or what kind of roses to buy for Valentine’s Day, correct? Ah! But here’s the real question: Must you buy roses for Valentine’s Day?

You may be surprised at the answer…

Valentines Rose or Valentine’s Rose—the Apostrophe Doesn’t Matter, Nor Does the Flower

Men, over the years, have developed the belief that only one flower typifies this February holiday: the traditional Valentines Day rose. But not just any rose. The red rose. As a result, the floral industry has to ramp up its efforts every year to try and come up with enough red roses to meet that heightened demand. That means flower growers kick it into high gear to push blooms to bud at exactly the right time, resulting in crazy-busy efforts to get the flowers harvested, processed, imported, trucked and then delivered to your florist so that she still has enough time to design a bouquet of Valentines roses that will blow your lady’s socks off (or whatever undergarment you prefer).

A Red Rose Is Traditional for Valentine’s Day

The pressure to provide roses in such abundance in such a limited window is enormous. Thus, red-rose prices end up far higher during the holiday season than at any other time of the year to cover all the extra costs associated with this frantic production cycle.

And what’s even crazier? Women don’t necessarily even prefer red roses! Sure, they are traditional, and lovely and romantic. But a variety of surveys, albeit very informal, show that women prefer other flowers. Maybe it’s the fact that roses are so traditional, and modern-day ladies want something a bit more unique, fun or personal. Whatever the case, you can feel confident that choosing blossoms other than roses won’t put you in the doghouse.

So what other choices should you consider? We asked some florists from across the continent for the second-most-requested flowers behind the Valentines rose. Following are the results of our unscientific poll to help you choose the best flowers for your favorite gal.

Favorite Valentine Flowers

Tulips

Tulips were the absolute favorite among our florist friends. What’s great about tulips is not only do woman love them, but they are also extremely affordable at Valentine’s Day. That’s because they are in season during February. So, for the same price as a Valentines Day rose in that crimson hue, you can get several bunches of tulips and bequeath your love with a dramatic, show-stopping bouquet.

Many Women Prefer Red Tulips to Red Roses

Stargazer Lilies

These beauties are preferred by anyone who longs for a perfumed aroma from their purchase. Stargazers are a variety of lily renowned for their fragrance, as well as buds that continue to open for several days after purchase.

Stargazer Lilies Are Loved for Their Fragrance

Orchids

A stem of orchids often sells at the same price point as a Valentines rose stem, but orchids typically have a longer vase life. The hardy blooms come in a huge assortment of styles and colors, too, so you can choose a variety that matches your gal’s particular preferences.

Orchids Are Often Preferred for Their Long Vase Life

Callas

These stately flowers (often referred to as calla lilies) are typically available in white, but other shades of pink, yellow and burgundy are also offered. Set a bouquet next to one of that traditional Valentines Day rose and you’ll see immediately what the appeal is.

Mixed Bunches

A potpourri of posies is often the preferred choice, mixing a rainbow of colors or blending a hue of monochromatic colors. You’ll often get the biggest bang for your buck with a mixed bunch, too, because the blend of high-priced flowers with less-expensive ones allows for a larger arrangement. A related option is to request a mixed bouquet of colored Valentines roses. Either option—according to our florist friends—will satisfy your sweetheart’s sweet spot.

Written by

Gina Kellogg

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Traditional Red Rose Valentine’s Bouquet

Unfortunately, many givers this past Valentine’s Day (as in holidays past) didn’t understand the importance of buying flowers from a local florist. Instead, they saw and heard ads on TV and the radio. They noticed banner advertisements alongside their Facebook profiles. And they called or clicked and ordered.

Flowers for Sale From Faraway

Most of the ads in the national media were for companies known in the florist industry as “order-gatherers” or “wire services”. In other words, they are not florists. They are simply companies that take orders. These companies hire thousands of individuals sitting in cubicles all over the globe to accept and handle these orders.

Once they process your credit-card number, these companies begin contacting florists near the recipient’s home to try and fulfill the order. In handling the transaction, these businesses either add a fee to the cost of the original bouquet, increasing the price substantially over what a local florist probably would have charged for the same arrangement. Or the company offers to pay the florist a low-ball fee to create and deliver the bouquet — often at such a reduced rate that the florist makes little to no profit if he or she accepts the order. As a result, many reputable florists simply say no to such requests. However, some florists do accept these orders, and because those florists receive such a decreased reimbursement for the bouquet, they may include fewer and less expensive flowers than the giver originally ordered.

The resulting floral arrangement often looks nothing like the original design ordered.

Flower Blossoms in a Box

Then there are the companies who advertise prolifically with images of gorgeous, bountiful bouquets in stylish vases overflowing with massive blooms. It’s only in the fine print that the purchaser may discover that these bouquets are sent in a box, without a vase, without water, without cold packs and without any of the other tools that a reputable firm uses to prolong the life of fresh-cut flowers. Recipients simply receive a box of flowers — often drooping, wilted, broken and faded.

Pink Rose

Flowers, Failure and Facebook

This Valentine’s Day was no different. Well, actually, it was different in that it was worse. It turns out that at least one of the major order-gathering firms, ProFlowers, was accused of allegedly sabotaging small local floral shops by placing ads on Google that proclaimed the retailers were “sold out for Valentine’s Day” when online shoppers went searching for local florists. Thus, consumers who might have used local brick-and-mortar stores ended up turning to the online order gatherers because they believed they had no other option for their last-minute orders.

Rose and Ribbon Heart

On Valentine’s Day and the days after, the Facebook pages of some of the biggest floral advertisers in the world blew up with messages of disgust, regret and disappointment. Many of the people posting comments vowed they would never buy from those companies ever, ever again.

Unfortunately, many of them may also decide never to buy flowers ever again — from that company or any other. And that’s a crying shame. Because respectable, trustworthy, honest and talented florists all over the world will never be able to prove to those people that sending flowers doesn’t have to end with a recipient embarrassed to show off the otherwise thoughtful gift their loved ones went to the time and expense to send them. And those people will never experience the long-lasting value of buying quality flowers from a florist who doesn’t lower his or her standards to deliver a subpar product.

The Ease of Becoming a Floral Connoisseur

It’s a lesson you don’t have to learn if you buy your flowers from a florist with whom you’ve developed a trusting relationship. Even if you want to send flowers to some other city, you can find reliable, responsible florists you can call to create your bouquet. One of the easiest ways is via www.Yelp.com or a similar site that offers consumer reviews. Simply search for a florist in the city in which you want flowers delivered. Another option, especially if you need to send sympathy flowers, is to find the name of a nearby funeral company and ask its director what florist he or she can recommend.

Stacked Red Roses

Reputable florists are in abundance, but most are independent businesses without the high-dollar marketing budgets to advertise on TV, radio or the web. So, the next time you see those expensive, ubiquitous ads, see them as a reminder that flowers are a lovely, thoughtful and appreciated gift. Then call or visit a local florist to discuss a custom-prepared bouquet that will perfectly fit your budget and reflect the recipient’s personality.

Whether it’s Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day, an anniversary, birthday or “just because,” the result will be a loved one with a smile of absolute adoration and pure, unadulterated delight.

Update: Here are some tips for ordering flowers for Valentine’s Day.

How about you? Have you had a good or bad experience with a wire service or local florist? Tell us all about it or share your own view point on the florist industry in the comments below…

Written by

Gina Kellogg

PS: If you enjoyed this article, help spread the word by clicking the “Like”, “Tweet”, “+1” buttons or sharing it using the share icons below. Want to read more articles like this? Then Subscribe, and get our articles directly to your inbox or RSS reader.

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Valentine’s Day Flowers and Chocolates

The celebration of Valentine’s Day began long before Joyce Hall—the founder of Hallmark Cards—created his first greeting card. In fact, the oldest-known valentine still in existence was a poem that Charles, the Duke of Orleans, wrote in 1415 to his wife while imprisoned in the Tower of London. And long before Charles put a passionate pen to paper, at the end of the 5th century, Pope Gelasius declared Feb. 14 to be St. Valentine’s Day.

Valentines Day Flowers: Pink-Roses

So forget all the naysayers who bash us starry-eyed philosophers as we wait breathlessly for the amorous day’s arrival. If you have even a sliver of a romantic bone in your body, you can support this holiday of love without an ounce of guilt.

Once you’ve wrapped your arms around the day, however, what is the best way to celebrate it? Giving loved ones a card is obviously a lovely gesture—and lots of folks do that. (In fact, about 150 million Valentine’s Day cards are exchanged annually.) But wouldn’t you rather gift your sweetheart with something scientifically proven to enhance his or her life? A present that lifts the mood and encourages positive thoughts? No, not medicinal marijuana! We’re talking about the time-proven, sweetheart-swooning tradition of giving flowers.

Yes, it’s actually true that researchers have studied the phenomenon of flower giving and discovered it creates a measurable physical reaction in recipients. According to behavioral research conducted at Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, the presence of flowers triggers happy emotions, heightens feelings of life satisfaction and affects social behavior in a positive manner.

“What’s most exciting about this study is that it challenges established scientific beliefs about how people can manage their day-to-day moods in a healthy and natural way,” said Jeannette Haviland-Jones, Ph.D., professor of psychology at Rutgers and lead researcher on the study.

Red Roses and Chocolates

What’s more, the moment your loved one sets eyes on the colorful blossoms you bestow upon them, little chemical fireworks go off in their brains to create an immediate improvement in his or her happiness. Even better? After all the chocolates are devoured and your loved one is wallowing in a sugar-induced coma, your gift of flowers continues to have a long-term positive effect on your sweetheart’s mood.

So when you hear some cynic pooh-pooh the idea of giving flowers on Valentine’s Day, nip that naysayer’s negative analysis in the bud. Pull a posy from the bouquet intended for your honey, hand it over to that skeptic and watch his or her pessimistic attitude drop away like petals on a puff of air.

Written by

Gina Kellogg

PS: If you enjoyed this article, help spread the word by clicking the “Like”, “Tweet”, “+1” buttons or sharing it using the share icons below. Want to read more articles like this? Then Subscribe, and get our articles directly to your inbox or RSS reader.

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3. Valentines Roses May Make Her Swoon, but Tulips Can for Less

Once a year, on the 14^th of February, we are treated to a very special day – a day full of romance, red roses, hearts, and the opportunity to express our undying love to our partners… BUT… there’s nothing like breaking tradition to add a bit of surprise and delight to your relationship! So to nudge you in the right direction, and get you thinking “out of the box”, we have put together this list of unique Valentines Day ideas to inspire you and awaken the romantic in you.

If you don’t like any of these ideas, that’s perfectly fine, but hopefully they will at least inspire you to conjure up your own creative Valentines Day gift. We just want you to have a really special Valentines Day this year… So here goes…

#1  Propose to her on the London Eye

Photograph by User:Diliff

Lift her right off her feet by popping the big question while gazing across London on the largest observation wheel in the world. To ensure the experience is truly special, hire a private pod with Champagne and truffles. Friends of ours actually did this recently, and well, what can we say – it was a HUGE success…

If London is out of your reach, choose a place that both you and your partner love.  Perhaps where you had your first date or kiss, or even the spot where you both like to enjoy your favourite sunset.

Florist Chronicles recommends: The London Eye

#2  Romantic Hot Air Balloon Trip

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If you are looking for a romantic, yet thrilling way to spend Valentine’s Day, I can wholeheartedly recommend hot air ballooning. Words cannot describe the feeling of gently lifting off the ground in complete silence, except for the occasional burst of flame from the burner. If you can afford to do so, take the romantic package for two and make sure you have Champagne and your partner’s favourite treats on board. While not the cheapest way to spend Valentine’s Day, this one is a guaranteed winner if neither of you has done this before.

Florist Chronicles recommends: Hot Air Ballooning

#3  Give Her a Real Bear

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If you or your partner have a soft spot for endangered animals, and you want to make a difference, while at the same time being different, you can adopt an endangered animal such as a Panda or a Polar Bear. You can of course adopt other endangered animals, but I think you get why the bear might be most appropriate in this case…  What better way to break away from the predictable teddy bear gift, while still doing something positive for our fragile planet at the same time?

Florist Chronicles recommends: Adopt a Polar Bear

#4  Bouquet of Flowers

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Well, we wouldn’t be a very good florist website if we didn’t include flowers in this list somewhere, so while not the most original or unique Valentines Day gift, it still has the potential to bring plenty of joy and appreciation. Besides, there are many ways to be creative and different when giving flowers. Instead of just getting her a bouquet of red roses, you could buy or make up a special Valentines arrangement consisting of red roses, a cute teddy bear, a heart shaped balloon and chocolates. Perhaps even add a bottle of Champagne so you can celebrate. If you can’t think of anything creative yourself, ask your florist to help you.

Tip:
Red roses and red flowers in general are very expensive around Valentines Day, so if your budget is tight, consider buying her other flowers such as Lilies, Carnations or Gerbera Daisies instead. You could say you were just trying to be different…

Florist Chronicles recommends: Valentines Day Flowers

#5  Horse Riding on the Beach

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Getting back to the romantic side of things, horse riding on the beach at sunset is a sure-fire way to win her heart, while enjoying an exciting outdoor adventure.  You could make the experience even more special by incorporating it with a well thought out picnic, provided you can get the operator to accommodate your special wishes. You could plan it so that the two of you are sipping Champagne on a picnic blanket watching the sun set… Nuf said…

Florist Chronicles recommends: Horse Riding on the Beach

#6  Cookie Jar or Heart Shaped Balloons with Messages

If you are on a tight budget and you can’t splash out on expensive gifts, no problem, try this… Fill a cookie jar with a selection of your most secret desires, little love notes or gift coupons. Alternatively, you can put your messages or coupons together with an assortment of love candies inside heart shaped balloons… Then blow the balloons up and tie them together with a ribbon. Make the love notes meaningful and special by telling your partner how much they mean to you and how you feel about them. Use gift coupons as a fun, interactive way to make each other’s dreams and fantasies come true. Your gift coupons could contain special surprises like a sensual full body massage, a romantic candlelit bubble bath, kisses from head to toe, a meal at your favourite restaurant etc. You can take turns plucking a coupon out of the jar or popping a balloon, and then fulfilling what the coupon says…

#7  Romantic Weekend Away at Oribi Gorge

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Definitely not for the faint hearted, but if you are looking for a more adventurous way to spend Valentine’s Day, and want to give the gift of exhilarating experience, take your partner on a romantic weekend to Oribi Gorge near Port Shepstone in South Africa. There are a number of exciting adventures on offer, like a zip-line, abseiling, white water rafting, horse riding and hiking / MTB trails.

But the ultimate prize is to conquer the highest gorge swing in the world! In the words of the operator themselves, you will hurl yourself (or simply step) off the edge of a waterfall to swing into the gaping depths of the gorge – 165m (55 Storeys). Unbelievable! And yes, I can vouch for that, having done this exact swing on Valentine’s Day two years ago.  By doing this swing, you will be giving your partner an experience they will never forget, with a feeling of total euphoria and accomplishment that will linger for a long time. But a word of caution…be very sure that your partner will be up for the challenge.  Naturally anyone, no matter how brave, will be nervous to do something like this, but do not expect your partner to follow through with it. Be ready with a fall back plan such as horse riding, hiking or mountain biking.

Tip
Pay a few bucks extra and have a video made of the jump including the before and after moments. This way you guys will be able to show off to friends and family, and it makes for a great memento.

Florist Chronicles recommends: Oribi Gorge Swing

#8  Bloukrans Bungee Jump

Photograph courtesy of Mama’s Minutia

If the highest gorge swing in the world isn’t enough to get the adrenalin pumping through your veins, and you both enjoy living life on the edge (or should I say off the edge), then why not try the highest bungee jump in the world? At 216m, in one of the most scenic parts of South Africa, the garden route, the king of all bungee jumps will surely not disappoint. And to top it off, you will either be staying in Plettenberg Bay or Knysna, both of which can make for a very romantic weekend.

Florist Chronicles recommends: Bloukrans Bungee Jump

#9  Romantic Dinner at Home

Photograph by Kim Thunder

If your budget restricts you from going out to a fancy restaurant, you could treat your partner to a romantic candlelit dinner for two at home. You should both dress to the nines, taking great care in your appearance. Then instead of going out to an expensive restaurant, create a romantic table setting with candles and cook a fabulous meal. Start or finish the evening off with a candlelit bath, soothing music and Champagne. You can even offer your partner a sensual massage afterwards to really make them feel special.

#10  Winter Holiday in the Snow

Photograph by Kim Thunder

If you live near the mountains in a winter region or you can afford an overseas trip, then a snowed in weekend in a log cabin, cuddling in front of a wood fireplace, is the perfect way to kindle the romance in your relationship. Skiing, snowboarding or tobogganing during the day time will add an element of excitement and fun to your already perfectly romantic holiday.

Florist Chronicles recommends: Winter Holiday

#11  Day of Shopping

Every girl loves to shop, and most guys hate it, so a nice way to treat your girlfriend or wife would be to indulge her with a full day’s shopping. Go with her and let her try on clothes to her heart’s content. Have her model them for you and pick out the perfect evening ensemble. Then take her out on the town so she can show off her new outfit and feel great about herself.

#12  Gift Basket with her Favourite Treats

Another nice idea that won’t cost you an arm and a leg, but will demonstrate how in sync you are with your partners tastes, is to buy or make her a gourmet gift basket containing all her favourite treats and snacks. Top it off with a card containing a beautifully handwritten message and perhaps even a lovely bouquet of flowers.

Florist Chronicles recommends: Gift Baskets

#13  Wine Tasting

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If your partner has an appreciation for the finer things in life, such as good wine, then wine tasting along the wine route would be a nice way to spend Valentines Day together. You get to walk through beautiful vineyards, visit gorgeous colonial farm houses, and drink and be merry together. What more could one ask for?

Tip:
Don’t drive yourselves. Instead, plan ahead and arrange alternative transport. This way you can both let your hair down together with no worries whatsoever…

Florist Chronicles recommends: The Wine Route

#14  Day at a Luxury Spa for Two

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Our list of great Valentines Day ideas would never be complete without listing one of the most relaxing and indulgent ways of spending Valentines Day together. Instead of just giving your partner a gift certificate to go to the spa alone though, make sure you book a half day or full day package for both of you. This way you get to be pampered and spoiled in each other’s company. Most spas will have special Valentines Day pamper packages, which should ensure you get a touch of romance thrown in, but make sure you book well in advance, as demand will be high.

Florist Chronicles recommends: Mangwanani African Spa

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Well there you have it… We hope you enjoyed this article, and that you found one or two gems to try out this Valentines Day. Remember, it isn’t about the size of the gift or how expensive it is. The most valuable gift you can give someone in this fast paced world we live in is the gift of time. Be creative and do something thoughtful that you normally wouldn’t take the time to do, and make sure that whatever you choose to do, you do it together as a couple.

THINK OUTSIDE THE BOX!

Hey, we’d love to hear about your own creative ideas, so please share them with us in the comments box below, or come back after Valentines Day and tell us what you ended up doing and how it went.

PS: If you liked this article, please help us spread the word by sharing it with the world using the share icons below. And if you want to read more articles like this one, please subscribe to our website by clicking the link below. We appreciate your support.

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1. Mothers Day Gift Ideas: 10 Great Ways to Spoil Her
2. Valentines Roses May Make Her Swoon, but Tulips Can for Less
3. Create Your Own Unique Valentine’s Day Flower Arrangement