Fall season centerpieces

The Thanksgiving holiday is this Thursday and we're really enjoying creating florals with the rich color palettes of fall. Deep burgundy, vibrant orange, peach and warm tones brighten both tables and grey skies. This arrangement contains Juliette garden roses, pin cushions, scabiosa, nandina and andromeda. Stop by either Sammy’s Flowers locations, order online at sammysflowers.com, or give us a call to order your own custom Thanksgiving centerpiece.

In bloom: Dahlias

While technically still summer, it’s beginning to feel like fall in Portland. The sugar maples are changing colors and the brisk fall air has finally broken the long heatwave that we were having. Luckily, we are still enjoying both a summer and fall favorite - dahlias. If you love dahlias as much as we do, now is the time to make some your own, before they disappear like the summer sun.

Blushing bridal bouquets

The classic rounded bridal bouquet designed in whites, creams and blush is a perennial favorite among brides. Shown here are several seasonal versions of blushing bridal bouquets, each designed with seasonal favorites such as spring peonies, summer dahlias, and fall mums. To see a few more examples, click on the link below. And to book a wedding consultation, contact us at weddings@sammysflowers.com

Planning your holiday table

Planning a holiday celebration? Whether an intimate dinner for two, or a big family or work gathering, now is the time to consider your flowers. Here's some info to get your planning started.

For arrangements you want to consider your desired size, shape, color and style.

Size and Shape: Where will your flowers be placed? Will it be seen from the front only, such as when used on a buffet or mantle? Or will it be seen from all sides such as a dinner table or entryway?

A small arrangement is perfect for a bistro or cafe sized table. A standard centerpiece works well for a round table seating 6-10 people. If your table is rectangular, a standard centerpiece works well along with other accents such as candles or if serving a family style dinner. Or if you have less table decor or prefer an elongated shape, a long and low design is a good alternative.

Color and Style: Next consider your color palette. Do you want a traditional fall or winter palette? Or will you match a theme or your decor? Determining a palette will help you with your flower choices.

Finally, what is your preferred style and how would you describe the look you want? (Is your style elegant, rustic, natural, fun, modern, vintage, etc) Do you have any specific flowers you would like used? Or perhaps you might prefer a "designer's choice" custom design created for you

Ready to order or need further help? You can stop by either location to speak to a designer and place your order. For events requiring specific needs or larger quantities, we recommend placing your order in advance, if possible, one to two weeks prior to event.

Fall table centerpieces

Perfect for Thanksgiving, the long and low centerpiece graces your table with beautiful blooms and draping foliages. Designed in a floral tray, the long and low creates a natural, dramatic focal point. At Sammy’s, we will create a custom design that coordinates with your personal style and color palette. Available in both single and double lengths, the long and low centerpiece can be ordered at either of our locations. Give us a call and we will create your custom designed table centerpiece for the holidays.

Fall rose favorites

With a little crispness in the air, we’ve begun to sense the change to fall. Rich palettes of reds, oranges, golds and brown signify the fall season and these rose favorites blend perfectly into the classic autumnal palette. On top, Matilde is a beautiful, large rust red rose. On the right is the classic Freedom rose which is the truest of reds. On the bottom, the Coffee Break rose is a wonderful copper. And Cherry Brandy, shown left, transitions from red to a golden center. All these beauties are all great performers and open to large, stunning blooms.

In the mix: dahlias

The dahlia season begins in early summer and extends generally to early October. Their vibrant colors and variety of shapes and sizes makes them a great focal flower that pairs well with smaller more delicate blooms. Beautiful both on their own, they are wonderful in textured mixes like the ones shown here. Now is the time to get your final dahlia fix for the season, before they are gone until next year.

Wedding style: dramatic bridal bouquets

Not all bridal bouquets have to be white, these wedding bouquets use dramatic color palettes with deep shades of plum, burgundy and eggplant. The first bouquet shown combines rich reds, copper and burgundy, with accents of peach.  The second picture shows bridal and bridesmaid bouquets in deep eggplant and blue gray. The third example below is combination of silver, plum, burgundy and cream.

In season: berries and pods

The fall season delights with an abundance of berries, fruits and seed pods that add bursts of color to autumnal arrangements. Shown from top to bottom: Ilex, pepper berry, rose hips, and beauty berry. Ilex berry comes in vibrant yellowish and peach hues, in addition to the classic red. The dainty pepper berry ranges from green to orange to red. The larger rose hip fruit also comes in green, orange and red with a variety sizes and stem lengths. The show stopper beauty berry wows with its bright purple color.

Wedding style: succulents

 

Succulents continue to be a popular addition to the bridal bouquet mix. Shown above are two late summer/early fall bridal bouquets that combine dahlias, roses and lots of texture. The fiery hued first example includes yarrow, echinacea, scabiosa pods, and crespedia. The soft palette second bouquet has touches of sage leaf and lavender. Interested in succulents? Then click on our succulent label to view previous blog posts.

Welcoming Autumn

The fall season has officially arrived. We’re loving the autumn palette, with its warm and rich shades. Fall foliage, pods, berries, and grasses are adding interest and texture to our mixes. Ready to embrace fall, too? Then visit our updated our website to view our new arrangements that reflect the best of the season.

In memoriam: floral tributes

Floral tributes are created to honor a loved one in condolence, and for memorials and funerals. Often sympathy arrangements are arranged in soft, soothing colors, with the most chosen palette being whites and greens. In tribute, colors often connect to the season, or have meaning to the person for whom the flowers are created. The two tall memorial arrangements and coordinating standing floral spray shown above incorporate a soft pastel color palette in white, pale yellow, and light blues.

The next example, shows a rich fall palette. Click on link below to see the additional pictures.

More Favorite Roses

One of our most popular blog posts was titled “Our Favorite Roses.” Since there are just so many amazing roses, we thought we would share some more of our favorites with you. Shown below are wonderful standard roses in cream and blush hues.

The top picture shows Mondial, a wonderful cream rose with beautiful ruffled petals. When closed, it start as a slightly greenish hue then opens to a true cream. 

The second rose shown below is Quicksand. It has a soft pale linen color.

Then there is Sweet Avalanche. It is a beautiful very pale pink.

And last but not least is Vendala, an outstanding cream rose. 

It is paired in the picture with the lovely pale peach Tiffany.

To see a couple of arrangements using the roses shown here, please click on the link below.

Welcoming Autumn

The air is suddenly crisp, skies are blue, and it is beginning to really feel like autumn in Portland. Inspired by the colors and textures of the season, we love to add fall foliage, berries, pods, and even gourds to our mixes. And autumn favorites such as the wonderful Circus rose, with its amazing orange and yellow petals, make it easier to say goodbye to summer and hello to fall.

Brights for Fall

Here’s a little sunshine for a rainy, fall day. This mix is made of cheery fall brights and standout brown- centered sunflowers. Zinnias, ranunculus, and the last of the summer dahlias are shown alongside. Sadly, with all our recent rain, our local dahlia season has ended. So we say “good-bye” to dahlias for this season and look forward to what fall brings us next.

Bold late Summer blooms

Oranges, reds and vibrant yellows continue to be the popular choice for late summer/early fall mixes. While we transition seasons, these colors and bold blooms keep the summer warmth going and going. The giant firecracker dahlia, teddy bear sunflower, zinnia and classic sunflower are fun seasonal blooms perfect for big, bold displays. Of course, soon we will experience fall crispness returning to the air, and we will fully embrace fall palettes and textures. (And woefully say goodbye to the summer sun.)

In-season: dahlias

Dahlias are a fantastic summer bloom. They come in endless varieties, colors and sizes. Shown here are some of the early arrivals in classic bright pink, burgundy, and bubblegum. They also come in fantastic reds, oranges, yellows, purples and also softer shades.  Dahlia shapes include decorative, pom, ball, and cactus. While most cut varieties are 3-4 inch in width, dinner plate style dahlias measure 8-10 inches. A popular large dahlia is the Firecracker dahlia. Look for it later in the season.

Wedding color with orchids

Gorgeous cymbidium orchids are the basis for this summer/fall wedding design. Coral, burgundy and brown make up the striking color palette. 

Additional flowers shown in the bridal bouquet are garden roses, dahlias, and chocolate cosmos. The elegant boutonniere consists of a single orchid bloom and spray roses. 

Planning a wedding and looking for color palette ideas? Click on our blog labels for your wedding season (winter, spring, summer, fall) to see seasonal flowers. Then try the wedding and color labels for additional ideas.

Coming Soon - Thanksgiving!

So you are probably starting to plan your Thanksgiving feast, why not take one more
“to do” off your list and place your Thanksgiving centerpiece order today? Just give us a call and we will create a beautiful table centerpiece available for pick up (or if you prefer delivery.)

Perfect for your dining table is the seasonal long, low arrangement. (single $75 or
large double $150) For your buffet table or breakfast bar, choose a seasonal medium height.
($60-$85) A small low arrangement ($35-45) is lovely for a side table or hostess gift.
And of course, we can create something custom to fit your specific needs or budget.

Top example: single long and low arrangement. Bottom example: small, low arrangement

Autumn wedding color

Personal flowers for a perfect autumn wedding. Shown here are the bridal bouquet, boutonniere, and floral head wreath in rich fall hues. Mango calla lilies, Leonidas sweetheart roses, orange spray roses, agonis, bumble bees, hydrangea, millet along with assorted pods and berries make this lush combination.