It has been scientifically proven that flowers make people feel good. According to behavioral research conducted at Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, nature provides us with a simple way to improve emotional health – flowers. The presence of flowers triggers happy emotions, heightens feelings of life satisfaction and affects social behavior in a [...]

Always use clean vases or containers. Bacteria in the water will shorten the life span of your flowers. Household bleach is an excellent cleaning agent for your floral containers.
Have your vase ready before working with the flowers. Fill the container about ¾ full with warm water and floral food (according to packet directions). Of course, [...]

Canisters with herbs

I had been using this set of vintage kitchen canisters for a while. Then I saw another set of the same canisters at one of my favorite haunts, Barntique Village in Moriches, New York. I couldn’t resist buying them; they were only $5.00!
Once I brought the canisters home, I quickly found the [...]

I really like to use seasonal elements when decorating for events and parties. When planning the décor for an event, you need to keep in mind the purpose of the gathering. You always want to make sure the décor “speaks” to the occasion.
I recently created the decorations for an engagement party. The house [...]

You don’t have to choose just one! Make a stunning statement by filling up a traditional English gathering basket with an array of seasonal veggies on one side, and an exquisite profusion of autumn blooms on the other.

Simply place floral foam in a plastic dish or liner on one side to create [...]

The artichoke is really a natural vase. Again, using what’s in season, I decided to go with dahlias and lavender. Using fresh lavender sprigs as accents make it smell delicious too. Here are some simple steps to follow to create your own artichoke arrangement:

Cut the bottom stem so that the artichoke sits [...]

The asparagus vase is always a hit! Everybody loves it and it’s so easy to make. Simply take the rubber band from around a bunch of asparagus and put it around a clear beverage glass. Take a stalk of asparagus and place it between the rubber band and the glass. Continue [...]

I love the fall – as a stand-alone season! I hate the fact that it means the summer is over and that winter comes next, but fall is a nature’s bounty of beauty. A farmer’s market, green market, or fruit and veggie stand offers as many fresh decorating elements as a flower shop! The best [...]

Look for flowers that are not yet fully developed. Most cut flowers, with the exception of some tropical flowers and fresh orchids, will continue to open after they’ve been put into the vase. A flower bud should be just slightly open–this is a general rule of thumb. There are some new rose varieties that have [...]

A bright tray of Columbian and Mexican foods in a splashes of various colors:

Arepas
Electric Chimichurri Sauce
Empanadas Paisas
Tortilla chips

All of these are fun finger foods. Garnish with fresh cilantro, peppers and sliced limes. You can get all of these recipes from www.recipezaar.com or pick up from a local take out place.