Wednesday, May 22, 2019

Note Writing Basics: How to Get Your Card Right Every Time

Have you been putting off sending a note to a family member or friend? Whether it's a thank you note, a sympathy note, or just a note to express your love, what's holding you back?

These days, when people send 16 million text messages per minute and 156 million emails, a written note can make all the difference to someone who's feeling lonely or could use a kind word.

Many people avoid writing notes because they're worried about their writing abilities. It's okay if you're not a note writing expert, though. You can become one in no time if you keep these tips in mind.

It's Always the Right Time

You might think it's too late to send a note to someone you love. Maybe they got married a couple of months ago or they gave you a gift last year.

The truth, though, is that it's always a good time to receive a note or card. Everyone loves getting mail that's not a bill or a credit card application. Chances are good that your loved one will appreciate your note no matter how late it is.

Keep in mind, too, that you don't always need a reason to send a note. There's nothing wrong with sending a "thinking of you" or "hope you're well" note just because. Often, these are the very best notes.

Start with Great Stationery

Having some nice, high-quality stationery can make the note writing process a lot more appealing.
Whether you want something that contains a clever message or features the official color of the year, there are lots of stationery options for you to choose from.

Before you start writing your note, head to the store and look for some stationery or a card that's appropriate for the situation and gets you excited to write your note.

Create a Digital Draft

There's nothing more irritating than having to throw away several practice notes because you misspelled something or wrote the wrong thing.

To avoid wasting your new stationery, write your note on the computer first. That way, you can plan out exactly what you want to say and transfer it to the card after.

There's no more wasted paper when you do it this way, and you'll be free to make as many mistakes as you need to figure out the perfect message.

Follow a Formula

If you have no idea where to begin when it comes to writing a note for someone, try following this basic formula:
  • Start by greeting the recipient by name
  • Express why you're writing
  • Use one or two sentences for a personal touch
  • Wrap up with a closing message (thank you again, I wish you the best, etc.)
 There's plenty of room to get more creative with your notes, but this formula can be helpful if you're dealing with writer's block and have no clue what to say.

Talk About a Memory

When it comes to adding a personal touch to your cards, a memory is a great approach to take. Spending a sentence or two writing about a memory you have with your loved one shows them that they really do matter to you. It'll also make your note unique and separate it from other notes they've received.

Think About the Future

It's also helpful to spend a sentence or two addressing the future. Maybe you can let your loved one know that you're looking forward to seeing them soon or that you hope to make plans to see them the next time you're in the neighborhood.

If you're writing a thank you note, you could also talk about how you plan to use their gift in the future (I can't wait to bake lots of casseroles in this dish, Aunt Helen).

Don't be Something You're Not

It might be tempting to try and make yourself sound smarter or more sophisticated than you are, especially if you don't consider yourself to be a great writer.

It's important to note, though, that your loved one wants to hear from you. They love you for who you are, and they don't want to read a note that sounds like it was written by someone else.

Resist the urge to use the thesaurus to expand your vocabulary or change your tone and write from the heart. It'll make your note much more meaningful.

Focus on Them

When in doubt, focus on the recipient, not yourself. Emphasize how much you appreciate them, what their friendship means, why you love them, etc.

There are so many self-centered people in the world these days. If you can separate yourself by keeping the focus on the recipient, you'll be miles ahead of all the other people who might be sending them notes.

Keep it Short and Sweet

You don't need to send your loved one a novel. Instead, try to keep your note short. Limit yourself to a few really well-written, meaningful sentences. This will have more of an impact on your loved one than a long letter full of boring platitudes.

You can only read messages like "best wishes" and "congratulations" so many times before your head explodes.

Don't Overthink it

Finally, don't overthink it. Remember, most people are just excited to receive an original note.
As long as you're writing from the heart and being genuine, they won't care if it's the most well-written note in the world.

With so many people eschewing written notes these days, they might not have that many to compare it to, anyway.

Take Your Note Writing to the Next Level

Writing a heartfelt note doesn't have to be difficult. If you keep these note writing tips in mind, you'll have a much easier time expressing your thoughts and feelings and showing your loved ones that you care.

Do you know what makes a note even better? When it's attached to a stunning flower arrangement!
Next time you need to send someone a note, send some flowers along with it.

Contact us at Peachtree Petals today to learn about the different flower arrangements we offer or to order yours!

Monday, May 13, 2019

Elegance and Fun: Top 6 Edible Flower Petals for Your Wedding Cake

Two of the most important elements in any wedding are the stunning flower arrangements and the delectable cake. But have you ever considered combining them?

We're not talking about carrying a bouquet of cupcakes down the aisle -- although, come to think of it, that's a pretty fantastic idea too. No, we are talking about edible flower petals used as a stunning, unusual decoration for your wedding cake!

Keep reading for the scoop on six varieties of edible blossoms and the beauty they will impart to your big day!


First, A Few General Tips for Decorating Your Cake with Flowers

While you can always ask the baker to incorporate edible flowers into your wedding cake decoration, we also want to let you in on a little secret. Since real petals are so easy to use -- way easier that making flowers out of frosting! -- this is one area where you can slash your budget and still make a splash.

Rather than paying through the nose for a lavishly decorated cake, simply order a basic one with a smooth frosting finish. Then add the flower petals yourself. Do this as close to ceremony and reception time as possible, to lessen the risk that they will wilt.

Be sure to choose food-grade flowers so that they are safe for consumption; you can't just take a walk in the park and pick any old blossom. Naturally, you'll also want to select species that will not only taste good, but that will complement the cake flavor.

Steer clear of alliums like chive blossoms, or any plant whose flavor profile leans toward the savory. Nasturtiums, for example, have a peppery taste. They might not be the best choice for starting your marriage off on a sweet note!

Lastly, if you or a member of your bridal party are planning on creating the cake yourself, consider the frosting. American buttercream hardens, so your blossoms might not stay where they're put. Swiss meringue buttercream is a better choice.

Now, on to the flowers!

1. Hibiscus 

With a perfect balance of sweet and tart and a stunning scarlet color, hibiscus petals lend incredible brightness and pizzazz to a wedding cake. Some people say that hibiscus flowers taste like cranberries, and that comparison isn't inaccurate.

However, it is much more complex, bringing to mind sweeter berries, such as strawberries and blueberries.

Hibiscus flowers can also be incorporated into the cake batter itself, for an extra burst of fruity flavor. A few ingredients that complement hibiscus flavor include coconut, honey, buttermilk, and lemon.

2. Roses

You really can't go wrong using rose petals to decorate a wedding cake. After all, no other flower is such an enduring symbol of love and passion. The fact that they are also delicious is -- well, icing on the proverbial cake!

Would it surprise you to know that roses are related to almonds, apples, apricots, peaches, pears, plums, and cherries? It's true. Rose buds, rose petals, and rose hips are all edible and nutritious. In fact, rose hips have more Vitamin C than oranges!

To encourage your guests to eat the roses with which you decorate your cake, keep them on the small side, or use only the petals. Munching down on the entire flower might be a bit much for some folks. Or opt for rose buds, which pack a flavorful punch in a small package.

3. Lavender

If you enjoy the calming, herbaceous, earthy scent of lavender, you will enjoy this beautiful blossom's taste, too. Lavender brings to mind the serenity and grace of an English countryside in springtime, and is a wonderful addition to any wedding with a romantic and old-fashioned theme.

Lavender has an affinity for dairy, so it is perfect to use in buttercream. Other flavors that match well with lavender include vanilla, honey, mint, and chocolate. And of course, its absolutely gorgeous pale-purple hue is perfectly suited to a wedding aesthetic.

4. Violets

Another option for anyone whose wedding has a color scheme involving purple? Violets! These small, sweet, and humble flowers come in a wide array of hues from the palest lavender to the richest indigo -- and every beautiful shade in between.

Violets are sweeter than most other edible flowers. If you or your intended have a true sweet tooth, however, consider using candied or sugared violets. They're not difficult to make at home, although they do require a gentle touch. You can make candied violets with egg whites and superfine sugar, or dunk them delicately in a simple syrup.

5. Pansies

Much like violets, pansies are a simple, down-to-earth bloom with bohemian appeal. They are perfect for flower lovers who want to incorporate the beauty of nature into their wedding, but without showiness or drama.

What do pansies taste like? Their flavor is perhaps best described as fresh, grassy, and even slightly minty. Some varieties have a stronger minty or wintergreen flavor than others, so be sure to do a taste test.

Rich but straightforward flavors like French vanilla and dark chocolate are your best bet for pairing with pansies. You can candy pansies as easily as violets, too, if a sweeter profile is desired.

6. Micro Orchids

Rounding out our list of edible floral decorations for your cake is micro orchids. About the size of a nickel, these tiny blossoms nevertheless pack a big punch! They come in beautiful bright shades of yellow, orange, red, purple and pink.

Micro orchids have a fresh, cucumber-melon taste -- just perfect for a spring or early summer wedding.

Final Thoughts on Edible Flower Petals

We hope you've enjoyed -- and been inspired by -- this beginner's guide to the wonderful world of edible flowers! When choosing the edible flower petals for your cake, bear in mind that you want a combination of aesthetic appeal, delicious taste, and sturdy staying power.

Have you ever tasted any flowers? Which flowers do you plan to use in your bridal bouquet or table arrangements? Share your thoughts on edible blooms in the comment section below!

Wednesday, May 8, 2019

Show Her You Care: 7 Flowers for Mother's Day That'll Make the Perfect Gift

Mother's Day in the US is just around the corner on Sunday, May 12.

Make sure you let the mother figure in your life know how special she is to you on this holiday, even if it is simply with a small gift and some loving words.

Of course, deciding on a mother's day gift can be difficult, but it doesn't have to be. Why not simply get her a bunch of beautiful flowers?

Here are 7 types of flowers for mother's day that'll be a huge hit with your mom.

1. Daffodils Brighten Up Your Life

Along with Mother's Day, spring is also coming around (thank goodness!) What better way to remind your mom of the new season than with a bunch of beautiful daffodils?

These flowers represent new beginnings and are synonymous with little lambs hopping around in fields and glimmers of sunshine thanks to their bright yellow color.

Is your mom an avid gardener? Perhaps the best mother's day flowers to get her are actually bulbs. You could buy her a few daffodil bulbs so she can care for them and enjoy the plants for years to come.

2. Roses are a Classic Choice

Not sure exactly what your mom's favorite flower is? Stick to the classics and get her a mother's day flower gift of gorgeous roses.

What's your mom's favorite color? Does she prefer deep red or pink? How about a yellow or orange?
Still not sure? It sounds like you need to sit down for a chat with your mom so you can nail her favorite flowers and colors for next year!

But, for this year, why not try instead a mixed bunch of flowers in a wide array of colors and help to brighten up her home?

Our Bright Spark Rose Bouquet will definitely grab attention and have your mom feeling the love she deserves! (Even if you did get her favorite color wrong.)

3. Tulips are Synonymous with Spring

Tulips come in many shapes, sizes, and colors. However, pink is a great color to choose for your mom as this means "affection".

If you're a little late to remembering mother's day, don't worry too much - white tulips are a symbol of an apology and your mom will appreciate flowers being late rather than never arriving!

These flowers are a great reminder that spring is just around the corner and can be paired with daffodils to create a beautiful seasonal bunch.

In fact, the tulip was once such a fashionable flower than in the Netherlands, "Tulip Mania" saw bulbs rise in price to extraordinarily high levels.

Thankfully, tulips are now very affordable and look beautiful in a large vase on your mom's table.

4. Peonies Help You Honor Your Mother

Although the peony is seen as an old-fashioned choice by some, by others this classic flower is adored.

If you're not sure how your mother will feel, create a bouquet with just a few peonies. The flowers create a big show with their bloom meaning you don't need as many to make a statement.

These flowers are a little more expensive than other choices in this list, but if you're trying to spoil your mom, they're a great option.

Peonies may be bought with the appearance of large balls. But, don't worry, after just a couple of days this ball will bloom and the beauty of the flower will be revealed.

5. Sunflowers Adore the Sun Like You Adore Your Mom

Let your mom know that she's the sunflower in your life with a bright bouquet of Van Gogh's favorite.

These flowers follow and dote on the sun, just like kids do with their mom... Get your mom a huge bunch of this stunning flower and add in a balloon to let her know she lifts you up!

A sunflower is sure to put a smile on anyone's face so make sure to check out our Smile Bouquet.

6. Buy a Succulent to Last a Lifetime

If you want to buy your mom a present which will last longer than a bunch of flowers, why not consider a succulent?

These plants are also easy to keep alive so if your mom doesn't have a green thumb, it's no problem.
They also look great in any home and will keep your mom feeling positive for weeks to come. In fact, plants have hundreds of benefits on our mental health!

Check out this unique Succulent Terrarium for a present a little different from regular.

7. Orchids Look Elegant Just Like Your Mom

These flowers are known for their elegant long stalks and stunning flowers. They are simple and classy. If your mom is too, this is the flower for her.

Better yet, these flowers are very easy to care for and look great in your home. They aren't as delicate as they look!

When shopping for an orchid for your mom, make sure to choose a plant which has many closed buds on its stem. This way it will last longer.

As with all plants, your orchid needs to be in the light. However, it shouldn't overheat and needs to be in temperatures around 70 and 80F.

An orchid also needs to have moisture to keep it alive but it should be allowed to dry out a little before watering. Make sure your mom knows this before you hand over the plant.

Flowers for Mother's Day Should Come with a Card

Remember that your flowers for mother's day should also arrive with a card and a personalized message so that your mom knows who they're from.

Even once the good flowers have withered, your mom will have your card to remember how much you love her.

Do you need to now choose a greeting card? Check out this beautiful option, here.
If you're still wondering what to get your mom as you've realized she doesn't like flowers, how about getting her some handmade chocolate instead?