History of Christmas Ornaments

Christmas Ornaments may be traced back to the 1800's. The earliest Christmas Tree decorations were fruits and nuts. Later, paper streamers, and shiny foil. As the decorated Christmas Tree spread various countries had different variations. Germany stood out perhaps with their glass ornaments that were massed produced. One of the first American mass merchandisers, F.W.Woolworth, began importing German glass ornaments into this country in the 1880s.


Teleflora's Ruby Swirl Ornament Bouquet is a delightful gift that’s perfect for everyone on your list. Gracefully decorated with swirls of red velvet and gemstones, the oversized ceramic ornament jar is gorgeous filled with flowers, candy — or nothing at all. To continue the ornament tradition order this special Teleflora Bouquet by visiting our website, calling our store 706-796-1579, or stopping by our shop today.

To read more about the history of Christmas ornaments check out The Social History of Christmas Ornamnets.

Legend of the Silver Pinecone

There once was a poor family who didn't have enough food for their children. One day the mother decided to go into the forest in search of pinecones to sell to get money for food. When the mother finally reached the forest and began looking for pinecones she heard a mysterious voice say, "Why are you stealing my pinecones?" Suddenly an elf appeared beside her. She explained her sad situation to the elf. The elf told the woman to go into the next forest where the pinecones were better. The woman hesitantly listened to the elf walked the long way to the next forest. By the time she got there she was very tired so she sat against a large tree. Just then dozens of pinecones began falling to the ground around her. The woman joyfully gatherer the pinecones into her basket until it was full and then began the long journey home. Once she arrived at her doorstep she looked into her basket. She was delighted to discover that all the pinecones ha turned silver. Her family would never go hungry again!

According to European legend having the Silver PInecone in your home will bring good luck into your household The bouquet makes a stunning holiday centerpiece an is the perfect way to send this beautiful silver pinecone keepsake. Later it can be displayed on a dresser, desk or fireplace to bring good fortune into the home for years to come. To order this special Teleflora Bouquet Visit our website, call our store 706-796-1579, or stop by our shop today.

The legend story from mytelflora.com web accessed 7-14-2008

Poinsettia From Medicine to Christmas Favorite

Native to Central America, poinsettia’s as we now call them, were grown in an area of Southern Mexico known as Taxco del Alarcon. The Aztecs put the plant to practical use. The Aztecs extracted a purplish dye from the plant in which it used in textiles and cosmetics. In fact, the milky white sap, today called latex, was made into a preparation to treat fevers.

The poinsettia may have remained a regional plant for many years to come had it not been for the efforts of Joel Roberts Poinsett. Poinsett was appointed as the first United States Ambassador to Mexico by President Madison.

Poinsett maintained his own hothouses on his Greenville, South Carolina plantations. While visiting the Taxco area in 1828, he became enchanted by the brilliant red blooms he saw there. Poinsett immediately sent some of the plants back to South Carolina, where he began propagating the plants and sending them to friends and botanical gardens.

Caring For Poinsettias

· Six hours of light daily is ideal.

· Keep poinsettias away from warm or cold drafts.

· Ideally poinsettias require daytime temperatures of 60 to 70°F and night time temperatures around 55°F. High temperatures will shorten the plant’s life. Move the plant to a cooler room at night, if possible.

· Check the soil daily. Water when soil is dry. Wilted plants will tend to drop bracts sooner.

· Fertilize the poinsettia if you keep it past the holiday season. Do not fertilize when it is in bloom.

References:
History of the Poinsettia
Caring For Poinsettias

"Caring Rose Week"

Petals And More participated in "Caring Rose Week" November 17th - November 22nd.

With 2 can goods and $10 one could purchase a dozen fresh wrapped roses.

"Caring Rose Week" was a chance to give food to the hungry and a dozen roses to someone special.

All can goods received were donated to Golden Harvest Food Bank.

Flowers and Profits Publication

Mary Lou was interviewed in an article for the October 2008 issue of Flowers and Profits, a monthly florist trade publication.

Creative Merchandising Contest Winner

In May, Petals And More's America's Favorite Mom display won a Creative Merchandising Contest Sponsored by Teleflora.