According to legend, the history of Valentine’s Day dates back to the third century in Rome, when Emperor Claudius II decided that single men made better soldiers, in the process outlawing marriage for young men.
As a result, Valentine – a young priest – so enraged by the decision, decided to risk punishment by continuing to perform marriages for young lovers in secret. Claudius eventually discovered Valentine’s actions and sentenced him to death. Whilst imprisoned awaiting his fate, Valentine fell in love with his jailer’s daughter and sent a note to her, signing it “From Your Valentine” – an expression we still use today.
Valentine was executed on February 14th, 270 AD, with the date later (sometime around 496 AD) declared a day to honour Valentine’s actions by Pope Gelasius. By this time, Valentine had also been declared a Saint.
The history of sending flowers to a loved one on Valentine’s Day flowers comes from the old-fashioned custom of sending floral bouquets to pass on non-verbal messages. Introduced in the 18th century by Charles II ofSweden, each flower had a specific meaning attached to it, making it possible to have an entire conversation using only flowers. That’s why today, the red rose is still the most popular way to share an expression of love.
A long-lasting romance
When it comes to red roses, an increasingly popular gift to send at Valentine’s Day is a red rose plant.
Long-lasting, great value for money and supremely romantic, rose plants are perfect for homes and workplaces, providing a welcome gift that will continue to give pleasure long after Valentine’s Day has been and gone.
Direct2Florist’s network of skilled professional florists love getting creative with plants – adding a suitable container, dressing with suitable accessories and adding some glamorous gift-wrapping ready for delivery.
To see the planted gifts on offer this Valentine’s Day, head to www.direct2florist.co.uk and select the florist of your choice.
As we all know, roses are the traditional gift on Valentine’s Day, but who says they have to be red?
The language of flowers throw up some interesting meanings when it comes to roses full of colours. While red Roses proclaim ‘I love you,’ other colours, especially pink, white and lilac, can have similar meaning when sent on this romantic of days.
Pink roses: A symbol of grace and elegance, they have the meaning of admiration. Pink Roses can also convey gratitude and appreciation.
Lilac roses: Sending these flowers to someone means that you have fallen in love at first sight and is enchanted by them – a very romantic alternative to red.
White roses: These symbolise truth and innocence, while conveying new beginnings – perfect for first time Valentine’s Day flowers.
Yellow roses: Yellow roses have a mixed message! Friendship on one hand, jealousy on the other. Alternatively, they signify intense emotion or conversely extreme betrayal! Red and yellow roses together mean joy, happiness and excitement, making them a better bet!
Whilst red roses will always be the most popular romantic gesture come Valentine’s Day, there’s a wide choice of loved-up floral gifts perfect for the romantic occasion. Here’s a quick rundown of what Direct2Florist’s network of talented floristry professionals will be busy with this year.
The classic 12 red roses
A firm favourite for Valentine’s Day, a dozen red roses is the classic romantic gesture. When ordering, consider how long you would like the rose stems to be – longer stems make for the ultimate gift, whilst shorter stems offer better value. And, contrary to myth, longevity of the roses will be more or less even whatever stem length you go for. If ordering for delivery to a place of work, opt for a hand-tied design where the roses will be delivered in a water bubble, ensuring a long life.
The stylish single red rose
Single red roses, delivered in beautiful gift-wrapping or even a gift box look a million dollars. As well as superb value for money, a single rose is an excellent choice for when the lucky recipient will be carrying the gift home on public transport, for example, or if you’re looking to combine flowers with chocolates, balloons, champagne or even a cuddly toy.
The non-rose alternative
Due to global demand and the fact that February is probably the worst time of year for the production of roses, rose prices shoot up. Therefore, why not consider opting for alternative flowers. Tulips, gerberas, anthuriums and even orchids make brilliant gifts, whilst making it look like you’ve given the gift some thought. Find out what your loved ones favourite flowers are and send them on Valentine’s Day – our florists will be happy to help.
Any colour you like, not just red!
Not everybody likes red, which is why we encourage you to look at other colours. The ‘language of flowers’ throws up some interesting ideas too – see our story on this topic later on in the newsletter.
Rose plants
For the ultimate lasting gift, go for a rose plant. Direct2Florist’s professionals have some beautiful rose plants, complete with stylish containers and adorned with those magical florist touches, just crying out to be sent to that special someone.
Put simply, we are here to deliver the perfect Valentine’s Day flowers – click here to order today.
Think about the card message
The most important part – choose your words carefully – they’ll be remembered for a long time to come. And don’t worry about getting personal – our florists have seen it all before!
Nothing beats the thrill of receiving flowers on Valentine’s Day and with less than a month to go until the big day, now’s the ideal time to sort out the delivery of a romantic floral gift to your loved one.
This year, Direct2Florist’s skilled, independent florists can make by hand anything from a single red rose to a luxurious bouquet that really pushes the boat out,. What’s more, your chosen gift will be delivered by hand – there are no couriers and tatty cardboard boxes here – making your romantic Valentine’s gift extra special.
There’s even the option to send champagne, chocolates, teddy bears and balloons if you so desire, all delivered by hand, complete with your personalised card message – ensuring February 14th, or indeed the weekend before, is memorable for all the right reasons.
By ordering through Direct2Florist you’ll receive the great service and value for money that you’ve come to expect from us, with your chosen florist receiving 100% of the flower value of your order, as unlike our competitors, we don’t take a large chunk of your money as commission.
As always with Direct2Florist, you’ll be able to select which of our talented florists delivers your order, after looking at the photos of their work and checking out their individual prices of the florists that deliver flowers to where you want them to go.
What’s more, unlike many flower delivery companies who are unable to deliver on Valentine’s Day itself, because this year it falls on a Sunday, our florists will be more than happy to deliver on a day that suits you, whether that’s the Sunday, Saturday or even the Friday if you’re planning to start the Valentine’s weekend in style.
So, what are you waiting for? Let us alleviate the stress of sorting out your Valentine’s Day gift by clicking here – in the click of a mouse you’ll have the perfect gift sorted!
Struggling to find the perfect gift for a loved one? Forgotten that all-important present for someone special? Well, worry no more by saying it with flowers this Christmas.
Handmade, personally delivered flowers make the perfect gift at Christmas, especially for those who can’t make the journey to be with a friend or relative. What’s more, last-minute orders are no problem, with same day delivery available from our global network of professional florists across the country, right up until Christmas Eve.
When ordering through www.direct2florist.co.uk, as well as next day delivery, a same day delivery service is available on all orders placed before 2pm local time, meaning the service is great for
last-minute gifts, whatever the occasion.
Direct2Florist’s talented network of local florists are able to deliver a wide
range of festive gifts, from a traditional Poinsettia plant or festive hand-tied through to a Christmas table centre with the extra wow-factor, at prices to suit all budgets. What’s more, unlike other big name flower delivery services, Direct2Florist guarantees that 100% of the cost of the flowers is passed on to the chosen florist, meaning the lucky recipient will receive a bigger, better floral gift.
Why worry about Christmas when you can trust it to the experts! For more information about Direct2Florist’s service, log on to www.direct2florist.co.uk
With only 9 days until Christmas, now is the time to make someone’s day with a delivery of festive flowers.
Whether it’s to tell your mum that you love her, send your Christmas wishes to someone special you can’t be with, thank someone for their friendship over the last year or simply as a Christmas treat for yourself and your home, our talented local florists have just the right gift for you – at a price to suit you.
At Direct2florist, we make ordering Christmas flowers easy. Simply log on to www.direct2florist.co.uk and enter the location that you would like your gift to be delivered to. Then, you’ll be able to see which florists deliver to your location, view photos of the florist’s individual work, including any festive specials, find out more about suggested price points and even read reviews from previous customers, before choosing which shop will deliver your Christmas order.
Direct2Florist’s talented network of local florists are able to deliver a wide
range of festive gifts, from a traditional Poinsettia plant or festive hand-tied through to a Christmas table centre with the extra wow-factor, at prices to suit all budgets. What’s more, unlike other big name flower delivery services, Direct2Florist guarantees that 100% of the cost of the flowers is passed on to the chosen florist, meaning the lucky recipient will receive a bigger, better floral gift.
Plus, don’t forget that we send flowers all over the world too via out global network of florists – visit www.direct2florist.co.uk for more information.
Fancy winning some flowers for Christmas? Well look no further than Direct2florist’s fantastic Christmas competition – exclusively for readers of the Direct2florist newsletter.
3 lucky winners will each receive a beautiful design – to the value of £30 – for their homes this Christmas, with delivery made on or before Christmas eve.
To enter, simply click here and email your name, contact telephone number (only used to contact you if you win) and a preferred date for delivery of the flowers if you are a winner, between December 21st and 24th. Closing date for entries is Monday 19th December 2011. Good luck!
Terms & Conditions of the prize draw: All entries must be received by the closing date ofDecember 19th 2011. 3 prizes of flower deliveries to the address of the winner’s choice are available. Total prize value £30.00. Total prize fund £90.00. Prizes must be claimed by no later than21st December 2011 with delivery made by no later than24th December 2011 Winners will be selected at random by an independent adjudicator. Winners will be notified by email by20th December 2011. Names and addresses of winners are available on request from Direct2Florist. Details of how to claim prizes will be supplied to the winners.
Easy to grow and maintain, the amaryllis is the perfect decorative solution for the busy and sociable Christmas period – no wonder then that this flower has grown in popularity faster than any other over the past few years.
Blooming like no other bulb, usually producing one or two tall flower spikes topped by up to four big, blousy flowers that can last up to two weeks, the amaryllis is a special flower.
While red and white might be the obvious Christmas choice, the alternative colours such as pink and orange, when combined with festive accessories, could also provide a striking and original centrepiece for the homes of your customers. Meanwhile, a single amaryllis makes the perfect place setting either alongside or instead of the traditional Christmas cracker.
As well as being a great decoration for the home, amaryllis also make a great alternative gift idea – therefore, make sure you have a selection of beautifully packaged, ready-to-go ideas in store.
Christmas red varieties to look out for – and more than likely the ones used by our Direct2florist professional florists – include “Liberty”, “Red Lion”, and “Hercules”.
Making your own Christmas decorations is a great way to have some Christmas fun with the family, so why not create your own personal style with fresh and exciting Christmas plants?
Plants are nature’s own decorations, creating a lovely atmosphere in the living room, but they can do much more than just “look good” and be decorative. Many of them conceal a fascinating story about their origin and spread, so with the right accessories and a little imagination, plants can become miniature Christmas stories in themselves.
Keep poinsettias warm
The classic Christmas poinsettia comes from South America, and so cannot tolerate cold temperatures and draughts. Therefore, why not keep the plant warm with a home-knitted “pot warmer”, or put it in small glass pot covers and place these in colourful cloth bags that can be hung on .
Christmas wreaths with different expressions
Christmas wreaths acquire a completely different look in the company of plants. The wreath can be made to match the modern home with, for example Phalaenopsis orchids or succulents, while roses or euphorbia give the arrangement a more romantic look.
Decorations for the Christmas table
With plants, you can also create decorations for the Christmas table, or small, smart tableaux for your coffee table or bookcase. You could, for example, arrange mini-plants in matching colours on a platter or tray, and give the decoration horizontal or vertical bulk using chopsticks, perhaps decorated with stars.
According to legend, the history of Valentine’s Day dates back to the third century in Rome, when Emperor Claudius II decided that single men made better soldiers, in the process outlawing marriage for young men.
