The Flower Blog

Kelly Snyder

Graphic Designer & Social Media Marketing aficionado with broad experience in the field of design and art production management. Always on the lookout for a good challenge whether it be bringing an idea from a pencil drawing to a completed work of art or cultivating a company's persona on the digital highway.
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Recent Posts

Summer Wedding Bouquet Snapshot at Gillespie Florists

Posted by Sat, Sep 03, 2016 @ 10:32 AM


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"Summertime is always the best of what might be"
- Charles Bowden

School bells have rung, trees are beginning to show their golden autumn colors; with soft cool breezes blending with the bold heat of the sun, summer is bidding us farewell for another year.

However, we are going review a few of our favorite summer wedding flowers before fall season hits head on!SummerWeddingSnapshot_small-01.jpg

As we begin preparing bouquets for fall weddings our favorite summer styles and colors from Summer 2016 are still fresh on the minds of our floral designers and wedding specialists. This collage is a small portion of many gorgeous weddings they have had the pleasure of helping prepare. Summer brides fashioned their weddings with a plethera of color combinations ranging from bold, bright and beautiful to the softest creamy vintage colors and everything in between. Plump and precious succulents were and are still on high demand while delicate hydrangea, peonies and ranunculous were never far behind. As always, what wedding season is without a decent dose of the classics such as ravishing roses and callas? The happiest flowers on earth, gerbera and sunflower, added festivie flair to rich in color wedding themes. 

The summer season can be gentle and rhythmic with colors reflecting warm days at the ocean and long walks on the beach and it can also be stunning, striking and vibrant with festivals, brilliant sunshine and fantastic voyages. Whatever the feeling and theme brides want to reflect on their summer wedding day; our staff stands up to the challenge of any color and flower comibination you dare to dream for your big day. 

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Find our favorite wedding flower themes and more in our wedding collection!

 WEDDING COLLECTION

Schedule a free consultation with our wedding specialist!

Contact our Wedding Specialist!

Topics: bright summer bridal bouquet, summer wedding flowers, wedding bouquets, favorite bouquets

Meet Our Gillespie Florists Mascots

Posted by Thu, Aug 18, 2016 @ 11:14 AM

Raw_badgetag-01-1.png"Our perfect companions never have fewer than four feet."
— Colette


Our customers find more than flowers when they visit our store! We have delightful dogs who bring smiles and chuckles whenever they are in the building. If you haven't met them in person, plan a visit to meet one (or more) of our beloved mascots. Till then take a moment to learn more about our furry friends who frequent the store, ask for belly rubs, ear scritches and all the love and hugs they can get. 

***SPECIAL NOTE****If you would prefer to have your shopping experience mascot free,
call us at 317.273.1100 and we will have our furry friends take a break in the back.


Meet Minnie Pearl

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Minnie Pearl (often referred to as Minnie) is our newest English Bull addition to the Gillespie Florist Family!
She has been learning the ropes from her big sister Evie. Minnie is super playful and very sweet. She enjoys spending lots of time with Mom and Dad, walking, exploring and playing with family.

Evie!

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Evie has been with us a few years and learned the ins and outs of being a perfect mascot under the constant tutelage of big sister Pearl. Evie is also one for adventure. She is very courageous and very gentle. Before Evie joined the family we invited our friends and fans to vote on her name. It was a very exciting experience with so many excellent names from which to choose. We are happy Evie was the most popular vote, we can't imagine calling her anything else.

Sawyer

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Next up is the super cute Sawyer! Half Yorkie, half Pekingese/Dachshund and 100% Princess! Sawyer may be a diva but we don't mind, her superpower is looking ADORABLE all the time. She can often be found snoozing on top of desks, under feet or following her second favorite human (Sarah) around the store. Sawyer may be small but her personality is mighty. She gives Minnie and Evie and run for their money and often stops everyone in their tracks due to her charm.

 

Tula, Juno and Bose

furbabyfridaytulaNext up are a few Great Danes who often ride with Pat while he takes deliveries. Tula is the youngest of the bunch. She is very playful and loves to lean in for back pats. Juno is the eldest and loves to shake hands. Bose is a most handsome boy and loves to keep Susan company at home. While at the store these gentle giants spend most of their time in Pat's van or resting outside in the sunshine. This terrific trio does not often visit but when they do, rest assured they're here to help Pat get back on the road so he can treat them to dinner on the way home.

 

 

Pictured: Tula with Pat
Pictured Below: Juno with the bespeckled Bose 

 

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We have more furry friends to introduce. Be sure to check our social media pages for Furbaby Fridays, when we share updates on the entire crew!

Miss out seeing Minnie and Evie on your last visit? We've got links for you follow them and their family adventures below!

Evie and Minnie Pearl on Twitter at Bulldog Evie & Minnie Pearl


***SPECIAL NOTE****If you would prefer to have your shopping experience mascot free, call us at 317.273.1100 and we will have our furry friends take a break in the back.


 

Topics: store history, meet the staff, shop mascot, store mascot, flower bulldog

Handcrafted Ghyslain Chocolates at Gillespie Florists

Posted by Thu, Jul 07, 2016 @ 06:38 PM



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 “All you need is love. 
But a little chocolate now and then doesn't hurt.” 
Charles M. Schulz


I agree with the great Charles M. Schulz, except let's make "now and then" more often. When you bite into your first Ghyslain Chocolate, you'll taste what I mean!

Wait a moment, we need to back up! Because before the bite comes the sight. Have you seen these beautiful works of art? The internet can only do so much for your senses. A digital picture is worth about 500 words; however when it comes to the absolute artistry of these handcrafted chocolates made in Union City, Indiana, well...one should view these beauties in person.  If the image below hasn't piqued your interest enough to grab keys and visit Gillespie Florists immediately then let me persuade you further with an ode to these exquisite works of art which my eyes long to behold forever but my mouth will only withhold these treasures for mere moments.

Banana Foster, Pistachio Amerana, Tahitian Vanilla, Biscottino Salted Caramel...I'm drooling right now. Literally drooling. As exotic and delicious as the titles are, what lies underneath will seal the deal with a marriage of flavors such as: white chocolate infused vanilla bean; Gianduja milk chocolate ganache with carmelized hazelnut; dark chocolate center with passion fruit blend caramel; orange marmalade, dark chocolate ganache infused with Grand Marnier extract and chocolate pearls...

Am I kidding you right now? No! This is no joke, friends. Ghyslain is the real deal when it comes to superb gourmet taste and handcrafted artisan flair. 

 

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Oh the glory of just a mere visual sampling of these tasty treasures. Waiting to be admired and relished for the mastery in both taste and design. They are so breathtaking in sight you will not want to eat Ghyslain Chocolates. But you will and you won't be able to have just one. Trust me, you won't be sorry.

Go on, prove me wrong on this. Before proof can happen a visit to Gillespie Florists is in order where we have a grand selection of Ghyslain Chocolates. Better yet, give us a call and have them delivered with a delightful bouquet to someone you love. Maybe they will say "Thank you" by sharing. Or maybe you should just order an extra box for yourself. Yes, that would be best. Love is strong but I'm not sure it can withstand the sheer magnitude Ghyslain Chocolate experience (says the person who sampled the product and *forgot* to share). 

 

Say "I love you" "Just Because" or "Thinking of You" today and visit our website for all the flowers in your life!

Shop Our Monthly Specials!

 

 

Topics: chocolate, Flowers and gifts, new chocolate products, ghyslain chocolates

Gift Ideas for Him and Where to Find Them

Posted by Fri, Jun 24, 2016 @ 03:38 PM

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Birthdays, Christmas, Father's Day...these are the days which can be excruciatingly difficult for those of us who are clueless on the perfect gift for "him". You know who I'm talking about....that important guy or guys in your life.  

The only guy in my life I don't have to melt my brain creatively in the gift department is my dad. Without fail, he is most delighted with sweaters and sweatshirts. He loves receiving these from me to the point where someone compliments him on any sweater, he will say "Kelly bought it for me" when in fact, it's possible one of my other siblings did. After a few incidents they have left the sweater purchasing to me. Gifts for my dad? Done and Done. Everyone else? Oh, the agony. But never fear, I've compiled a list of gift ideas to make your next gift for him a little bit easier! 

 

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1. SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE
 
Finding the right gift can be hard to find and if you google "gifts for him" your search is far from over! Is your gift for the great outdoorsman? Sports enthusiast? Geek? So many searches, so little time therefore let's start with a winning list with something for everyone! Dads, brothers, husbands and friends. I love Heavy.com's Top 100 Best Gifts for Men because it's there's a great range in price, lifestyle, age. After scanning the list I was surprised to find quite a few items that I would purchase for the guys in my life! My top three items were the The Official John Wayne Way to Grill (for the foodie); Pyle SoundBox Splash Waterproof Portable Speaker (for the music lover); and the Vivere Double Space Hammock (for the outdoorsman). Great variety and price points for a variety of lifestyles all in one list. BOOM. DONE.
 
 
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2. DIY GIFTS 
 
Let's say DIY is your style! I know it's mine and the very first thing I do is look at my favorite pinterest boards. Sometimes going to the place with a billion pins is overwhelming therefore take a short cut to theartofmanliness.com.  The Art of Manliness list of DIY projects is overflowing with great ideas which you can DIY or give to him as a gift to do! I especially love the altoid tin survival kits and all the ways you can personalize it and the best beef jerky in the world because...beef jerky and I want to make it for myself post-haste! 
 
 
 
 
 
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3. FROM THE KIDS
 
My three kiddos always want to take part in gifts for dad! Every once in awhile we carve out a large block of time to work on a special gift! One of our favorites is painting ceramic bowls. Breakfast time is always bonding time with dad so cereal bowls have been a big hit!
 
Not feeling the painting? Try one of these Kid Friendly DIY Gift Ideas from Care.com! From cute candy cards to pretty cool bicycle brake clocks there is something for everyone. I can't say my favorite on this list because it's bound to be a birthday gift pretty soon! 
 
 
 
 
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4. DON'T FORGET YOUR FRIENDLY LOCAL FLORIST!
 
Of course I'm going to mention Gillespie Florists! Flowers do not seem to be synonymous with gifts for him but have you seen what we can do? Planters or flowers for the home, office, and man cave in fun containers like jeeps, Ford trucks, sports balls and even grills! Snack baskets, gourment food baskets, stones for the garden. Send a "Just Because" surprise bouquet, just because. The kids can join in the fun, walk the red carpet and select flowers for the important guys in their life! 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Let's bring it back home. I've shared some of my favorite "For Him" lists with you as well as ideas I've personally used! These ideas serve as starting points to get you going in the right direction for the perfect gift for him. Online, hand delivered, DIY, whatever your style; as long as the gift is thoughtful and from the heart, it is sure to be a hit with him.  Happy Gifting!
 
Want to send some love through the language of flowers? Shop some of our favorites now!
 
 


 

Topics: Fathers Day Flowers, birthday, Gift Baskets, gift ideas for him, gift ideas

Bevy of Bouquets for Mother's Day!

Posted by Sat, Apr 30, 2016 @ 06:15 PM


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The art of mothering is to teach 
the art of living to children.
-Elaine Heffner


Mothering is a type of art form, isn't it? A daily, sometimes hourly balance of tasks to accomplish while caring for the ones you love and hoping the best parts of yourself are being reflected in the process.  It is a difficult balance yet we strive to keep balance every day. Dads, you do it too, we've got you on our radar! Every day is a chance to celebrate the relationships and love we have in our lives but having a few days a year to dedicate to mothers, fathers, siblings, grandparents, etc; doesn't hurt to send some extra special love and thanks, does it? So for Mother's Day, I am absolutely delighted at what the talented floral designers at Gillespie Florists have artfully crafted for our Mother's Day collection this year. Just like our mothers, these bouquets are works of art and I adore how they reflect the nature of mom in her many different forms.

 

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1. Pastel Treasures

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42.95

A terrific trio of goodness found in vintage bud vases! These small arrangements make a lovely combination centerpiece, placed individually throughout the room! Soft pastel colors in a few of our favorite flowers including gerbera daisies, waxflower, roses, snap dragons, seeded eucalyptus and mini-carnations! If the special lady in your life loves simple and sweet; she will enjoy Pastel Treasures. 

Giving this as a gift to represent a certain number of people? We can adjust the number of vases to suit your needs! Call 317.273.1100 or email gillespieflorists@gmail.com for pricing options!

 

 

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2. Butterfly Dreams

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56.95
 
I'll admit it; I'm a sucker for butterflies, warm colors, and multi-purpose gifts. This particular design combines all these attributes in one for a most adorable bouquet! Not only do we have the beauty of fresh colorful daisies, carnations, waxflower, and alstroemeria but also the long lasting function of a quaint keepsake mug! If mom is an avid warm refreshment fan, she will appreciate this gift within a gift. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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3. Painted Hummingbird

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54.95
 
Is it just me or do we associate delicate winged creatures with spring and love. We've covered butterflies; it's now time for our feathered friends, the hummingbirds! This bouquet reminds me of the quick flitting movements of these fairy-like birds. Fuji Mums reflect the needle thin beaks dipping searching for nectar. The fine Bear grass and airy nature of limonium filler and floral design is like catching a glance of the hummingbird before it disappears. 
 
Soft pink hues and demurely painted hummingbird in a keepsake vase complete this ethereal  bouquet! 
 
 
 
 
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4. Azure Hauteur

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$109.95
 
Show some love on a large and elegant scale with Azure Hauteur. Tall Bells of Ireland, ornamental kale, the delicate white anemone, green mini hydrangea, green hypericum berry, purple monte casino, tinted blue limonium, spiral eucalyptus and seeded eucalyptus all artfully and tastefully arranged in a pristine blue vase. The classic appeal of this arrangement is perfect for the sophisticated lady in your life. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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5. Spring Bloomer

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44.95
 
Spring is in full bloom when Mother's Day comes around. Help her celebrate the day and the return of warmer temps with a basket full of fresh annuals for the home or garden! These colorful plants will brighten her day till the frost bites. The seasonal availability of these blooming plants may affect the color and type of plant in thr picture but rest assured, our fine floral designers will use their special design skills to make up a lovely basket of blooms complete with ribbon and butterfly!
 
 
 
 
 
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6. Vintage Teapot

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Keepsake gifts and containers are always on trend here at Gillespie Florists! The Vintage Teapot is a prime example and perfect for Mother's Day. 
 
The brilliance of blue delphinium and blue cornflower paired with creamy white roses and spikey white Fuji mums and white carnations are carefully arranged in this keepsake container. A lover of tea and timeless style will enjoy this decorative bouquet. 

 

 

 

Find these Mother's Day bouquets and more when you visit our online collection. Want to deliver "Happy Mother's Day!" greetings in person? Stop by our store and choose flowers from our 500 sq ft cooler for a "made especially for you" bouquet or see what our designers have made fresh and ready to go in the front cooler. What better way to express gratitude and love for the important women in your life than with the beauty of flowers which reflects Mom's beauty, inside and out. 

Shop Mother's Day Bouquets! 

Topics: Mother's Day Flowers, mother's day gifts, new bouquets

Succulent Weddings

Posted by Tue, Apr 26, 2016 @ 10:43 AM

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Succulents: Low maintenance; available in variety of colors, shapes, sizes; versatile; garden friendly; wedding friendly; plays well with fashion trends; and inexpensive?  Where do I sign up?

The possibilities are endless with these hardy little "fat plants" as they are sometimes referred. Desirable for their ornamental looks and hardy nature there is no telling what our creative brains will come up with next in terms of how to use these versatile flowers. Succulents are in high fashion for weddings and it's no wonder. Dress them up with sophisticated ohara roses and ranunculous or go loose leafed and airy with caspia and cabbage, there's no stopping these plants from being a bridal favorite all over the country and with our brides at Gillespie Florists! All of our wedding flowers are gorgeous and the ones which incorporate succelents are no exception! We've put together a collage of just a few of our stunning designs including these popular plants!

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From soft and subtle to outstanding bold and vibrant, succelents are a lovely addition to all manner of themes and styles.
Let's not stop there, the exotic look and low maintenance appeal of succulents go further than your average wedding flowers. Go to your neighborhood dollar store, value store, favorite found object shop and pick up containers matching your theme and decorate the reception tables with these take home favors for guests. Create a long lasting impression which will add flair and interest to any home and/or garden! This is just one of hundreds of ideas on succelent incorporation into weddings. Just check your favorite idea collecting website (you know which one I'm talking about...i bet you have hundreds of pins to prove it too!).

There are many pros to utilizing succelents in weddings! Low maintenance; variety of sizes, shapes and colors; year round availability; low cost and versatile. Thinking of incorporating them into your wedding? Give us a call today and schedule a free consultation with our wedding specialist!

 

Contact our Wedding Specialist!WEDDING COLLECTION

Topics: weddings, Wedding trends, succulents, wedding bouquets

New Prom Corsages at Gillespie Florists

Posted by Thu, Mar 24, 2016 @ 12:13 PM

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We do not remember days; we remember moments. 

~Cesare Pavese, The Burning Brand

 

 

Ahh memories...those moments in time you will never forget. Prom Night is all about unforgettable moments whether they be romantic, comical, dramatic, amazing, fun, crazy, silly, catastrophic, and lastly, epic. However your dream Prom is remembered is completely up to you. How your evening begins? We have a menagerie of materials and florals to start this magical night with sparkle, shine, and all things divine.

Speaking of divine, our floral designers have been hard at work with fresh new creations for Prom Night 2016! Metallics, shimmer ribbons, glitter, rhinestones and all your favorite shiny decorations are back along with a generous element of texture. Popular prom dresses this season are simply smooth and chic which means it's time to accessorize your ensemble with a glamorous corsage! Latest trends are letting Nature take its' course with succulents and greenery in high demand. Think tropic and exotic with colorful orchids, feathers, and striking blue thistle. Even our boutonnieres are going above and beyond with makeovers to match their corsage counterparts. 

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Are you feeling the "Wow" factor? Amazed? Have we taken your breath away? Just think! The above corsage collage is a minor sampling of everything Gillespie Florists has to offer for an extraordinary Prom Night!

Ready to get started on your dream corsage? Visit our Prom Night collection online for great ideas and come into our store to view our prom materials and supplies! Our knowledgable prom specialists can help with questions, colors and special requests. Prom season is here; get started now!

SHOP PROM FLOWERS

 

Topics: boutonniere ideas, prom, tropical flowers,, prom corsages, prom 2016, corsages

Behind St. Patrick's Day

Posted by Fri, Mar 18, 2016 @ 07:53 AM

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"May your thoughts be as glad as the shamrocks. May your heart be as light as a song. May each day bring you bright, happy hours. That stay with you all the year long."

 

 

March is the time of things going green! I'm not talking about recycling unless we're talking in terms of joining Ireland in celebrating their patron saint, St. Patrick, on March 17th. It's a time of happiness, joy, comraderie, and all things green including the White House fountain. Ever wonder why March 17th was delegated for St. Patrick? Why do we wear green? What are popular traditions? Let's check out the history together!

 

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Feast of St. Patrick
In Irish: Lá Fhéile Pádraig
, "the Day of the Festival of Patrick", is a religious and cultural celebration on the death date, March 17, of the most well-known patron saint of Ireland, St. Patrick. Okay...So who is he? Patrick's birth origin is believed to be in Roman Britain on March 17, (around)390 AD, with the name Maewyn Succat. He was kidnapped as a child by pirates, sold to slavery and sent to tend sheep on Slemish mountain, Co Antrim, Ireland. During his six year stint he "found God" and dreamt God told him to go to the shore where there would be a ship waiting to take him home. Patrick escaped and was believed to have met up with his parents and then went on to become a priest. He answered God's call to return to Ireland and spent over twenty years converting people to Christianity; setting up churches and schools; developed a native clergy; cultivated the growth of monasticism, established dioceses, and held church councils. After many years of service, St. Patrick died on March 17th, 493. (Disputed) Some of the legends associated with St. Patrick include the use of a shamrock to explain the Holy Trinity and driving all the venomous snakes in Ireland to the sea with a curse from God. 

 

 

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Celebrations
Sounds like St. Patrick did many things for the folks of Ireland is it any wonder they wanted to celebrate his life? The Roman Catholics started the holiday in honor of their patron saint but the day has grown in popularity and eventually turned into a secular celebration of Irish culture and tradition. Traditional St. Patrick's Day celebrations began as church services, banquets, and dances and more commonly parades and festivals. In relation to church services, Lenten restrictions of eating and drinking alcohol are lifted for the day. There is also "Irish Language Week", during the week of St. Patrick where more effort is made to use the Irish Language.  I had assumed St. Patrick's Day parades started over in Ireland but actually they began in North American around the 18th century and made it over to Ireland by the 20th century. Donning the color green and shamrocks is popular everywhere, including local rivers, canals and beverages.

 

 

DSC_7475.jpgShamrocks and Going Green
Why all the green and shamrocks? It was said that St. Patrick used shamrocks to illustrate examples of the Holy Trinity. The three leaves symbolize the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Shamrock was also associated with the earth and assumed by druids to be symbolic of the regenerative powers of nature. Whatever the reason, today you may hear terms such as "wetting the shamrock" which means going out for a drink to celebrate St. Patrick's Day.  While "drowning the shamrock" with a pint of beer you may notice your beverage of choice is green for the day.  Green symbolizes hope, growth, rebirth, and all good things. The color was prominent in the 1600s during a short period of Confederate Ireland when Catholic noblemen and clergy took control of most of the country. Later on in the 19th century, green returned to represent the rise of Irish nationalism and republicanism in the 19th century. Most likely the color green was chosen to set Ireland apart from the traditional colors of red and blue associated with the United Kingdom. Hmm...there's some green eggs and ham for thought! Irish pride or simply St. Patrick's Day celebrating; sporting a shamrock or rockin' some green is a great choice on March 17th, especially if you don't want to get pinched!

Legends of St. Patrick, stories of shamrocks and why we wear green; these are just a few of the traditions and icons surrounding St. Patrick's Day. We covered leprechauns right here and will certainly have more to explore another time. Till then, have a safe and happy St. Patrick's Day!

Click below to add refreshing colors of green and springtime to your home, office, and more! 

SHOP SPRING BOUQUETS

Topics: St. patricks day flowers indianapolis, wearing green, St.Patrick's Day history

Alternative Sympathy Ideas to Flowers

Posted by Wed, Feb 24, 2016 @ 03:08 PM

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Memories...Let them fill your mind, warm your heart,
and lead you through." - Author Unknown

Let's take a moment and talk about sympathy and sending flowers. Grieving is a difficult process and for some of us, like me, sometimes we are not sure what to do, what to say, and how to express our love and support for grieving friends and families. If you turn to the Five Love Languages, you can find your best mode of expression during a time of sympathy. Some people cook meals, others run errands, give soul-nourishing hugs, and then there is someone like me, who wants to send words and gifts such as flowers. Oh but flowers, they fade and you want to send something as a memento or keepsake. This list is for you. We've compiled our best sellers for those of us who want to send something "in lieu of flowers".  

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1. WindChimes

Windchimes as sympathy gifts are picking up speed. Long lasting and beautiful with soothing tones to create an atmosphere calming of the mind and uplifting to the spirit. Perfect for the patio or memorial garden the healing power of music is known to reduce stress and anxiety and allows a person to relax and unwind.

 

 

 

 

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2. Garden Stones

There are many ways to create long-lasting tributes to loved ones. One of the more popular tributes is designing a small memorial garden. They can be as small as a single perrenial or however large the space allows for a full-sized garden with shrubs, grasses, and a variety of flowers. A thoughtful gift to honor a loved one is a garden memorial stone. These weatherproof and durable stones offer messages of comfort and remembrance in the quiet sanctuary of any garden.  

 

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3. Comfort Throw Blanket

 

Another alternative to flowers which can offer a moment of comfort as a tangible gift is a Comfort Throw Blanket. Beautiful images alongside verses and remembrance messages in heirloom quality can be displayed during the service on a wooden easel. At home, this richly colored throw can be used as a memorial coverlet, lap blanket or wall hanging.

 

 
  

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4. Book of Love

Each one unique, these books of love are made from rescued hardbound books. They are given new life through nine seperate processes. All the steps are done by hand therefore, none of the books are exactly alike. This gift is a classic and inexpensive way to express personal thoughts to loved ones which cannot always be put into words. 

 
 

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5. Keepsake Box

Music box, jewelry box, there are so many ways these decorative treasures can be used by a loved one. A beautiful way to hold cherished memories or personal effects. We carry keepsake boxes in a variety of sizes, colors, and themes appropriate for many occasions and personal style. Many contain comforting words, art, and soothing melodies. There are a select amount which can have the art replaced on top with photos.  

These gifts also make lovely displays either filled or surrounded with fresh flowers artfully designed by our staff. Keepsake boxes are a touching and lasting way to honor a loved one's memory. 

 

 

 

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6. Figurines

Angels, cherubs, animals, etc; we have a large collection of figurines which are appropriate as stand alone sympathy gifts. Add permanent botanicals or fresh flowers to create a combination of traditional and modern sympathy gift in one. Figurines are subtle yet thoughtful gift which can be placed anywhere in the home and even some outdoors in the garden.

A popular choice and example is our Cielo arrangement. Filled with carnations, daisies, statice and a small light up angel figurine placed in the center.  As someone who enjoys sending flowers and a small "Thinking of You" token; this style of sympathy gift is up my alley.

 

 

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7. Planters

Last but not least on our list of top choices for alternative sympathy gifts is one which serves as living tribute long after the funeral service is over. The everlasting beauty of the dish garden.  Select one of our many containers or bring one from home as a personal memento; our floral designers are skilled at making a garden out of almost anything. Fresh flowers and ribbons are artfully placed for an elegant tribute for display. 

 

 

As you can see we have quite a few alternatives to sympathy flowers and then some. Need more ideas and inspiration? See our extended Sympathy collection online and stop by our store. The fine staff at Gillespie Florists can help you find the perfect ikeepsake or combination of flowers and keepsake for you to express your sentiments in a loving, thoughtful and personal way.  

Expressions of Sympathy


 

Topics: sympathy, sympathy gifts, alternative to sympathy flowers

Valentine's Day Bouquet Favorites

Posted by Fri, Jan 15, 2016 @ 02:48 PM

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Show of hands! How many of you have already made plans for Valentine's Day? Anyone? Who plans in advance and who just wings it? Who among you isn't even sure what to do, what to get, etc?  This article is meant for everyone because what better way to express love than by adding flowers to the occasion!  It's not necessary but it definitely steps up your game a notch. think I'm joking? Check out this article about how flowers can have an impact on your day!
 
Sold yet? Then let me sell you on some bouquet ideas. Gillespie florists has a plethora of designs inline for your selection as well as in our store.  So many choices for you but don't get overwhelmed because I'm going to share my bouquet picks for this year. You can trust my choices as a person who loves receiving flowers of all kinds, for any occasion.
 

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1. Sweet Annie

Maybe it's the name of the bouquet or the fact it is the most cheerful mixture of lavender and pink! Sweet Annie is overflowing with sweet lavender daisies, delightful pink alstroemeria lilies, fun dark pink carnations, and adorable waxflower. This bouquet is beyond darling and the corners of my mouth immediately raise because it's so darn sweet looking. It reminds me of springtime, young love, laughter, and sunshine. Looking for something light, relaxed, and fun? Sweet Annie is your go-to.

 

 

 

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2. Orchids Renoir

Give your valentine a taste of the tropics with this new arrangement for 2016! Orchids Renoir is a modern design with a taste of the exotic with phalaenopsis orchid blooms. Three tea rose and waxflower blooms placed intermittently complete this work of art suspended in water gel beads! A subtle shade of pink decorative wire encircles the cylindrical vase for a striking finish. 

 

 

 

 

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3. Te Amo

Say "I love You" with this breathetaking design which started out as a wedding bouquet translated into a vased arrangement. Between the vintage colors and the sophisticated blooms of hydrangea, roses, tea roses, and eucalyptus, this bouquet is a visual symphony which will make hearts sing. 

 

 

 

 

  

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4. Starry Night

If you haven't noticed, I lean towards non-traditional Valentine bouquets; the ones which do not have half dozen to a dozen roses in them. I most certainly do adore roses, but love having a mixture of all kinds of flowers. Variety is the spice of life, and then some!  Here, however, is one particular rose arrangement which stopped my scrolling in its tracks. Starry Night with a stargazer lily artistically displayed amongst elegant and rich red roses. It is truly like there is a star bursting out of this arrangement with babies breath sprinkling in all directions. This eye-catching piece is an exquisite fusion of traditional and dazzling flair.

 

 

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5. Add a little Extra

Let's talk about the extra mile, shall we? You're already there! Flowers are beyond romantic and timeless in their beauty and meaning. Want to go alittle further? Turn that mini to a full marathon? Have you ever sampled Moonstruck Chocolates? Move over, Godiva, there's a new kid in town. I dedicated an entire article to these superbly savory chocolates because they are just that good. Really. Really. Good. I had a box of four truffles...I was reluctant to share with the people I love the most but somehow I did. Barely...and it almost broke my heart when they were gone. Flowers and chocolate..they go hand in hand.  If you're in need of something with a lower calorie intake then try some plush love! Burn calories by hugging the stuffing out of these adorable creatures! Plush animals are for everyone. Young, young-at-heart and everyone in between; the soft fluffy huggy goodness is calling. 

 

 

Congratulations! You've made it through the top bouquet picks of Valentine's Day! We've gone from traditional to modern and a few in between to help you find the perfect bouquet to help celebrate and remember the crazy beautiful thing we call love.  Want more choices? Look no further than our complete Valentine's Day collection below!  

Valentine's Day Flowers

And don't forget Valentine's Day falls on Sunday this year so stop by our store and pick up fresh bouquets, stems of your favorite flowers and something extra!  Want to super surprise your valentine? Send flowers Friday, the 12th! Unexpected, gorgeous, and a fabulous way to start off a romantic weekend.

 

Topics: Valentines Day Roses, Valentines Day Gift Ideas, Valentines Day flowers