The Flower Blog

5 Wonderful Ways to Celebrate Thanksgiving

Posted by Thu, Nov 09, 2023 @ 10:27 AM

20230715_152752_0000 Thanksgiving isn’t just about the food on the table; it’s about connection, gratitude, and traditions that bring people together. This holiday offers an opportunity to pause, reflect, and appreciate the little and big things in life. So, as you prepare to celebrate this season, consider adding some new ways to fill your Thanksgiving with gratitude, joy, and meaningful moments.  


Eat and Be Merry:
Thanksgiving is synonymous with a delightful feast. Gather your loved ones around a table adorned with the rich hues of autumn, savor a delicious meal together and take time to enjoy shared stories and laughter.

Give Thanks:
Take the opportunity this Thanksgiving to express appreciation and gratitude. Go around the table and have everyone share something they're thankful for. This tradition can foster a sense of unity and warmth among everyone present.

Volunteer:
Thanksgiving is not just about indulgence; it's also about giving back. Volunteer at a local shelter, food bank, or community organization. Giving back not only spreads joy but also instills a profound sense of gratitude within oneself.

Get Crafty:
Engage in creative activities that reflect the spirit of the season. Encourage kids and adults alike to create DIY crafts or decorations. These activities can be both entertaining and a wonderful way to celebrate Thanksgiving. Check out this Good Housekeeping article for a list of easy Thanksgiving craft ideas. 

Enjoy Nature:
Take advantage of the beauty of the season. Whether it’s a walk in the crisp, autumn air, enjoying the changing colors of the leaves, or taking a hike to immerse in nature, Thanksgiving is an excellent time to appreciate the natural world around us.

However you celebrate, Gillespie Florists would like to wish you and your loved ones a wonderful Thanksgiving. 

Looking to spruce up your Thanksgiving table or send a gift to a friend or loved one? Gillespie Florists has a wide variety of Thanksgiving arrangements to suit all your needs. Check out our assortment of Thanksgiving Bouquets now!

 

Topics: Holidays, Seasonal, Gillespie Florists, Indianapolis, Flowers and gifts, Just because flowers, Thanksgiving, fall bouquets, fall season

Halloween and Dia de los Muertos

Posted by Thu, Oct 12, 2023 @ 05:29 PM

20230715_152752_0000 As the leaves turn golden and the air takes on a crisp chill, we're thrilled to bring you a bewitching blend of floral enchantment. Halloween and Dia de los Muertos fall close together each year and are often lumped together. Let's explore some of the unique qualities of each of these holidays.

 


www.realsimple.comthmbvWVDlAP2bZRp0OuWbsHv4acxbX8=1500x0filtersno_upscale()max_bytes(150000)strip_icc()pumpkin-carving-hacks-tips-2000-64e61e-1Halloween - Embrace the Eerie:
Halloween, a night of spookiness and playful frights, is all about embracing the eerie and letting your imagination run wild. At Gillespie Florists, we've crafted a bewitching collection of blooms that capture the spirit of Halloween. Create sinister centerpieces or boo-tiful bouquets for everyday decor or a costume party. 

halloween-7481374_1280Dia de los Muertos - Honoring Loved Ones:
Dia de los Muertos, or the Day of the Dead, is a beautiful Mexican tradition where families come together to honor their loved ones who have passed away. It's a celebration of life, love, and remembrance. Create an ofrenda (altar) that truly honors your ancestors with our breathtaking blooms.


At Gillespie Florists, we're here to help you celebrate both of these wonderful occasions with our stunning floral arrangements. Whether you're looking to add a touch of spookiness to your Halloween or a heartfelt tribute to your Dia de los Muertos festivities, our florists are ready to create something truly magical for you.

Visit our website or stop by our store today to explore our wide selection of enchanting blooms.

Upcoming Event:

Join us for Trick or Treat in store and get a free flower, candy and furbaby treats on 10/31/23 from 4-6PM.

flowerandtreat 2023 (1)

 

Check out our assortment of Halloween arrangements

 

Topics: Holidays, Seasonal, Gillespie Florists, Indianapolis, local florist, holiday, Flowers and gifts, Just because flowers, Trick or treat, Halloween flowers, fall flowers, fall bouquets, fall season

5 Favorite Fall Flowers

Posted by Thu, Sep 28, 2023 @ 04:44 PM

20230715_152752_0000  Fall is a beautiful time of year, with its crisp air, changing leaves, and bountiful harvest. It's also a great time for flowers, with many varieties blooming in rich autumnal colors.

Here are our picks for our favorite fall flowers:

Mums: Mums, or chrysanthemums, are a classic fall flower that comes in a wide variety of colors, including red, orange, yellow, white, and purple. Mums are also very versatile and can be used in a variety of floral arrangements, from simple centerpieces to elaborate bouquets.

Sunflowers: Sunflowers are another classic fall flower that adds a touch of sunshine to any arrangement. Sunflowers are available in a variety of sizes, from small to giant.

Dahlias: Dahlias are a beautiful and versatile fall flower that comes in a wide variety of colors and shapes. Dahlias can be used in a variety of floral arrangements, including bouquets, centerpieces, and corsages.

Asters: Asters are a delicate fall flower that comes in a variety of colors, including white, purple, and pink. Asters can be used to add a touch of elegance to any floral arrangement.

Goldenrod: Goldenrod, or Solidago, is a native North American plant that produces bright yellow flowers in the fall. Goldenrod is often used to add a some bright yellow throughout a flower arrangement.


Fall flowers can be used to create arrangements for all sorts of occasions, including weddings, birthdays, anniversaries, and holidays. No matter what the occasion, fall flowers can add a touch of warmth and beauty to any setting. 

What are your favorite fall flowers? Check out our assortment of Fall Bouquets today!

 

Topics: Holidays, Seasonal, Gillespie Florists, Indianapolis, Flowers and gifts, Just because flowers, fall mums, fall flowers, Thanksgiving, fall bouquets, fall season

The Value of Roses

Posted by Sat, Jan 21, 2023 @ 05:13 PM

Raw_badgetag-01-1

Valentine's Day is just around the corner and we are working tirelessly to ensure that our shop is filled with stunning arrangements and delightful bouquets for you to choose from! Amongst all the beautiful flowers, the rose reigns supreme as the most popular choice. Revered as the favorite flower of Venus, the goddess of Love, roses are currently in high demand all over the world. However, this surge in popularity raises the question - why are roses so expensive during this time of year? It's a fascinating inquiry, and we have the answer ready for you!

Click the video to uncover the behind-the-scenes secrets of product pricing and how it impacts both our business and our valued customers.

 

One of the main factors contributing to the expensive price of roses during Valentine's Day is the lengthy growing period. It takes a full sixty days for a rose bush to produce a mature rose. To meet the high demand on Valentine's Day, growers have to make a difficult decision during the month of December - they cut back production of their current crop of roses by harvesting them early. This means that they have to discard a potential good crop in order to make room for the roses needed on Valentine's Day. It's a risky move, especially considering the unpredictable nature of inclement weather.

rosevalue

Furthermore, growers face limitations due to the perishable nature of roses and the limited space they have available. They cannot stockpile roses because they would quickly wilt and become unsellable. Additionally, the added expense of heating during the winter and shortened daylight hours further contributes to the higher price of roses.

The grower ultimately sets the price for the roses, which is higher due to the dumping of the crops in December. This additional cost is then passed through each market level - from the grower, to the wholesaler, to the florist, and finally to the customer.

website_Slides_2017_Roses

Another factor impacting the cost of roses is transportation. Most roses are imported from countries like Ecuador, Colombia, and across the country in California. As the demand for roses increases, so does the need for cargo space. This leads to more vehicles on the road and in the air to transport the popular flower. The expenses continue to add up - from cutting back crops to accommodate Valentine's Day demand, to adding more vehicles, and spending more money on gas.

It's not just Valentine's Day that sees a high demand for roses in the new year. Events like the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California, and the Tournament of Roses parade require a staggering amount of roses. The average float in the Rose Parade uses approximately 160,000 flowers, highlighting the immense popularity of roses.

19V03_PastelPretties_1000px

Now that you understand the factors behind the high price of roses, you may be wondering if it's worth buying them this year. At Gillespie's, we understand the cost concerns and offer a variety of alternatives to roses. Stargazer lilies, gerbera daisies, carnations, alstroemeria lilies, hydrangea - the options are endless! Our design staff has created stunning bouquets for Valentine's Day that are sure to thrill your loved one, with or without roses.

 Click below to see our specials for Valentine's Day this year!

Valentine's Day Flowers

Topics: Holidays, Seasonal, Valentine's Day flowers, Roses in Indianapolis

Holiday and Winter Bouquet Favorites!

Posted by Fri, Nov 30, 2018 @ 11:08 AM

Raw_badgetag-01-1The most wonderful time of the year means we have an abundance of winter and holiday themed bouquets for sending "Season's Greetings!" Lights shine brighter, our hearts are lighter and everything has a nice joyful sheen to it (except for fallen snow after a day of traffic...but let's not dwell on it right now!).  Here to get you in the mood for the holidays I am sharing the bouquets and centerpieces fit for any table, office and/or living space.
Tis the season!

 wintercardinal2

Winter Cardinal (18X02)
We are starting out the gate with something brand new from our designers. Maybe it's a favorite because I went to Ball State (Go CARDS!), maybe the colors OR MAYBE this says Indiana winter to me. There is so much to love about Winter Cardinal! Light blue carnations, delphinium, pine cones, fresh fragrant pine and a little cardinal nestled in a beautiful winter theme container. This arrangement brings back fond winter memories complete with bright red cardinals flitting to and fro.

tinseltwist

Tinsel Twist (16X05)
Now let's go for something a little more energetic and fun! Do you love candy cane colors? Baskets? Carnations and daisie in holiday colors in a basket? Then Tinsel Twist is for you! Lively red and white color flowers with refreshing greens topped with a boisterous ribbon all wrapped up in a basket. This bouquet says "Joy to the world and have the happiest of holidays!". I get psyched up just looking at it.

plumenchantment

Plum Enchantment (16X01)

Now that we are excited, let's take it down a notch with the peaceful warm glow of a golden glass hurricane surrounded by florals in colors of a sugar plum dreamland. Fragrant and fresh winter pine, pinecones, moon series carnations in shades of purple, purple statice, blue millimeter balls, a votive candle and a touch of silver glitter! 

williamsburglantern3

Williamsburg Lantern (18X05)

A new pick which is becoming more popular are lanterns! They are everywhere but leave it to the fantastic designers at Gillespie Florists to put the perfect artfully arranged spin on this new classic. Adorned with glittering red leaves, apple and pinecone, natural pinecone, red and black plaid ribbon, ornament and LED light candle which will warm up any living space! I am sold on this keepsake and can't wait to see the warm candlelight softly illuminating my living room.

poinsettias4 (1)

Poinsettias
What kind of list would this be without one of our most traditional winter decor staples? Nothing says "Happy Holidays" like poinsettias! Red, white, pink and now available in shimmer blue, come by our store and pick on up, call us or order online! We have 6", 7", 8", 10" and even poinsettia topiaries in stock.  Want to send poinsettias to a loved one with pets? Check out this informative article about pets and poinsettias!

We are excited for Christmas and are here to help you have the best holiday season yet. Call us at 317.273.1100 or visit our website to find the absolute best way to send your Season's Greetings to friends, family and colleagues. Happy Holidays! 

Click here to visit our Christmas Collection

Click here to visit our Blue Mountain Christmas Collection

Click here to vist our Winter Collection

 

P.S. Naughty, Nice or Still Deciding...Remember Santa's always watching!

christmaslist_1

 

Topics: Holidays, Christmas flowers, Holiday Flowers

Fantastic Fall Bouquets and Thanksgiving Centerpieces

Posted by Tue, Nov 14, 2017 @ 04:04 PM

Raw_badgetag-01-1.pngThe most wonderful time of the year cannot be squeezed into just one month when you're talking about fall. September, October, November all play a role during the changing colors, cooling weather and special days to commemorate the upcoming holidays. Gillespie Florists has the best bouquets and centerpieces for anniversaries, birthdays, congratulations, Thanksgiving, special events, and many more for this exciting time of year!

 

snackCornucopia_2017.jpgCornucopia of Goodies [17T05]
$44.95

Starting off with SNACKS! Because what is better than a cornucopia of sweets and treats you can enjoy anytime and then refill with fruits, more snacks, and/or gourds and small pumpkins! It's a perfect way to greet the fall season with comfort food and colors!


Forage_2017.jpgForage [16T11]
$31.95

A darling bouquet of fall colored daisies, red carnations, yellow solidago, dried wheat stalks in a ginger jar. It is a sweet way to say "I Love You" "Thinking of You" "Happy Birthday" or "Just Because" with these bright color blooms.

 

moonlitnight.jpg

Moonlit Nights [14T05]
$129.95

Nothing like going big or going home with this striking vased arrangement! Moonlit Nights is artfully designed for a special occasion such as an anniversary, company event or simply to say "I love you" in a very grand way! Large golden sunflowers, bright green fuji mums, birch branches, liatris, peach carnations, green midollino sticks, gunni eucalyptus, limonium and hydrangea in a gorgeous vase!

 

DSC_0573.jpg

Sparkling Cider [16T01]
$44.95

Fall season is a magical time of year. Why not throw bit of glitter in to celebrate the excitement. Sparkling Cider does the job nicely with a shimmering keepsake hurricane, a tea light, burgundy carnations, fall color daisies, purple statice, hypericum berries and tinted baker’s fern! A small centerpiece to add holiday flair to a cozy family dinner, office party, Thanksgiving or just because! 

 

SPicyNutmeg_2016.jpg

Spicy Nutmeg [16T03]
$75.95

Speaking of table pieces, we have plenty in our Thanksgiving collection to consider. There could be an article dedicated to our top ten Thanksgiving centerpieces, however today we will focus on one grand arrangement. Glorious in color, Spicy Nutmeg has much to offer with two taper candles, orange asiatic lilies, fall daisies, purple statice, hypericum berry, wheat, pheasant feathers, glycerin fall oak leaves, leucadendron, red carnations and safflower. This centerpiece will be a feast for the eyes while delicious food of your Thanksgiving celebration is being set around the table. 

 

HeartWarmer.jpg

Heart Warmer [17T02]
$68.95

Are we salivating yet? I am. Thinking of eating all the delicious food and then afterward sitting on the sofa listening to the crackling sounds of a fire. Our Heart Warmer bouquet also has the soothing, cozy feeling of a fireside with the colors of warm golden daisies, burgundy carnations, novelty mini-carnations, yellow solidago, glycerin fall oak leaves, small pine cones, fall silk accents, fall plaid ribbon, and a keepsake hurricane etched with leaves. Don't worry about tealights for this hurricane because there are battery-operated LED lights to keep the glow going. 

All this talk of food, cozy chilly nights gives me all sorts of warm fuzzies and excited for the upcoming holidays! Special occasion, birthday, anniversary, Thanksgiving dinner, family gathering, company event, etc; Gillespie Florists carries a variety of bouquets to fit any occasion during the fall season. Check out our website to find the perfect bouquet for your next event. Want to find something seasonally appropropriate for any budget and occasion? Visit our Monthly Specials page for the best choices updated monthly!

 

Topics: Holidays, fall flowers, Thanksgiving, fall bouquets, fall season

Trick or Treat Hours are Happening at Gillespie Florists!

Posted by Fri, Oct 28, 2016 @ 03:43 PM

Della Gillespie Mendenhall Trick or treat and flowers

Treat or Flower!

Actually, Treat and Flower! We are having our fourth year of Trick or Treat hours at Gillespie Florists! We are excited to see what everyone will dress up as! I'm going to share some of my favorite pictures from the last  couple of years!

 

wizard of oz dorothy at gillespie florists  As always we will be offering candy and free flowers to anyone coming in dressed up during our Treat or Treat hours!

We have some really cool displays that are perfect for taking pictures! We'll take pictures for you and will be happy to email you a copy of the picture!

 

 

 

getting free flowers

English Bulldog Pearl at Gillespie Florists

 

Trick or Treat Hours:

 

Monday Oct. 31st 4pm-7pm

 

Since you'll be in for Trick or Treating, why not pick up a few things? Take 20% off carry out items with code "18A".

 

 

Candy, Flowers, coupons! It's a trifecta of treats at Gillespie Florists this Monday, October 31st!

For Halloween, Pearl and I made a video that was supposed to be scary but ended up being very funny! Click below to watch the video!

Topics: Holidays, Videos, informational

Mother's Day 2014 Specials!

Posted by Tue, May 06, 2014 @ 11:50 AM

describe the imageAlright kids! Mother's Day is coming up faster than a mom wiping the excess chocolate from her kids' outstretched hands as they are reaching for the freshly cleaned couch cushions for this weekends company!  In other words, the day dedicated to honoring moms everywhere is less than a week away...are you ready?  Got your gift or are you going to wait to the last minute and bribe your own kids into making a pretty card so you are off the hook? Oh my where on earth do these preposterous ideas come from? Of course you are ready! ...But if you're not, might I suggest checking out our Mother's Day Specials? We've got quite a few but if none of these catch your fancy, then be sure to stop by or shop online for a plethera of mom inspired bouquets!

mdblog 03

 What's not to love on a spring night? Warm nights, fireflies dancing, freshly mown lawn, and the aromas of spring floating around the neighborhood.  Southern Evening encapsulates the mood with golden alstroemeria lilies, dark pink daisies, red mini-carnations, berries, and fresh greenery!

mdblog 04Another delightful arrangement dedicated to the arrival of the warmer seasons is heralded by the bold Song of Summer!

The red cube vase radiates warmth with beaming yellow solidago, graceful pale blue delphinium, pussy willow, vibrant carnations, lush variegated pittosporum and an adorable little blue bird that sits in a sparkling nest made of red wire! A perfect reminder of a warm summer day!

mdblog 02Of course, what is the promise of summer without the brilliant and bold sunflower?

Sapphire Shower is brimming with vibrant yellow sunflowers, delphinium as blue as sapphire, bright alstromeria lilies, yellow solidego, green hypericum berry, purple statice and soft green carnations! I would love to walk into my kitchen and see this sitting atop my island so I could enjoy it as I'm preparing dinner or sipping coffee before leaving for work in the morning.

mdblog 06Such a lovely collection of bouquets for Mother's Day it is difficult to choose just one! However for the sake of my husband I will narrow it down to this one (hint, hint ;) ).

Mother of Spring is graceful and elegant with soft pink carnations, delicate lavender larkspur, vibrant purple statice, feathery lavender fuji chrysanthemums, and intricate waxflower!  Surrounded by the beauty of this arrangement is a gorgeous, sparkling keepsake glitter angel...perhaps as a permanent reminder for the kids that mom is indeed an angel, even when she insists on the rooms getting cleaned and chores done before bedtime. Yes, I think a glittery angel will do the trick...no more complaints for sure!

Once again, these are a few of our many marvelous bouquets designed especially for Mother's Day to celebrate the ladies in our lives we look up to, admire, and love.

Short on time to stop by our shop? Just click below to view our full collection!

 

Shop Mother's Day Bouquets!

Topics: Holidays, Seasonal, Sales, trends

From Goats to Greetings: A Valentine's Day Origin Story

Posted by Fri, Jan 31, 2014 @ 08:04 AM

describe the image

Nothing says "I love You" quite like being smacked with a bloody piece of goat hide and having your name put in a jar to be matched up for a year with some guy you've never met. Sounds great, right?  It simplifies the process of dating and who knows, by the end of the year perhaps fate was right and the stranger selecting the scrap of paper with your name on it might end up being the man of your dreams! It could happen...maybe not today, but back when Rome was founded (traditionally 753 B.C.) or possibly even earlier. Romans, they really knew how to party! This party, Lupercalia, in particular occured February 13-15 and is often pinpointed as the origin for Valentine's Day.

lupercalia valentine Lupercalia was actually a fertility festival dedicated to Faunus, the Roman god of agriculture, as well as to the Roman founders Romulus and Remus. 

To begin the festival, an order of Roman priests, would gather at a sacred cave where the infants Romulus and Remus, were believed to have been cared for by a she-wolf or lupa. The priests would sacrifice a goat, for fertility, and a dog, for purification. They would then strip the goat's hide into strips, dip them into the sacrificial blood and hit the streets, smacking (gently) both women and crop fields with the bloody hide. It sounds disgusting and unpleasant but Roman women looked forward to this portion of the festivities because it was believed to make them more fertile in the coming year. Then later on in the day is when they held the Roman version of "The Bachelor". All the young women in the city would place their names in a big urn and bachelors would each choose a name and become paired for the year with his chosen woman. It was common for these matches to end in marriage.

valentinemosaicLupecalia was celebrated until outlawed due to it being "un-Christian" around the end of the 5th century when Pope Gelasius declared February 14 St. Valentine's Day.  It wasn't celebrated as a day of love right off the bat however; began as a liturgical celebration of one or more early Christian saints named Valentinus. One legend is Valentine was a priest who served during the third century in Rome. When Emperor Claudius II decided that single men made better soldiers than those with wives and families, he outlawed marriage for young men. Valentine realized the injustice of the law and performed marriages for young lovers in secret. When Valentine's actions were discovered, Claudius ordered that he be put to death.  

Another popular legend is an imprisoned Valentine fell in love with a girl, the jailor's daughter, who visited him during his confinement. Before his death, it has been said he wrote her a letter signed "From your Valentine," an expression which is still very common today. Ah, NOW we are getting somewhere. This sounds a bit more romantic, although tragic, than Lupercalia festivities, but Valentine's Day in modern times is still a far reach from its origin until the Middle Ages.A common belief in France and England was February 14 was the beginning of birds' mating season. So it was romance between birds which added to the idea that the middle of Valentine's Day should be a day for love! 

vintage vday card

Although Valentine greetings began in the Middle Ages, written ones weren't around until the 1400's. The oldest one still in existence today was a poem written in 1415 by Charles, Duke of Orleans, to his wife while he was imprisoned in the Tower of London following his capture at the Battle of Agincourt. I wonder if it ever reached her. This valentine is now part of the manuscript collection of the British Library in London, England.  

From the 1700's on, Valentine greetings and cards became more common place with the first ones being printed in the 1900's. Today, over 1 billion cards are sent a year for Valentine's day.  That is a lot of cards!

HW0 151952This day to celebrate love has come a long way from its origin. As Valentine's Day 2014 approaches, not only am I thankful for more opportunities to express love to my husband but also that I don't have think about an unknown bachelor drawing my name out an urn and lining up along the street for a chance to increase my fertility! 

If you happen to be celebrating Valentine's Day the modern way like me, there are many ways to say "I love you", from handmade cards, romantic dinners, unique dates, to beautiful bouquets! The fine staff at Gillespie Florists have outdone themselves again with fabulous designs this year! Click below to see what we have in store for you!Buy Valentine's Flowers!

Topics: Holidays, informational

Joy Through January: An After Christmas Sale!

Posted by Wed, Dec 25, 2013 @ 01:05 PM

describe the image

Ho Ho Ho! Merry Christmas!!!

We wish you the merriest of holidays and a Happy New Year!  Spend some time with your loved ones, eat delicious food and treats, relax in your sleepy pants, and enjoy yourself!  

Here at Gillespie's part of celebrating the holidays and welcoming the New Year is having an After Christmas Sale!  "Out with the Old, In with the New!" as they always say.  If you didn't have a chance to stop by and see us before the holidays it's not too late to stock up for next year! 

See below for our  specials and check out our holiday video which showcases some of the fabulous items we'll have on sale along with the staff of Gillespie Florists, smiling and looking forward to serving you in the New Year!  Enjoy!

All Christmas and Fall Products 50% Off

Any Giftware 40% Off

All Silk Arrangements 40% Off

Candles 40% Off

Webkinz 40% Off

Don’t forget to ask about our Fresh Flower take out specials!

Sale Excludes: 

Any Fresh Flowers, Any Plants, Any Serviced Product Sale items cannot be delivered. Restrictions may apply.

All Sales Are Final. Sale Ends Friday, January 3rd, 2014

Questions? Call 317.273.1100

Miss our sale? Print this coupon for 20% off in store through March 31st!

christmassalecoupon

Topics: Holidays, Seasonal, after Christmas sale