Viva Magenta named 2023 Pantone Institute Color of the Year

The Pantone Color Institute, the most respected predictor of color trends, has spoken, and they have welcomed us all to the “Magentaverse.” Viva Magenta, color 18-1750 on the Pantone chart, is from the red family. The color is thought to promote a joyous and optimistic celebration. Reds are power colors, and Viva Magenta is a bright, crimson shade that balances boldness with a feeling of fun.

“Viva Magenta welcomes anyone and everyone with the same verve for life and rebellious spirit. It is a color that is audacious, full of wit and inclusive of all,” according to Pantone.

natural meets digital

The “Magentaverse” reference is a play on the metaverse terminology. The metaverse is a digital reality that combines all aspects of social media, online gaming and virtual reality. Viva Magenta is expected to bring natural roots to this virtual world as much as to the real world of design, fashion, home decor, and a wide range of consumer goods.

In this age of technology, we look to draw inspiration from nature and what is real. PANTONE 18-1750 Viva Magenta descends from the red family and is inspired by the red cochineal, one of the most precious dyes belonging to the natural dye family as well as one of the strongest and brightest the world has known.
Leatrice eiseman, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, PANTONE COLOR INSTITUTE

color collaborations

The Pantone Color Institute collaborates with companies around the world to feature the Color of the Year in their products. The Color of the Year is like the ultimate influencer. Studies have shown that color impacts 85% of buying decisions. As soon as the winning color is announced, corporate creatives jump to work to integrate the trend into their product lines and market it to consumers. A rapid response to color trends gives manufacturers and retailers an edge over their competition. After all, in just 11 months, another color will be selected, and we start over again!

Motorola Edge 30 Fusion
Wayfair’s textured pillow cover
Mistana Oriental Rug – Wayfair
Macy’s faux fur textiles
Boho posters from Etsy
Cariuma sneakers
Estelle stemless wine glasses – West Elm
Hydrow Wave Rower
Spoonflower wallpaper in Big Damask

Today we are living in a unique multi-dimensional environment, one that combines physical and virtual. Laurie Pressman, vice president of the Pantone Color Institute, explains, “As a result, space has been created where we are free to explore and be accepted for exactly who we feel we are, whether it be in a cybernetic universe, a conventional space, or a magical blend of both.”

what colors pair WELL with magenta?

When the Pantone Color Institute selected its pick for 2023, they also created a palette of coordinating colors. According to Pantone, the colors that best complement Viva Magenta are Pale Dogwood, Gray Sand, Gray Lilac, Pale Khaki, Fields of Rye, Agate Gray and Plein Air.

Some interior designers took this advice to heart, allowing Viva Magenta to be the star against more muted hues. In other cases, designers doubled down on the vibrant color by pairing it with another bold shade such as emerald, plum, or black.

bold florals

Florists are reacting positively to Pantone’s announcement, as nature offers many beautiful blooms that celebrate the 2023 Color of the Year. Roses, peonies, orchids, calla lilies, dahlias, ranunculus and hydrangea are only a few of the flowers available in a magenta hue.

“I think magenta is a beautiful color,” said Lilium designer Taylor Pritchett Zender. “I am excited to see the bold color used in weddings and events this year.”

Contact Lilium at 817-481-1565 or visit www.liliumflorals.com to see how you can enter the “Magentaverse” in 2023 with bold and beautiful florals.

Featured header photo courtesy of Rio Roses

Scents of the Season

We are all familiar with the sights and sounds of the Christmas season, but what about the smell of Christmas? Often, the scent associated with an event or place is what creates a lasting sensory memory. If Christmas had a signature scent, what would it be? Perhaps one or more of the following comes immediately to mind:

Pine, Fir, and Cedar
Freshly-baked sugar cookies
Peppermint
Gingerbread
Cinnamon, Cloves, Orange and Ginger (mulled wine)
Hot chocolate

create a scented environment

Familiar and comforting scents of the season will make your guests feel welcome, and perhaps a bit nostalgic. Nothing beats the real deal when it comes to scents. Use fresh cut greens when you can, bake the cookies and gingerbread, or simmer aromatics in a pot on the stove. If those options aren’t feasible, however, there are many ways to create a holiday environment.

candles AND DIFFUSERS

With so many to choose from, candles and reed diffusers are an easy way to distribute holiday scents throughout your space. You can find just about any favorite scent of the season in this format. At Lilium, we carry Lafco candles and diffusers, with Frosted Pine, Crimson Berry, Cinnamon Bark, Golden Chestnut, Hazelnut Torrone, Spiced Pomander, Woodland Spruce, Champagne Holiday and Winter Currant among our favorites around the holidays.

SCENTED POMANDER BALLS

Another easy way to bring holiday fragrance into the home is by making your own pomander balls. It can be a fun activity for the family as well. All you need is oranges, toothpicks and whole cloves. Simply press the cloves into the orange rind (making a small hole with a toothpick will make it easier) in whatever creative pattern you choose. You can place the finished pomander balls into a festive centerpiece, or add some ribbon and hang them on your Christmas tree.

Fresh pomander balls will only last 4-7 days, but can be dried in a dehydrator and reused next year!

SWAP OUT HAND SOAPS

Replace your favorite sink-side hand soaps with holiday scented soaps. Whether you choose crisp peppermint, a sweet baking scent, or freshly cut pine, you’ll get a burst of the holiday spirit every time you wash your hands.

diffuse and blend essential oils

Essential oils can be incorporated in a number of ways to distribute seasonal scents throughout your home. Of course, the easiest way to disperse the fragrance is with a diffuser specifically for essential oils. Another option: if you have a tart warmer (traditionally used for wax melts), it works beautifully as a diffuser for your favorite essential oils. Simply place some coconut oil in the bowl area and add a few drops of essential oil.

Make a diffuser ornament for your artificial Christmas tree using evergreen oils to simulate a fresh cut tree. Use air-dry clay and your favorite holiday cookie cutter to make an ornament. When dry, the clay is the perfect medium for diffusing the essential oil.

What could be more “Christmas-y” than Frankincense? If you aren’t familiar with this scent, it is rich, fresh and woody with notes of fruit and spice. Other spicy essential oils, such as ginger, clove and cinnamon blend beautifully with a milder scent, like orange. Create your own Christmas blend and place a few drops on a container of pine cones or unscented potpourri. So many options to consider!

While showing hospitality to your family and friends this holiday season, make sure they remember the smell of Christmas in your home.

It’s Fall Y’all!

Fall is finally here! It has happened… temperatures have dropped, and there is a crisp, cool feeling in the air. In Texas, although the calendar says it is autumn in September, we still have weeks of summer ahead of us. We count the days until we can bid farewell to triple digit temperatures and say hello to all things pumpkin… spice, pie, lattes, patches… and sweater weather! Fall brings with it a beauty and atmosphere all its own, with its own celebrations and traditions unlike any other season.

nature’s transformation

As with each season, autumn announces its arrival throughout nature. One of my favorite sites is the beautiful variety in the color of the leaves. The reds, yellows, oranges, greens, golds and browns dot the landscape and put on quite a show. Avid “leaf lookers” plan October trips to New England to bask in their famous fall landscapes. In Texas, our leaves take a little longer to turn, but we can look forward to striking foliage in November.

all things pumpkin

Autumn also brings the previously mentioned pumpkin harvest, along with other gourds and berries. The variety of pumpkins alone is amazing. Traditional “Jack-o-lantern” orange pumpkins are plentiful, but the addition of Italian Stripe, Cinderella, White Casper, Jarrahdale, Fairytale, One Too Many , Crown Prince, and Knucklehead (just to name a few) offer colors and textures to create stunning fall displays.

Crown Prince Pumpkins
Fairytale Pumpkin
Knucklehead Pumpkins
Italian Stripe Pumpkins

Cinderella Pumpkins
One Too Many Pumpkin
Jarrahdale Pumpkins
White Casper Pumpkins
Porcelain Doll Pink Pumpkins

thanksgiving – celebrating a bountiful harvest

One traditional symbol of autumn is the cornucopia, or horn of plenty, which symbolizes an abundance of nourishment. Today, it is closely tied to our Thanksgiving holiday, where we express gratitude for the harvest and God’s provision. The first Thanksgiving celebrated the fall harvest with a festival between the Pilgrims and the Native Americans. Abraham Lincoln declared Thanksgiving a national holiday in 1863, and in 1941, the US Congress permanently established observation of the holiday on the fourth Thursday in November.

We’ve added a few traditions since that first celebration. Perhaps your family/friends might start the day watching the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade while waiting for the turkey to come out of the oven. At our house, we gather around a jigsaw puzzle that takes all day to complete. Some retreat outside to toss a football or challenge one another to a game of cornhole. After way too many helpings from our feast, some find a spot to nap, while others indulge in a slice (or two) of pie while watching football on television. There are always one or two who are seriously plotting their holiday shopping strategy for the following day, Black Friday.

No matter how the day is celebrated, it’s a day when we draw close to one another. Family and friends who may be scattered near and far come together for this day. Unlike any other holiday in the U.S., Thanksgiving is a day specifically set aside to acknowledge our blessings and the One who gave them to us.

Home Decor

With such a plentiful selection provided by nature, it is easy to bring the season inside to decorate the home. This can be as simple as gathering acorns, pine cones, and leafy branches from your yard and arranging them in your favorite containers, or pulling together an assortment of mini pumpkins on any table. Fill a shallow bowl with small gourds, nuts and seasonal fruits and vegetables to create your own modern-day cornucopia.

If you want to take your Thanksgiving table up a notch, delight your guests with floral arrangements that incorporate the season’s vibrant hues and textures.

Fall floral arrangements are as much about textures as about the colors. Lilium designers pull in touches of autumn, like bittersweet berries, ilex berries, lotus pods, bullit allium and thistle. These are easily paired with fall gourds, ornamental kale and artichokes, as well as traditional florals like hydrangea, roses, orchids, lilies and seasonal dahlias. Dried grasses and colorful leaves add even more to the festive fall presentation.

With Thanksgiving right around the corner, it isn’t too early to think about a centerpiece for your holiday table. Lilium will be delivering arrangements throughout the DFW area through Wednesday, November 23. Call early for the best selection: 817-481-1565, or place your order online at: www.liliumflorals.com.

Leave a Message

When we take orders for floral arrangements, we usually start with the basics… recipient’s name, phone number, delivery date, delivery address. The conversation is rolling along nicely until we get to a certain point: the card message. Nothing brings the process to a halt like a customer trying to decide what to say to the recipient. Often, the sender will ask us for suggestions. While messages are personal and there is no “template” for what to say, generally, the card message should come from the heart and be appropriate for the occasion. We have compiled a few ideas to consider on your next floral order.

short and sweet

Floral enclosure cards are small, roughly two inches by four inches. Lilium enclosure cards feature our logo on front, with our contact information and floral care recommendations on the back. That allows for a short message and signature. Perhaps you can say, “how do I love thee,” but there will not be enough space to “let me count the ways.” Concise messages can still effectively express your thoughts, feelings and well wishes.

what’s the occasion?

Because we are frequently asked to assist in composing a card message, we have a little experience in this area. Some occasions lend themselves to creativity, while others are best simply stated. Following are a few suggestions, arranged by occasion:

Birthdays

Celebrating you
May all of your birthday wishes come true
Cheers to you on your birthday
The day you were born is cause for celebration
You’re not getting older, you’re getting better
Love on your birthday and every day
Don’t count the years, count the blessings
Wishing you a very happy birthday… and many more
Hugs, kisses and birthday wishes

ANNIVERSARY

Thank you for loving me like no one else
Every year with you is sweeter than the last
Celebrating us
Happiness isn’t perfect until it is shared
I love you for who you are and who I am when I’m with you
Your love is all I need. Happy anniversary
You take my breath away today and every day
Looking forward to spending the rest of my life with you
Every day is an adventure, every year better than the last
May this anniversary reflect all the special moments you’ve shared, and all the wonderful moments to come

sympathy

With love and sympathy
Thinking of you in these difficult times
Sharing in your sorrow
With loving memories
May happy memories fill the sadness in your heart
You are in our thoughts and prayers
With heartfelt condolences
Thinking of you as you celebrate _____’s incredible life
_______ will be greatly missed

cheer up/just because

I hope these flowers brighten your day
Sending joy your way today
I hope these ruin a perfectly bad day
For the best reason of all – none
May your day be as wonderful as you are

get well

Wishing you a speedy recovery
Hang in there, and get well soon
Sending hugs and get well wishes
All this for a few days off work? Get well soon
We are here for you every step of the way

new baby

Congratulations on your newest blessing. Can’t wait to meet him/her
A beautiful miracle for your family. Congratulations
Congratulations on your new little one
Welcome to the world, ________. Congratulations to Mom & Dad
Congratulations on your bundle of joy
Sleep is overrated, babies are not. Congratulations

There are, of course, many reasons to send flowers that are not represented here, but we’ve tried to highlight the most frequent requests. Feel free to inject your own personality, a privately-shared joke, pet nickname, etc. While card messages should be personal, be discriminating about how much personal information to include in your message. Keep in mind that the shop sales staff, floral designers and delivery drivers can all see your message on the work order/delivery ticket. We’ve just about heard it all… sometimes more than we wanted to know. Lilium’s policy is to be discreet and protect our clients’ privacy. However, some messages are best delivered by you, in person.

At Lilium, we think our beautiful custom arrangements send a message all on their own, but we understand that the recipient will want to know who sent them. So, the next time you have a reason to send flowers, Lilium staff will be standing by to help you select the perfect arrangement, paired with the perfect card message. 817-481-1565. www.liliumflorals.com

Protea: Forged by Fire

The protea is one of the oldest species of flower, believed to date back 300 million years. Botanist Carl Linnaeus named the protea for the Greek god Proteus, known for his ability to change shape at will. Like its namesake, the protea comes in many different shapes and varieties. To date, horticulturists have identified around 1400 species.

The protea has many uniquely adapted qualities. It has a hearty stalk that extends deep underground, which is the plant’s defense mechanism against wildfires. The underground stems have dormant buds that will produce new growth after a fire. Since bush fires are a common occurrence in the plant’s native environment, it is well designed to survive and reproduce. Further, protea actually need fire, as it causes the flowers to release their seeds.

Protea are also known as sugarbushes, due to the large amount of nectar they produce. The nectar can be directly consumed or made into a syrup. The syrup is said to taste similar to maple syrup, with a fruity after-taste.

King Protea

The king protea, or giant protea, makes a stunning focal point in any floral arrangement. Resembling a crown, the king protea reigns as the largest of the protea species. It is the national flower of South Africa, where it grows naturally along the Cape of Good Hope. The bloom maintains its importance in the country, even appearing on official documents like passports and birth certificates, as well as their coins.

Growers in the southern United States have successfully cultivated the plant, which is great news for U.S. florists. Our friends at Maui Floral say cut king protea can last up to 16 days with proper care. They need a good-sized vase and plenty of water. Their life span can be extended by trimming the stems once a day and placing back into the water.

mink protea

Mink protea have a cup shaped flower head. Its bracts (colorful leaves that are often mistaken for petals), characteristically have a black fringe on the tips. It ranges in color from dark pink to creamy green or white.

pincushion protea

When you hear the word, “pincushion,” you might picture a bright red cloth tomato filled with some abrasive material to store pins and keep them sharp. While the Pincushion Protea may resemble this common sewing tool, its “pins” are actually individual petals. Upon first glance, it appears to be a single flower, but in fact, it is a composite bloom, made up of many small flowers and colourful bracts.

Lilium sources these blooms from Hawaii, and sometimes California, They are generally available in yellow, orange and red hues. Pincushion protea pair well with other tropical stems in floral arrangements. They make a striking addition to traditional arrangements as well.

Banksia

Another protea variety you’ll find in a Lilium arrangement is banksia. These tropical beauties are easily identified by their leaves, which feature a serrated edge. Banksia are commonly found in shades of yellow or green, but they may also produce striking red, pink and orange blooms.

The plant is named for Sir Joseph Banks, who in 1770 first collected specimens in Botany Bay on the Australian coast. Like its fellow protea species, banksia relies on fire to prompt a release of seeds. It is now cultivated in the U.S. in California and Hawaii.

At Lilium, our tagline is “The Art of Flowers.” We source our fresh product from all over the world to offer our clients something unique, something they won’t find from other floral retailers. We are a custom shop, with an ever-changing inventory of fresh blooms and foliage. We love the unique qualities protea offer, and how they can be incorporated into beautiful artistic arrangements. Let us create living art for you today by calling 817-481-1565 or visiting us online at www.liliumflorals.com

Meet Tennessee Walker: a Texas Shop Dog

Many of Lilium’s customers fondly remember Winston, who served as our beloved shop dog/mascot until his passing in 2020 just shy of his 15th birthday. Winston took his duties seriously for more than a decade, greeting Lilium customers and occasionally keeping the pesky squirrels at bay. He is still missed by Lilium staff and customers alike. 2022, however, is a time for new beginnings, as we emerge from the under the cloud of Covid-19 and look ahead to better days. It seems a fitting time to welcome the new sheriff in town: Tennessee Walker (or just Walker to his friends).

Walker is a Soft-coated Wheaten Terrier, who is by nature exuberant, friendly, and just a tad stubborn. If you have met him already, you may have experienced the “Wheaten Greetin’,” which is their breed’s overzealous response to seeing old friends and meeting new ones. Customers with pet allergies need not be concerned. Wheaten Terriers are hypoallergenic and do not shed, which makes them great dogs for interacting with our clients.

shop dog life

Walker hails from Tennessee (hence his name), and comes from the same breeder as his Uncle Winston. He joined us in February, right before Valentine’s Day, so he had a real trial-by-fire introduction into shop dog life. Walker is the family pet of Lilium owner Lisa Pritchett, but he keeps regular business hours on most weekdays. Wheatens are very social dogs, so Walker would rather be “at work” with his people than home alone. He spends most of his days greeting Lilium guests, napping, playing with a large collection of toys, and chasing away birds that get a little too close for his liking.

Word of caution: Walker is a puppy in training! He hasn’t perfected his shop manners yet, but he is working on it. Bear with us as Walker learns to control his excitement upon meeting new friends. If you visit Lilium and Walker isn’t on duty, chances are he is in puppy class learning all the rules. We are confident he will adapt well to his role as a Lilium team member.

dogs of instagram

We know that Walker, like Winston before him, will create quite a fan following. You don’t even have to visit Lilium (although we hope you do!) to keep up with Walker. He has his own Instagram account: walker.at.lilium. Check out his page or stop by to meet Walker in person!

PANTONE CREATES NEW COLOR AS COLOR OF THE YEAR

For the first time in its history, the Pantone Color Institute created a new color as its Color of the Year. Very Peri, described as a vibrant periwinkle blue with violet and red undertones, was invented especially for the honor. That’s right, none of the 1,114 existing Pantone colors were deserving of the 2022 crown.

“It was really important for us to come up with a new color, because we have a very new vision of the world now,” Pantone Color Institute executive director Leatrice Eiseman recently told CNN in an interview. In choosing the color(s) of the year, the Institute considers global events. The Covid-19 pandemic continues to influence their choices. In 2021, for only the second time, two colors were selected: Ultimate Gray and Illuminating (bright yellow). The colors symbolized emergence from a dreary time into a brighter future. Likewise, the Institute felt that Very Peri was a hopeful and happy shade that created a feeling of newness.

As we move into a world of unprecedented change, the selection of PANTONE 17-3938 Very Peri brings a novel perspective and vision of the trusted and beloved blue color family, encompassing the qualities of the blues, yet at the same time with its violet undertone, Very Peri displays a spritely, joyous attitude and dynamic presence that encourages courageous creativity and imaginative expressions.
Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute

Digital influences

In addition to world events, Pantone studies the entertainment industry, art, fashion, design, travel and lifestyles for emerging trends. This year, technology played an integral part in their choice as our lives are increasingly tied to the digital realm, or metaverse. The color is found in platforms from the Fortnite video game to Zoom call backgrounds. To further promote the tech theme, Pantone partnered with Microsoft to launch Very Peri as a series of wallpapers, PowerPoint palettes, and even a Teams camera filter.

Power Point background and downloadable stock photo featuring Very Peri

peri partners

To give you a little inspiration for incorporating Very Peri into your world, Pantone provides suggested palettes. The color can be the star of the show among neutrals. It also serves as a complement to brighter hues.

Benjamin Moore paint company’s Color Preview collection includes Scandinavian Blue, which closely resembles Very Peri. They suggest pairing the color with a creamy white and silvery pale blue shade.

Benjamin Moore’s Scandinavian Blue, Simply White and Summer Shower

Peri weddinG?

Apart from the actual periwinkle flower (vinca), the blue-purple Very Peri color is rare in fresh florals. If you’ve fallen in love with the color and want to use it in your upcoming wedding, Lilium designers recommend incorporating the shade in your reception linens, invitations/announcements, bridesmaid dresses and accessories. It’s easier to coordinate florals to compliment the periwinkle tones than to find flowers in that specific shade. As shown in the suggested palettes above, there are many ways to build a color story around Very Peri.

Understanding Orchids

Orchids are the most varied species of flower on the planet. It’s difficult to even pinpoint a number of varieties, as new ones are discovered each year, but there are an estimated 25,000 species in the orchid family. Orchids grow naturally in tropical climates, but many varieties can be cultivated in the U.S., and with a healthy green thumb, can be maintained as house plants.

When you visualize an orchid, the phalaenopsis orchid likely comes to mind. It is frequently found at garden centers, florists, and even supermarkets. It is fairly easy to grow, even for a beginner. Phalaenopsis orchids can be found in a wide variety of colors, from pure white, pinks and purples to apricot, orange, salmon, and yellow.

ORCHID CARE

Lilium customers frequently ask about how to care for potted orchids. When we deliver a potted orchid, we include an Orchid Care card with general instructions. We recommend placing the plant in bright indirect light. Fill a spray bottle with about 5 ounces of room-temperature water. Gently lift the leaves and mist the roots. Do not spray the leaves or flowers. Allow soil to dry out completely before watering again. Orchids do not like to stand in water. After the blooming cycle is over, continue to mist weekly to encourage future blooms.

There are some conflicting opinions about watering methods. Some orchid sellers and websites recommend watering orchids using ice cubes. Using ice cubes allows water to slowly drip onto the roots as the ice melts. However, orchids are tropical plants that grow in warm climates, so they are not naturally acclimated to freezing temperatures. If ice directly touches the roots, it will damage them. We recommend the misting method, using tepid water.

Orchid roots are unusual. The roots are thick compared to finely webbed roots on other plants, and they are intended to be open to the air and not buried in potting soil. Orchid roots have a special covering called velamen, which acts as a sponge absorbing water and nutrients for the orchid. For most orchids, the roots are green when newly hydrated, silver-green, or white when healthy, but dry. Mushy, limp orchid roots indicate overwatering. Likewise, the roots should not be tan or brittle – this signals underwatering.

BLOOM cycle

In spite of the vast variety of orchids in the world, every orchid has something in common: it is bilateral symmetric, meaning it has mirroring halves. If you divide any orchid bloom from top to bottom, you will have two identical halves.

Most orchid plants bloom just once a year. Blooms last, on average, six to eight weeks. Many will discard the bare plant, or replace it with a blooming one. However, orchids will rebloom given care and patience. After blooms drop, prune the dead stems and nodes (yellow, brown or shriveled in appearance). The dead stems will not produce blooms, and may inhibit new growth. Water the plant just as you do when it is blooming, every one to two weeks, allowing it to dry out between watering. Patience will be rewarded with new blooms in eight to 12 months.

cut orchids

With their striking colors, patterns and shapes, orchids often steal the show in fresh arrangements. They are equally at home in tropical arrangements, or paired with more traditional florals like roses, hydrangea and tulips. Lilium designers love to incorporate orchids of all colors and varieties into custom arrangements.

FUN FACTS ABOUT ORCHIDS

Vanilla comes from orchids (Vanilla Planifolia), and is the only variety of orchid yielding an edible product.
Orchids grow on every continent except Antarctica
Orchids are hypoallergenic (their pollen is not airborne)
The tallest species of orchid is the Sobralia altissima in Peru, which can grow 44 feet tall
Orchid seeds are about the size of a dust particle, so it can take years for an orchid to bloom from seeds.
According to the Guinness Book of World Records, the record is 91 blooms on a single plant.

Pantone Institute Again Selects Two Colors For 2021 Color of the Year

For only the second time in 20 years, the Pantone Color Institute has selected not one, but two independent shades as its Color of the Year 2021. This year’s color winners are: Ultimate Gray and Illuminating. Perhaps the underlying message is that we are ready to emerge from the “gray” 2020 period into a brighter, sunnier 2021. Or, maybe gray can be viewed as a stable and solid hue, while yellow points to optimism and hope. The two colors, used together, create balance.

The union of an enduring Ultimate Gray with the vibrant yellow Illuminating expresses a message of positivity supported by fortitude. Practical and rock solid but at the same time warming and optimistic, this is a color combination that gives us resilience and hope. We need to feel encouraged and uplifted; this is essential to the human spirit.
Leatrice Eiseman, Executive Director of The Pantone Color Institute

Yellows and Grays, Let Me Count the Ways

For more than 20 years, The Pantone Color of the year has influenced product development and purchasing decisions in a wide array of industries, including fashion, commercial and industrial design, home decor, and product packaging. There are other color systems, but the Pantone color matching system is the most internationally recognized standard.

“Language of color is really important for anybody who makes product. Anyone who designs product not in their garage, but through some sort of a supply chain where they’re going to lose control of that color design, they need a language to use with the supplier and say, ‘This is the color that I need.’ It’s very difficult to just send them a sample and say, ‘Give me that color.’ ”
Ron Potesky, a former senior vice president at Pantone

The annual selection is made through trend analysis and color influences, also taking into account world events and socio-economic conditions. Influences include art and films, fashion, social media platforms, and leisure and travel trends. The 2020 selection, Classic Blue, was a return to timeless tradition, while the 2019 pick, Living Coral, represented our changing environment.

Floral Pairings

The annual Pantone pick even influences the floral industry, as event planners incorporate the color trends into special events. Brides also tend to look to the trends when selecting wedding colors. Florals are easy to come by in yellow shades. Roses, lilies, chrysanthemums, tulips, daffodils, sunflowers, orchids and ranunculus are only a few of the floral varieties available in sunny yellow. While there aren’t many gray flowers (not fresh varieties, at least), floral designers can add touches of gray using dusty miller, lamb’s ear or silver sage.

Once the Color of the Year is announced in December, it takes a little time for product manufacturers and design professionals to put products on the shelves, racks and showroom floors. As we near the second quarter of 2021, you are likely noticing the use of grays and yellows, both individually and paired. Gray has been a staple in design for several years now, but combining it with yellow gives it a fresh take.

Lilium Floral Design is on top of the trends in the floral and event industries, and we can help you incorporate the 2021 Colors of the Year into your upcoming event. Visit our website, or call us at 817-481-1565.

A Thank You Note

In these challenging times, every retailer has a story… it may be one of struggle, confusion, anxiety, compromise, resolve, triumph, defeat, or if we are being honest, a combination of these experiences. For Lilium, the past few months have brought unprecedented challenges, highs and lows. We are still navigating this ever-changing business climate, but if there is one thing we can be sure of, it is that we would not still be standing without the support of our loyal customer base.

After surviving four years of highway construction in front of Lilium, where our entrances were often completely blocked, we were well-positioned for a banner year in 2020. Our recent building expansion was complete, and we were enjoying brisk sales in January and February. On March 9, we received a phone call from a standing account saying that they needed to cancel their weekly services. Losses mounted as those calls continued over the following four days.

There was tremendous confusion from federal, state and local governments as to proper protocol. Disinfect surfaces? Wear masks? What was essential business? Ultimately, florists were deemed “critical infrastructure” by the state of Texas, and florists were allowed to operate. Not only was this important in preserving jobs for our staff, we recognized the opportunity to make a positive impact on our community during discouraging times.

supply chain break

Our supply chain literally broke overnight. Every single local wholesaler closed. Farmers from all over the world were desperately trying to find a way to get their product to market. Trucking capacity dropped, flights were cancelled. We had to completely change our purchasing model, but in the end, we were able to obtain the same high quality product that our customers expect and enjoy.

when life gives you lemons…

As you might imagine, the loss of standing accounts, cancelled events, postponed weddings, no proms or graduation celebrations hit us hard. However, occasions that would typically be reasons to gather became occasions to send flowers. When families couldn’t be together for Easter, they sent flowers. With many working from home, business executives couldn’t take their administrative staff to lunch for Administrative Professionals Day. They sent flowers.

For the same reason, we anticipated that Mother’s Day was going to be busier than normal. So many were not able to honor their moms in person, but wanted to make her day special. Because of the disrupted supply chain, we were not able to create a Mother’s Day menu as we have in the past. We were receiving beautiful product, but couldn’t select specific stems as we normally would. Without missing a beat, we were able to deliver double the number of Mother’s Day arrangements over last year.

Community support

Again, we would not have survived the past few months without the tremendous support of our customers and community. The local community really rallied behind local businesses. The City of Colleyville twice issued postcards with a $35 value to be used at local businesses. Many of our loyal customers called to ask how they could help. They increased their purchase frequency, which boosted our day-to-day sales and kept us going.

The challenges of this pandemic have forced us out of our comfort zone in many ways. We had to get creative and find new opportunities as former ones disappeared. We have risen to the challenge, and our customer base has actually grown out of this adversity. Lilium is proud to have kept our full-time staff working, and to have served our customers and community well. Our commitment remains to serve you with high quality, beautiful floral designs and top-notch customer service. Most importantly, we THANK YOU for your continuing loyal support.