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.

Partial to Peonies

“Do you have peonies?” That is one of the most commonly asked questions we get from our customers throughout the year. In fact, peonies rival roses for our most requested flower. They are like the most popular girl in school, the one everybody wants to hang around with. And, like many popular girls, peonies play hard to get. They are only in season from late spring to early summer. Maybe part of their popularity can be attributed to their somewhat elusive nature, but I think most would say it is because they are, simply, stunning.

Peonies love to show off. Their blooms can reach 10 inches in width, with showy ruffled, densely packed petals. Their colors range from white and the palest pink to vibrant coral and deep burgundy. They are perfectly perfect on their own, but they are equally beautiful when showcased in an arrangement with other blooms.

symbolism

Peonies’ roots trace back hundreds of years to Asia, where they were cultivated for their healing properties more than their appearance. It was believed that parts of the peony plant relieved arthritis, headaches, and muscle cramps. To this day, peonies play an important role in Chinese culture (where the word is translated “most beautiful”). The flower is closely associated with royalty, and is a symbol of wealth and prosperity. Deep red hues are favored in Eastern cultures as a symbol of honor and respect. A favorite motif used by Chinese artisans, decorative objects featuring peonies are often found in Chinese homes to bring good fortune to its occupants.

beloved by brides

In the U.S., peonies more often symbolize love and romance. Pink blooms are favored in this context, but today’s brides choose from a variety of shades for their bouquets, ceremony and reception florals. Desirable for both their beauty and symbolism, peonies are believed to be a good omen for a happy marriage. That optimism should sustain the couple for at least a decade, as the peony is known as the 12th anniversary flower.

sourcing and availability

Now back to that “play hard to get” statement. While you might be successful in planting and cultivating peony plants in your home garden, commercially grown peonies are limited in both quantity and season. During peony season, which I mentioned is late spring to early summer, Lilium sources their blooms from Holland and Chile. We receive shipments of fresh blooms every week throughout the growing season. For weddings and special events, we can special order peonies in specified shades. We will also manage the stems so that their blooms open at the perfect time.

It’s the most wonderful time of the year! OK, maybe second most. At Lilium, we love peonies, and the opportunity to showcase them in creative and beautiful ways. It is pretty convenient that Mother’s Day falls in the middle of peony season as well. Studies show that moms love peonies, too! Well, I made that part up, but all of the moms at Lilium think peonies are (to borrow a well-known phrase), “practically perfect in every way.”

Give us a call and let us share some of the season’s best blooms with you or someone you love.

Branching Out

Groundhog Day has passed, and if Punxsutawney Phil’s prediction can be believed, it will be an early Spring. Here in Texas, there are already some optimistic trees and shrubs putting out buds. In the florist world, that’s great news because it means we will soon have beautiful blooming branches to add to our fresh arrangements.

Branches are a great way to add height and interest to any fresh arrangement. While some varieties, like curly willow, are available year round, blooming varieties are seasonal. Generally, blooming branches are only available in the Spring months.

Cherry blossom branches give height and add interest to these Spring arrangements.

In addition to cherry blossom, forsythia and dogwood branches, look for almond, apple, quince and lilac.

When we receive the branches, they will have a mix of closed and opened blooms. We monitor the bloom stage of the branches so that they open at the optimal time for a given event. Unopened blooms will open in a warm room around 75 degrees.

Care of Branches

Whether you have an arrangement that includes one or two stems of blooming branches, or you have a vase filled with branches, you will need to make sure the ends stay in water. Add fresh water every one to two days to encourage closed blooms to open and keep the branches hydrated. Floral arrangements that include blooming branches should be placed out of direct sunlight. This will help both the blooming branches and the cut flowers last longer.

Forsythia branches — Sunny yellow forsythia signals the arrival of Spring. Shown here with curly willow branches as well. Photo: Kindig Photography

Sunny yellow forsythia signals the arrival of Spring. Shown here with curly willow branches as well. Photo: Kindig Photography

Creative Uses

Blooming branches are great for other uses in addition to vased arrangements. Some branches are flexible, making them ideal for creating wreaths or flower crowns. They make unique touches to wedding decor as well, bringing a natural, outdoor vibe to the ceremony and reception florals.

Photo: Sara Kate Photographer — This bride and groom chose flowering Dogwood branches to create the arch for their ceremony. Photo by Sara Kate Photography

Take advantage of this gift from Mother Nature while you can. The season is upon us! Call Lilium at 817-481-1565, or visit our website at www.liliumflorals.com to order a beautiful Spring arrangement, and be sure to ask what blooming branches are available.

Arch Rivals

Whether you have started Christmas shopping or thought about New Year’s resolutions, 2019 is wrapping up. 2020 is right around the corner, and we are looking ahead to see what next year’s brides will choose for their special day. Popular wedding websites, blogs and magazines have published their predictions, and most agree that couples will strive to make their celebrations unique and personal. When it comes to floral decor, the traditional flower-covered arch at the end of the aisle will be replaced with unique shapes (some not actually arches), providing stunning backdrops for the vow exchange.

The wedding arch, or canopy, is a long-standing tradition with rich meaning in many cultures. It may symbolize the home that the couple will build together, or the protection provided by the couples’ parents. It also creates an intimate focal point within a larger ceremony space. In addition, the arch or canopy provides a beautiful background for ceremony pictures.

With This Ring

One of the most popular choices in 2020 will be circles made of various materials and adorned with flowers and/or greenery. Circles are a popular choice, as they mirror the symbolism of the wedding ring.

Framed

Squares and rectangles are also in vogue, and can convey many styles, from rustic to industrial. Copper is a favorite material for modern arches. The element symbolizes love, balance, beauty and artistic creativity. Wooden frames are most popular for outdoor venues or rustic-themed ceremonies.

Another Angle

Circles and squares aren’t the only shapes vying for attention. We haven’t seen this many shapes since high school geometry class. Triangles, hexagons, pentagons… you name it. You will see a wide variety of shapes taking the place of the traditional wedding arch.

Chuppah-Inspired

The Huppah (Chuppah) is a traditional Jewish custom symbolizing the home. The covering represents God’s presence over the couple. All four sides are open to symbolize hospitality to the guests. Even non-Jewish couples are embracing this look, commonly referred to as a canopy to avoid offending guests of the Jewish faith. It is also a way to unite families of Jewish and non-Jewish faiths by bringing in elements from different cultures.

Doors and Gates

Doors and gates can be used to create an arch of sorts, while contributing to the overall wedding theme. Because doors and gates are passageways, they may symbolize a portal to the couple’s new life together.

Chloe Giancola Photography

Grounded Arches

Another emerging arch trend is the grounded arch. This is a great option when the ceremony takes place in front of an already beautiful vista. A traditional arch might obstruct the stunning view that nature has already provided. The grounded arch still provides a focal point for the ceremony within the open space.

Pampas Grass

Arches of all styles provide the anchor for a variety of decor. Brides might choose natural, organic looks with twigs and greenery. Foliage has been in vogue for weddings fo the past couple of years. It is versatile and usually budget-friendly. Within this category, one emerging trend is pampas grass. The fluffy, feathery tops create a soft, ethereal feel, and is neutral enough to use in combination with most color palletes.

Contact Lilium to schedule a complimentary wedding consultation, and let us create a beautiful arch (or other shape) for your ceremony.

Wedding Cakes in Bloom

The difference is in the details, and when planning a wedding, there are LOTS of details to consider. One important check list item is the cake. Whether you choose a small and simple creation for rustic elegance, or a multi-tiered masterpiece fit for a royalty, adding fresh flowers and greenery is a thoughtful detail that makes a big statement.

Cake flowers are an impactful way to carry your wedding theme from the ceremony into the reception. They can be used as accents, or as the focal point on the cake. Cakes with simple, unadorned white or ivory icing provide a perfect canvas for floral designs.

Flowers Bring the “Wow”

Fresh flowers are the star of the show on these simple but elegant tiered cakes:

Cake: Moonlight Cakes Photo: Stefanie Marrow Hampton

Often the cake flowers will mirror florals used elsewhere in the wedding. They should be consistent with the color scheme and overall theme. One Lilium bride and groom were married at a local botanical garden. The couple chose succulents and other natural textures for the wedding party flowers and ceremony decor that complimented the venue. The look carried over to the reception, where the cake featured white ranunculus, lavender, fresh herbs and berries.

Floral Toppers and Bases

Fresh flowers are frequently used as cake toppers, but using flowers to surround the cake’s base allows the cake to shine while creating a show-stopping table.

Photo: Taylor Jackson, Barefeet Photography

Cake: Creme de la Creme Cake Company Photo: Tracy Autem Photography

Some of Our Favorites

The possibilities are endless when it comes to adding fresh flowers to your wedding cake. Talk with your baker as well as your florist about ideas to make your cake even more beautiful. They can collaborate on a design to complement your wedding decor. As you can see here, Lilium LOVES creating florals for these special cakes. Here are a few of our favorites:

Cake: C Marie’s Sweets Bakery Photo: Convey Studios

Cake: Creme de la Creme Cake Company Photo: Taylor Pritchett

Cake: Creme de la Creme Cake Company Photo: Jason Kindig Photography

Plants and Your Pets – A Guide to Protecting Your Fur Friends from Toxic Plants

Some of the most commonly used plants, both indoor and in landscapes, pose a hidden threat to our pets. That threat could range from mouth irritation and behavioral changes, to digestive distress, to death. In order to protect your pets, it’s a good idea to familiarize yourself with the risky varieties.

WHY DO ANIMALS EAT PLANTS?

Cats and dogs love to nibble on plants. Often, they use plants to aid in digestion. Sometimes animals eat plants to induce vomiting, to clear their systems of toxins, parasites, bones or fur. Sometimes pets eat plants just because they taste good. We would be hard-pressed to monitor our pets 24/7 to prevent undesirable plant chewing, so it makes sense to eliminate access to dangerous varieties.

WHAT PLANTS ARE HARMFUL TO PETS?

As I scrolled through Facebook this week, I noticed a photo featuring a store display of potted Easter lilies. Underneath was a note warning consumers against bringing a lily home if there is a cat in residence. Some pet owners have learned the hard way that lilies are highly toxic to cats, causing renal failure, and often death, if any part of the plant is ingested. Lilies do not pose a threat to dogs or humans.

Not only do we need to be mindful of our houseplants, many common landscape plants are toxic to animals. Plant varieties that are toxic to both cats and dogs include:

Amaryllis
Azaleas and Rhododendrons
Caladium
Chrysanthemum
Cyclamen
Daffodil bulbs
Dieffenbachia
English Ivy
Foxglove
Hydrangea
Kalanchoe
Morning Glory
Oleander
Peace Lily
Pothos
Rhododendron
Sago Palm
Schefflera (Umbrella Tree)
Tulip and Narcissus bulbs
Wisteria
Yew

While this list is by no means comprehensive, it includes many of the most widely used plants in our homes and landscapes. The Sago Palm, for example, is one of the most dangerous plants for pets. All parts of the plant are toxic for animals, but the seed pod is the most deadly. The toxin, Cycasin, can do its damage in as little as 15 minutes post-ingestion. If untreated, liver failure is imminent.

WHAT PLANTS ARE SAFE FOR PETS?

African Violets
Air Plants
Aluminum Plant (Watermelon Plant)
Begonias
Camellias
Christmas Cactus
Some Ferns (Boston and Maidenhair are safe; Asparagus Ferns are actually in the Lily family and are toxic)
Friendship Plant
Fuchsia
Some herbs, including Rosemary, Thyme, Dill, Fennel, Basil
Lipstick Plant
Marigolds
Parlor Palm
Phalaenopsis Orchid
Polka Dot Plant
Prayer Plant
Snapdragons
Some succulents (excluding Jade)
Summer Hyacinth

SIGNS OF DISTRESS

Some toxins take only minutes to have affect, while others may develop over time. Some symptoms to watch for include:

redness, swelling or itchiness of the skin or mouth
difficulty breathing
vomiting
diarrhea
lethargy
seizures
excessive drinking or urinating
fast, slow, or irregular heartbeat

IMMEDIATE CARE

Time is of the essence if you suspect your pet has ingested a toxic plant. Identifying the plant is a crucial step in a correct diagnosis. Certain toxins impact specific organs, so the veterinarian will want to run tests specific to those organs.

It is important to consult with a veterinarian before inducing vomiting, as that may actually make matters worse. The caustic toxin may damage the esophagus on the way back up. If the animal has vomited, the veterinarian may give the animal activated charcoal to absorb any remaining toxic material in the gut.

Lilium shop dog, Winston (who himself is a connoisseur of fine acorns) says, “prevention is always the best plan, but if your pet manages to find a toxic plant to nibble, contact your veterinarian or one of the following help lines immediately.”

Pet Poison Help Line: 1-855-213-6680

ASPCA Animal Poison-Control Center: 1-888-426-4435

Wiring Flowers 101

Lilium has a large delivery radius, which covers most of the Dallas/Fort Worth metroplex. You are as likely to spot one of our signature black vans in south Arlington, Azle, or Frisco as you would in Colleyville or Southlake. However, we do have to draw the boundary lines somewhere. If we are unable to design and deliver your arrangement ourselves, we offer wire services.

Quality

We know you expect the highest quality, in both design and product, from Lilium. When you need delivery outside our area, we turn to a wire service network that includes florists across the country. These select florists offer a quality and style are similar to our own. In other words, you wouldn’t be sending an “FTD” or “Teleflora” arrangement.

When placing a wire order through Lilium, simply provide all of the same information you would if you were placing a local order. You can do this either over the phone, or through our online ordering system. Once we have this information, we will search our network to match your needs with a florist near the delivery location. In the event that location is in a remote area, or one not serviced by a florist in our network, we will let you know right away so that you can make other arrangements.

Value

Customers often think that it is much more expensive to wire flowers than to simply call an out-of-town florist directly. That is not necessarily true. Lilium charges a $5 wire service fee. Otherwise, the cost is comparable to a local delivery. It is true that there are some variables that will affect the cost. In New York and California, for example, the flower prices tend to be higher. Delivery fees also vary, depending on the location.

While we do not have direct control over the finished arrangement, in-network florists are selected to meet high standards. We will work with the network florist to communicate your specifications, and insure delivery per your instructions. Should there be any challenges with the delivery, we will stay on top of it until delivery is successfully accomplished.

Order With Confidence

A few simple tips will help insure a successful wire delivery:

Provide a complete address, including a business name, suite or apartment number, and any specific instructions that will help the delivery driver.
ALWAYS provide a contact phone number for the recipient. In fact, the wire service will not accept an order without a contact phone number for the recipient. In major metropolitan areas, florists will not even attempt delivery until the recipient verifies that they are present to receive it.
Let the florist know what you have in mind, but don’t be overly specific. Allow the floral designer to use their creativity with the florals and greenery that are available to them in their location. What is in season or readily available in one area of the country may not be in another. If you prefer a particular color palette, definitely share that. Specify whether you want a tall or low arrangement. Then let the designer take it from there.
Be realistic. Use the gallery on the Lilium website as a guideline. The florists in our network have comparable pricing. Don’t ask for a tall arrangement with a “wow factor” and provide a budget of $75. You will be disappointed. Our staff is happy to guide you through the order to be sure your expectations are met.
Most florists in the network must receive the order by 11 a.m. for same day delivery (in the U.S.).

International, Too

Our wire service does encompass many international destinations, including the United Kingdom, Paris, Berlin and Istanbul. Unfortunately, the service does not include Mexico, Central and South America, and the Caribbean Islands at this time. When in doubt, just ask!

Delivery fees will vary, depending on the location. Minimum order amounts and pricing will vary as well. You should allow 2-3 business days to process international orders, so plan ahead.

Another variation is the style of arrangement. It is most common in Europe to make hand-tied bouquets, without a vase. If you want the bouquet delivered in a vase, you have to specify that, and expect to pay an additional $20-$25.

We are pros when it comes to wire orders, and we can help take the guesswork out of the process. While you won’t be sending a Lilium arrangement, we will help you get as close as we can.

“Living Coral” is Named 2019 Pantone Color of the Year

The Pantone Color Institute has declared the color of the year for 2019: Living Coral. The vibrant, yet soothing shade is thought to represent our ever-changing environment. Look for the warm, salmon pink shade to pop up in home decor, apparel and accessories, cosmetics, housewares and paint colors.

The Pantone Color Institute has been selecting a single color of the year (with the exception of 2016 when two colors shared the honor) for the past 20 years. Their selection is based on careful trend analysis. They explore the entertainment industry, world-wide art collections, fashion, design, and trending travel destinations. They also consider modern lifestyles, recreation trends, and socio-economic conditions. This year, they clearly give a nod to the environment, calling attention to the preservation of our coral reefs.

Color is an equalizing lens through which we experience our natural and digital realities and this is particularly true for Living Coral. With consumers craving human interaction and social connection, the humanizing and heartening qualities displayed by the convivial Pantone Living Coral hit a responsive chord.Leatrice Eiseman, Executive Director of the Pantone Color Institute
Leatrice Eiseman, Executive Director of the Pantone Color Institute

Influences of Technology and Advertising

The Institute’s color choice also takes into account new technologies, materials, textures, and relevant social media platforms. They carefully monitor heavy hitters in the advertising world, like Apple and Airbnb, to provide hints as to trends on the rise.

Airbnb’s recent advertising campaign, shown here in a subway car, features a background very similar to Living Coral.

Floral Implications

2018’s designated color of the year, Ultra Violet, influenced wedding florals throughout the year. Greenery, the 2017 winner, impacted wedding trends in both color and use of natural materials. We expect Living Coral will do the same. In the floral world, the shade can be found in a variety of blooms: roses, dahlias, tulips, gerbera daisies, and peonies to name a few.

Living Coral pairs well with both light and dark colors. In floral arrangements, it is complemented beautifully by green foliage. It is equally at home with pinks and whites, or with fellow warm colors like yellow or orange. Living Coral pops against almost any shade of blue, particularly turquoise.

Coral anthurium sits front and center in this vibrant arrangement.

According to Pantone’s website, “Symbolizing our innate need for optimism and joyful pursuits, PANTONE 16-1546 Living Coral embodies our desire for playful expression.” Lilium agrees with their joyous assessment. We receive a variety of fresh flowers weekly, including blooms in the coral palette. We look forward to finding creative ways to incorporate this year’s Pantone Color of the Year into our fresh arrangements.

Fuss Free Tablescapes

Whether you are planning a large party, or a small gathering, the table decor needn’t cause any stress. While floral centerpieces are beautiful, you can create a tablescape with or without flowers, often using items you already own.

A tablescape, by definition, is simply an artistic arrangement of items on a table. The tablescape can convey a theme, celebrate a season, or just provide a personal touch. The items you choose do not have to match, but should complement each other.

Items you already have, or that can be easily obtained, make tablescapes a snap. You can use empty bottles or jars, petite potted plants, lanterns and other decorative objects like baskets, frames and mirrors. Candles of all sizes perfectly complement most arrangements. If you are celebrating a holiday, incorporate items to enhance that theme or season, such as ornaments, pine cones, pumpkins, berries, leaves and greenery.

Dress up your holiday table with colors and textures of the season. Plentiful nuts, gourds and leaves make perfect accents.

A simple, yet festive tablescape made with Mason jars, cranberries and fresh greenery.

Mix and match bottles and vases you have on hand, and fill with individual stems for a pop of color.

The most effective tablescapes feature items of various heights. The tallest item will be the focal point. Once that piece is selected, mix and match items of varying heights, colors and textures to create interest and dimension. A little imagination and a few minutes is all it takes to design an inviting table for your special guests.