Editorials

Dahlias are summer showstoppers. With blooms up to 10 inches across and a wide variety of hues, they command attention in summer gardens or added to fresh arrangements. From white and pale blush to deepest crimson and purple, dahlias offer a rainbow of options for floral designers.

Family Traits

Dahlias’ multi-layered petals provide a texture that is unique to each variety. Some feature dense cylindrical petals that resemble a honeycomb. Several varieties have long, spiked petals, while others display soft, feather-like petals. Dahlias are members of the aster family, and you may notice a family resemblance to their relatives, the sunflower, daisy, chrysanthemum and zinnia. Of the 42 varieties, the largest is the dinner plate dahlia, which is aptly named. Their blooms reach up to 10 inches across.

Seasonal Beauties

At Lilium, dahlias start arriving in July and generally stick around through October. They are ideal for use in arrangements for all occasions, and in wedding bouquets and centerpieces. Because they are available in such a wide range of colors and varieties, dahlias can be incorporated into almost any theme or color pallette.

Candle light, dahlias
Blush Dahlias Photo By Jason Kindig
Photo credit: Swan Photography
Photo credit: Taylor Pritchett

Dahlias Have Many Uses

The versatile dahlia is native to Mexico, where it is the national flower. It is cultivated for its beauty, and for more practical purposes as well. The dried blooms can be used for dyeing textiles. All varieties (other than white) contain mordants, which work as a dye or stain when applied to fabric.

Not only are the blooms beautiful, they are edible. In fact, the dahlia is a staple ingredient in Oaxacan cuisine. Dacopa, an intense mocha-tasting extract from the flower’s roasted tubers, is used to flavor beverages throughout Central America.

Yes, dahlias may be tasty, but we think they are just too pretty to eat. We will stick to admiring them in fresh Lilium arrangements all summer long.

Lilium owner, Lisa Pritchett, and lead designer, Taylor Pritchett, participated in the Fleurology Symposium in Houston this month. The symposium is a by-invitation-only event for floral designers who are part of the luxury design industry. Headlining this year’s event were two industry masters: world-renowned event designers Preston Bailey and David Beahm.

L to R: Preston Bailey, Taylor Pritchett, Lisa Pritchett and David Beahm

The three-day experience was designed to immerse the participants in the luxury event experience while increasing their knowledge base and skills. The symposium included hands-on design education, luxury event detailing and healthy business management.

Hands-on Workshops

Fleurology is not an event where attendees sit and take notes while experts show them how it’s done. Lisa and Taylor, along with 28 other designers, were actively involved in learning and putting their skills into practice. Among the workshops offered was The Sketchbook Series, led by Annie Matthew. As our wedding and event coordinator, Taylor can take this skill and incorporate it in her consultations with brides and event planners. If we don’t have a certain flower readily available to show the client, Taylor can do a quick sketch of the flower to allow the client to visualize the concept.

Fleurology sketchbook

The Tent/Large Installation workshop, presented by David Beahm Experiences,  included techniques for suspending florals from the ceiling. Another workshop, presented by Rachael Ann Lunghi of Siren Floral Co., focused on creating compote arrangements. Laura Hooper Leader and Alyssa Law of Laura Hooper Calligraphy introduced designers to the art of calligraphy. The results of the designers’ efforts came together to create a beautiful event display.

Fleurology event under a tent
Event under the tent: suspended florals, compote arrangements, and chairs personalized with calligraphy. David Beahm Experiences

There are many creative ways to use calligraphy to elevate the designs for wedding and event decor. It can be used for signage, place cards, programs, seating, and even the cake. The ability to use calligraphy on many surfaces allows designers endless options to personalize the event for their clients.

Taylor designed this garden-style compote arrangement, which was later used in the tent display.

Keynotes

Action-packed days were spent learning and practicing new skills. Even mealtimes were not idle. A working picnic lunch included an informational seminar on social media, personal branding and photography tips. An elegant dinner setting was the backdrop for a keynote presentation by The Knot’s Lauren Kay. She discussed the luxury market and shared her insights on the state of the industry. The final morning of the symposium, all eyes were on Preston Bailey, as he discussed the limitless possibilities of the world of flowers.

Fleurology keynote dinner
Lilium was honored to work with Michelle Frost, AIFD designer, on florals for the keynote dinner.
Fleurology Preston Bailey
World-renown wedding and event planner, Preston Bailey, shares his expertise with symposium attendees.

Lilium has always been committed to providing our clients with the freshest premium product available, but we want to pair that with offering the freshest ideas as well. We believe that time invested in the Fleurology symposium will benefit all of our customers, especially our brides and event clients.

Special thanks to Fleurology organizers, event planners Karson Butler (Emily Butler and Amber Karson), photographer Koby Brown, The Knot, and Hotel Zaza for a memorable and valuable experience.

Lilium heartily approves of this year’s Pantone color of the year: Greenery. Of course, to us, it is Lilium green. It is the shade used in our logo, and throughout our shop, so we may be a bit partial. We are glad that others are embracing one of our favorite shades in 2017.

Each year, the Pantone Color Institute selects one color that symbolizes what is taking place in our global culture. It serves as an expression of mood and attitude.

Lee_Eisemann Pantone Color of the Year 2017 GREENERY

The name “greenery” describes a yellow-green hue inspired by vibrant colors found in nature. It is a nod to the go-green movement aimed at celebrating and protecting our environment. It evokes a spirit of renewal and restoration. The Pantone Color Institute sees Greenery as a versatile color that can be used with many different palletes. Their website displays it in combination with neutrals, brights, pastels and even metallics. Look for the color to show up in fashion, beauty products and home decor.

There are several naturally green flowers that beautifully display the trend. They include dianthus, bells of Ireland, and hellebores, as well as green cymbidium orchids and Fuji spider mums shown in bouquets below.

Photos by Perez Photography

Wedding Greenery

Use of greenery, as the term applies to natural foliage, is also on trend. At Lilium, we use greens in combination with florals in many of our designs. However, this year, greenery gets the starring role. Many of this season’s brides are opting for minimal florals and more foliage. The result is organic and natural, but still beautiful. Greenery garlands frame the altar and form fresh table runners. Clusters of greens take the place of traditional centerpieces and cake flowers.

Photo credit: Light Box Photography

Bridal bouquets get a fresh and natural twist with a mixture of textures and green hues. Whereas greenery was once considered “filler,” it’s role is now as important as the flowers. The florals compliment the greenery rather than the other way around.

Photo credit: Swan Photography

Lilium stays on top of current trends in color and style to offer our customers the very best in floral design. We are excited to embrace this year’s Pantone pick, and look forward to sharing it with our clients.

Florals are in full bloom for spring and summer weddings. This season, not only will the bridal party be carrying flowers, they may be wearing them as well. One of the biggest fashion trends this season is floral prints, and brides are finding creative ways to incorporate the theme into their spring and summer nuptials. Feminine and romantic, flower patterns are perfect for outdoor weddings, but can really be used in any venue.

From sweet and subtle hints to bold patterns and hues, floral prints dominated the bridal runways this season. Some brides may choose to wear traditional white, while putting their attendants in patterned gowns. Other brides are abandoning tradition in favor of the flowery trend for their own gowns.

Even if you prefer to stick with solid white or ivory for the wedding dress, consider having a pretty floral shoe peeking out from beneath the hem.

Florals for the Men, Too

Floral prints aren’t just for the ladies. Grooms and groomsmen are sporting floral neckties and bow ties as well. Prints are easily paired with solid-colored suits and tuxedos, and do not have to match the ladies’ prints exactly. Choose smaller prints for a more formal look, or big, bold patterns for a more casual theme.

Mixing Fabric and Fresh Florals

If you are concerned about overpowering your guests with your floral theme, Lilium’s wedding coordinator and lead designer, Taylor Pritchett, suggests brides maintain a balance. “If the fabric print is subtle, fresh flower choices can add a pop of color. On the other hand, if the fabric has bold floral print, opt for a neutral pallete for bouquets and boutonnieres.”

If you envision a floral motif for your spring or summer wedding , let Lilium design the perfect fresh bouquets, boutonnieres and arrangements to complement your flower-themed attire.

Taylor Pritchett, Lilium’s lead floral designer, was named the ‘People’s Choice’ winner at the 2017 Texas Designer of the Year Competition held on January 21. The contest was conducted by the Texas State Florists’ Association (TSFA), and held at the Dallas Market Center’s International Trade Plaza.

TIMED CHALLENGES

This year’s theme was ‘Imagination/Innovation’. Designers were asked to participate in three timed challenges with this theme in mind. The first challenge was an interpretive design capturing the essence of a quote by Albert-Laszlo Barabasi, “Imagination is at the heart of all innovation.” Prior to the competition, designers created a prop or container that would provide the base of their design. The flowers and supplies, as well as other creative elements, were provided by the TSFA, and were not revealed until the day of competition. Designers were given 45 minutes to complete their designs with the materials provided.

For the second challenge, designers had 30 minutes to create a holiday arrangement using an inspiration board provided by the Dallas Market Center. Again, the flowers and supplies, as well as the containers, were provided by the TSFA.

In the third and final challenge, designers were presented an envelope outlining a surprise situation.  Designers were asked to provide samples for a bride planning a winter wedding. Designs were to include a bridal bouquet, a one-dozen rose arrangement for the groom to present in his proposal, a boutonniere, and wedding flowers for the mother of the bride. Competitors had one hour and 15 minutes to complete all four designs using flowers and materials provided.

JUDGING CRITERIA

TSFA judges scored designs in all three challenges based on:

  • Category Interpretation
  • Creativity
  • Scale and Proportion
  • Unity, Harmony and Texture
  • Physical and Visual Balance
  • Focal Emphasis
  • Line, Movement and Rhythm
  • Depth
  • Color Balance and Harmony
  • Professional Application Regarding Mechanics

Prizes were awarded for first, second and third place. In addition, a People’s Choice award was given based on votes cast by event attendees. Taylor, who was competing for the first time, tested her skills against 15 other floral designers from across the state of Texas. Taylor is certainly Lilium’s choice for best floral designer, and we are proud that others recognize that, too!  Congratulations, Taylor!

Tis the season for holiday parties. Office gatherings, neighborhood parties, luncheons, and church socials compete with school programs, shopping and baking to crowd our calendars this month. In the busyness that often marks the season, don’t forget to show appreciation to that special person who works to plan and pull together a successful holiday celebration: the host or hostess. You will be at the top of the guest list if you show up with a thoughtful gift in hand.

Look beyond the traditional bottle of wine, and consider these options:

Fresh Seasonal Arrangement

Fresh flowers add a festive touch for the party, and the host/hostess can enjoy them for days after the last guest leaves and the leftovers are stored. If you know the party’s theme, request complimentary colors. Is your host/hostess traditional, or have more modern taste? Christmastime is filled with traditions, but florals don’t have to be traditional. Stay within the red, white and green color pallet, or venture into jewel tones. Pick traditional favorites like roses and hydrangea, or step outside the Christmas box with unique tropicals. Adding fresh sprigs of seasonal greenery to the arrangement not only creates a holiday look, it provides subtle fragrances that are sure to put party guests in the holiday spirit. Colorful berries and pine cones are also in season, and add pops of color and texture to an arrangement. Other favorites include potted poinsettias and potted amaryllis, both dressed in festive containers.

Jar Candles and Diffusers In Scents of the Season

Fresh flowers are not the only way to spread holiday scents in a home or office. Lilium is proud to carry the Lafco line of essential oil-based candles and diffusers. The four top seasonal fragrances are Ski House, Tree, Opal Amaryllis and Golden Chestnut. The candles have an average burn time of 90 hours, and their hand-blown art glass containers can be reused long after the candle is burned. The diffuser, which comes in an art glass container with reeds and a bottle of oil for refilling,  is available in the Ski House fragrance.

Gift Baskets

Go the extra mile to show your appreciation to your holiday host/hostess with a gift basket. You might combine luscious Godiva chocolates, a fragrant candle, and fresh flowers, all dressed up for the season in a beautiful basket display. We can add fresh Christmas greens, berries, pine cones or other textures to create a visually stunning arrangement perfect for the gift-giving season.

Customized gift baskets might include Godiva chocolates, a Lafco candle, fresh seasonal flowers and greenery.

Let Lilium help you create a thoughtful gift for your holiday host/hostess this season. Call us at 817-481-1565 or visit our website, www.liliumflorals.com.

For generations, newly engaged couples turned the calendar to June for scheduling their big day. Today, however, with more couples seeking outdoor venues, autumn has risen to the top as the busiest wedding season in Texas. The summer heat at last gives way to cooler days, and nature puts on a show, with colors and textures unique to the season.

Fall provides a pallet of rich and vibrant hues in every shade of orange, red, gold, green, berry and brown. Several flower varieties are only available in the late summer/early fall months, so take advantage of these limited-time options. Some of our favorites include showy dahlias, cosmos, cornflowers and scabiosa.

Continue reading Fall in Love With Autumn Weddings