When you think of a beautiful floral arrangement, you often think of dining room table, especially if it is holiday time. And why not? Beautiful dining centerpieces have graced our tables for centuries. Whether you are having a party, decorating for a holiday, or simply adding a beautiful touch, keep in mind that floral arrangements should complement décor and mood of room. Remember, too, you don’t have to have a traditional arrangement just because you find it in a traditional location. Instead of one big center arrangement, you may want to try a series of vases and candles on a fabric runner for a stunning effect.

Another traditional location for fresh flowers is in foyer or entranceway. What a great way to make a terrific first impression. Regardless of your style, flowers in entryway can create mood from moment someone walks through your door. Is your home formal? Try an elegant centerpiece or a piece of artwork on a pedestal draped with a garland and flowers. For a homier, friendlier look, place a basket with a garden bouquet on entry table. No matter what your style, flowers can enhance your home.

Beyond Tradition

Let’s not stop with tradition! Fresh flowers are so beautiful that they should not be relegated to dining room and entryway alone. Why not brighten every room in your house? Let’s look at a few ideas to help you think outside box.

* Kitchen: Think beyond basil and oregano! Fill your kitchen window ledge with pots of herbs and sun-loving plants like kalanchoe, African violets, or primroses. A few well-placed gerbera daisies can help spice up your kitchen, too. The best part is that you can enjoy your mini-harvest every day.

* Bedroom: Add a touch of romance in your bedroom with a few beautiful stems that complement or accent color of your linens or wallpaper. There is simply nothing like waking up to a delicate scent drifting from your nightstand. Tea roses, freesias, peonies, lilac and lilies, all have delicious fragrances.

* Guest Bedroom: Welcome your guest with a bright floral addition. Visitors feel extra special with a bright bunch of cut flowers sitting pretty on guest room nightstand.

The Tradition of Wedding Flowers

Carrying flowers by bride is not something new; it actually has its roots in ancient times. Strong smelling herbs and spices were used to keep away evil spirits during wedding celebration. Later, during Roman era, flowers were used to symbolize fertility. Eventually, flowers were given different meanings and used as a way of sending “love notes” in form of bouquets. Soon, tradition of meaning of each flower trickled down and was adopted for bride’s bouquet.

By tradition, groom wears a flower that appears in bridal bouquet in his buttonhole. This custom originates from Medieval tradition of a knight wearing his lady's colors as a declaration of love.

So it seems that a wedding without flowers is like, well, it’s like a garden without flowers!

So Many Choices

Have you ever considered how many different kinds of flowers there are? Hundreds of beautiful blooms are available to create romantic elegance your wedding deserves. You may even feel like author Phoebe Cary, who said, “I know not which I love most, Nor which comeliest shows, The timid, bashful violet Or royal-hearted rose: The pansy in purple dress, The pink with cheek of red, Or faint, fair heliotrope, who hangs, Like a bashful maid her head.” So, how do you choose?

One way is to consider different meanings of flowers and create a bouquet that is not only beautiful to eye, but also meaningful to heart. Another way is to consider time of year. Many flowers are more common during one season than another, so finding off-season flowers may be difficult!

Based on tradition, here are some of more popular wedding bouquet flowers and what they mean, along with when they are in season:

* Red Rose – Love, All Year

* White Rose - Unity, All Year

* Yellow Rose - Joy, All Year

* Orange Rose - Passion, All Year

* Pink Rose - Secret Love, or Grace & Sweetness, All Year

* Alstroemeria - Devotion, All Year

* Baby's Breath - Innocence, All Year