We're open in Nicholasville!

Today was an exciting day for Flowers by Paige!  We set up shop in Nicholasville, KY.  We are located inside Cricket's Daughter which is at 114 S. Main Street.  We have many designs inside the store but remember to contact us if you need a special order.  


Here's a little peek...

And some of our designs...

Cricket's Daughter is just the cutest store with many vendors offering lots of different goodies.  From jewelry and antiques to scrap booking supplies, cupcakes... and of course, flowers!  Please stop by, there's something for everyone!!!

We hope to see you very soon!

Have a fabulous day!

FBP

Tussie Mussies!

What in the world are tussies mussies do you ask?  Well, tussie mussies are a small, tightly gathered, circular bunch of flowers typically given as a gift.  This little arrangement, with a funny name, has a very interesting history and is making a comeback today.  They have existed since the medieval period but are gaining popularity today and being used in weddings for bridesmaid or flower girl bouquets bouquets and as an alternative for corsages.

In the Victorian era, tussie mussies were carried to ward off the plague and unpleasant smells in the streets.  Tussie mussies are also known as nosegays, as in to keep the nose gay - keep the nose happy.  So, naturally, during this time period, tussie mussies were made out of scented herbs such as thyme and rosemary.  Also, during Victorian times it was common practice for a tussie mussie to be given by a suitor at the beginning of a courtship.  As this practice became more common, floriography became important and brought a new meaning to tussie mussies.  Often times, cards were attached to the arrangements to explain the intended meaning of each flower.

Originally, tussie mussies were small, hand-tied bouquets that individuals carried in their hand.  Soon though, people wanted a more convenient way to carry a tussie mussie so cone shaped vessels which were carried on an individual's pinky finger were introduced.  

Eventually, people wanted an even more convenient way to carry their tussie mussies, so they began attaching them to their clothes, near their shoulders.  This way, they could just tilt their head and bury their nose in the fragrant smelling arrangement.

I encourage you to look into a tussie mussie next time you are in need of a floral arrangement.  They are a romantic and unique nod to the past.  Since they are a smaller arrangement they are budget friendly as well as just being sweet!  As I said earlier, they are perfect for bridesmaid or flower girl bouquets.   Increasingly, they are being used in lieu of corsages for the mothers and grandmothers of brides and grooms.  In addition to being a neat alternative to a corsage, it means women don't have to worry about ruining their outfit as it is not pinned to and sagging off their clothes.

 Guys, this is a great substitute for your prom date's corsage. Her dress might be strapless or too delicate to pin a corsage to, and wrist corsages - they itch!  Play it safe and see about getting your date a tussie mussie - she'll be impressed you thought about her comfort and will be even more impressed if you explain the history to her!

The possibilities for use are endless... imagine a sweet, hand-tied tussie mussie as a centerpiece for a garden wedding, just dust some flower petals around it and you have a simple, sweet centerpiece.

If you are interested in learning more about tussie mussies, I recommend reading Tussie Mussies: The Language of Flowers by Geraldine Adamich Laufer.  It is full of information and another cute coffee table book!

Well I hope this encourages you to look into tussie mussies.  They are too cute and have many uses.  I also hope this persuades you to look into other, non traditional, floral shapes.  Step outside the dozen roses comfort zone and ask for something different and unique.  You give your florist room to surprise you with creativity and the recipient will be pleased to know extra thought was put into the arrangement.

Have a fabulous day!
FBP

What your bouquet says...

You may not be aware, but many different flowers have specific meanings.  I'm sure everyone has heard that yellow roses mean friendship and red roses mean love and passion, but it's not just colored roses that have meanings... all flowers do!  In Victorian times, flowers had much more meaning than they do today.  The gift of a flower or a bouquet carried more messages than a similar gift might today. Flower arrangements and certain flowers were used to send messages so as to allow people to say things that otherwise could not be spoken.  Flowers were sent to express feelings such as longing, devotion and love and these meanings have evolved through the years.  The meaning, or language, of flowers is referred to as floriography.  I've compiled a list of the meanings of some of the most common flowers below.  Go ahead and check them out... it's interesting!  And... how impressed will your friends be when you bring up the topic of floriography at the next party?

Alstroemeria - aspiring

Anemone - fragile,anticipation, expectation

Aster - contentment

Azalea - abundance, romance

Baby's Breath - festivity

Begonia - deep thoughts

Black-Eyed Susan - encouragement

Camellia - graciousness, gratitude

Carnation - pride

     Pink - gratitude

     Red - flashy, alas! my poor heart

     Striped - refusal

     White - remembrance

     Yellow - cheerful

Chrysanthemum           

     Bronze - excitement

     White - truth

     Red - sharing, I love you

     Yellow - secret admirer, slighted love

Cosmos - peaceful

Crocus - foresight, cheerfulness, abuse not

Daffodil - chivalry, uncertainty, unrequited love, respect

Delphinium - boldness

Daisy - innocence, loyal love, purity, faith, simplicity, I will think of it

Freesia - spirited

Forget-Me-Not - remember me forever, true love

Gardenia - joy, ecstasy 

Geranium - comfort, gentility

Ginger - proud

Gladiolus - strength of character

Hibiscus - delicate beauty, rare beauty

Holly - domestic happiness, foresight

Hyacinth - sorrow, jealousy, sport, play

Hydrangea - heartlessness, perseverance, frigidness, a boaster

Iris - inspiration, message

Ivy - fidelity, dependence, marriage, friendship

Jasmine - grace, elegance

Larkspur - beautiful spirit, boldness

Lavender - distrust

Lilac - first love

Lily - purity,  modesty

     Calla - regal

     Casablanca - celebration

     Day - enthusiasm

     Stargazer - ambition

     White - purity

     Orange - desire, passion

Lisianthus - calming

Magnolia - dignity, love of nature, magnificence

Marigold - desire for riches, pain, grief, trouble

Orange Blossom - fertility

Orchid - delicate beauty

Pansy - loving thoughts, think of me

Passion flower - passion, devotion

Peony - healing, anger, shame, bashfulness

Poppy - consolation, eternal sleep, oblivion, imagination

     Red - pleasure

     White - consolation, dreams, modern, peace

     Yellow  - wealth, success

Queen Anne's Lace - delicate femininity

Ranunculus - radiant, rich in attractions

Rhododendron - beware, agitation, danger

Rose - beauty, love

     Pink - friendship, grace

     Dark pink - gratitude

     Light pink - desire, passion, youth, energy

     Red - passionate love, true love

     White - purity, eternal love, innocence, purity, secrecy, humility, silence

     Yellow - zealous, friendship, apology, broken heart, betrayal

     Blue - mystery, attaining the impossible, love at first sight

     Black - death, hatred, farewell, rejuvenation, rebirth

     Burgundy - unconscious beauty

     Coral/Orange - desire, passion

     Violet - love at first sight

Snapdragon - presumptuous, no, never

Statice - success

Sunflower - adoration, pure and lofty thoughts

Sweetpea - shyness, a meeting

Tulip - declaration of love, fame

     Pink - caring

     Purple - royalty

     Red - declaration of love

     White - forgiveness

     Yellow - hopelessly in love

Violet - faithfulness, modesty, love

Zinnia - thoughts of absent friends

Oh, and each month has a flower too.  So when you can't afford that birthstone... you can at least get the next best thing!

January - carnation

February - iris, violet

March - daffodil

April - daisy, peony

May - lily, lily of the valley

June - rose

July - delphinium

August - dahlia, gladiolus

September - aster, forget-me-not

October – marigold

November - chrysanthemum

December - poinsettia, holly, narcissus, paperwhite

If you are interested in learning more about floriography, I highly recommend you look into The Meaning of Flowers by Gretchen Scoble and Ann Field.  It goes into a bit more detail regarding the meaning of each flower.  Plus, the photograph for each flower is darling - makes a great coffee table book!

Well, I hope this list inspires you to make the next arrangement you send even more personal!

Have a fabulous day!

FBP

About Flowers by Paige

Flowers by Paige is a Lexington, Kentucky based florist specializing in classic, stylish floral arrangements.  We believe in not only meeting but exceeding our clients' expectations on every level and work closely with our clients to ensure their every need is met.

Flowers

We LOVE fresh flowers and we love experimenting with different types and combinations of flowers.  We can work with you to ensure specific flowers are included in your arrangement or we can introduce you to new and exciting varieties.  We can also create silk flower arrangements.  Silk flowers have come a long way and are very realistic now days, we would be happy to work with you to create a lasting arrangement for your home or office.  

Price

We can work with any budget, large or small.  We can make a small 'just because' arrangement for a special someone or a large 'statement making' arrangement for a party.  We also welcome customers to bring in their own container to better work within a budget.  

Personalization

Including something personal is something we love!  Feel free to bring in a previously purchased gift and we can include this in your bouquet. We can also do the shopping for you if you prefer!  The same goes for the container too!  What better way to personalize an arrangement for that special someone than by putting it in her favorite vase.  

Customer Service

We believe in exceeding all of our customers expectations and to do so we work very closely with them.  Our consultations will be aimed at making sure you get all that you desire out of your arrangement and that it is as personal as possible.  Also, to keep you updated on your arrangement, we can send you pictures of it as it is designed if you so desire.  Whatever you desire, any special requests, please let us know! 

Events

We love events!  In addition to helping with the floral needs for your party, we can help you coordinate the party as well.  From luncheons to showers we can help you every step of the way to ensure your party goes smoothly and that a fabulous time is had by all!  

Questions, Comments, Consultations?

Please email us at flowersbypaige@yahoo.com

We would love to hear from you and start working with you on all your floral needs!  

Have a fabulous day!

FBP