Wedding Flowers – Todich Floral Design Blog

Sometimes it can be hard to define, what exactly we find beautiful on the cold stormy days of winter. When taking a closer look, howling winds and below zero temperatures could mean the source of inspiration for the next floral centrepiece to adorn your table at a special event. Gales carry with them what nature has discarded cones, needles, branches, seed pods and other beautiful, natural pieces of art.

When working with the right floral designer, nature can lead to the formation of magnificent pieces of botanical art, using city streets, country lanes, or a farmer’s field for as the source of inspiration.

Some have even made this their craft, those who use natural resources for their floral design have been given the title of wildcrafter. As their line of work requires it, they lead a life completely immersed in nature, developing a keen eye for possible material in the outdoors.

This type of designer will be very unlikely to create the traditional Christmas wreath, made of pine or cedar, instead other materials are used making a less obvious reference to the holiday. This kind of approach can be far more refreshing, a bit of originality can just as easily capture the spirit of the season, perhaps even more so, than a green wreath with a red bow that is a mirror image to the one hanging on the neighbour’s front door.

One wonderful example is the use of blackberry, rose hip or birch branches to create a wreath. When birch is in question, branches collected in early spring are fairly malleable, and they can simply be wound around each other, until the desired thickness is reached. Then it is up to the designer to decide what is to be used as further decoration. This can be flowers, bark from from other trees, berries or whatever you like best.

Using nature as a source for ideas can have more than one positive aspect. Natural design and decorations can act as a reminder to stay green, while using nature’s creations will guarantee that you stay unique. In the following few months we will all be spending a considerable amount of time going from house to house, event to event, or perhaps organizing one or several get-togethers of our own. Wouldn’t it be rejuvenating to see one unique decoration scheme after another? Our own homes or events could also see some refreshment with a little boost from the outdoors.

There is no need to start wandering through the woods collecting branches like a wildcrafter. But the next time you consult with a floral designer, don’t forget to think back to the last winter walk you took. With a little help from our designers you could be on your way to creating design that is earthy, yet spectacular and original.

It’s a jungle out there! Long hours, working weekends, endlessly increasing expectations and pressure – you have to unwind and blow off some steam. Ah, the office Christmas party, let’s go wild and party like there’s no tomorrow. Sounds good, right? Well, wrong. This is not an occasion that should be taken too lightly.

Depending on the working environment, we will all have a different experience at office parties. Some will enjoy a relaxed, informal atmosphere in which a little loose behaviour may be tolerated, but some will end up in the unemployed waiting line if they are not careful. Here’s a list with a couple of pointers on how to survive the office Christmas party season.

Don’t drink too much

This may seem obvious enough, but it is very important. It’s easy to get carried away and drink too much. More booze means more potential trouble as the party progresses. Almost all problems at these parties are a direct consequence of individuals not being able to control themselves having had too much to drink. Try to avoid standing to close to the Christmas trees, the last thing you need is a close encounter with it.

Make an effort to attend

Do whatever you can to show up at the party. This way, you will not only make sure you are there to meet everyone, but also you will show that you see yourself as part of the “family”, and the rest should see you that way as well. Additionally, if you’ve already told someone from your company you will attend, than you really should.

Control your emotions

No, this doesn’t mean you should withhold, but don’t overdo it either. Crying and emotional outbursts are not something you want to happen on an occasion like this. You will be exposed to everyone’s eyes and judgment, especially from senior employees, many of whom can significantly impact your future with the company. Many of us have problems in our professional and private life. Added to every day stress and pressure, these problems are time bombs waiting for a relaxed, alcohol catalysed situation, to come out. Don’t forget, it’s a party, you should relax and unwind, but not turn the whole experience into a therapy session. Problems should be solved elsewhere. If you are very troubled, make a proper excuse for not showing up at the party at all, and have some quality time for yourself.

Keep your private life to yourself

This is in direct relationship with the previous point. Keep your private life to yourself. This will not only protect your integrity in the long run, but it will also help you listen to other people, engage in relaxed chit chat, and present yourself to your colleagues as a fun and enjoyable person that you are.

Be attractive, but don’t show too much

Wardrobe is an important part of your appearance anywhere. Even though no one should be judged by the clothes they wear, in the corporate world, visual appearance is an important part in the grand scheme of things. Many of us will be eager to leave a strong impression on everyone attending the party, but things shouldn’t go too far. Keep it simple, elegant, and moderate. Don’t show too much, and you will be fine. And guys, this goes for you as well.

Relax, mingle, chat, stay connected

Ok, everything said so far may have put some pressure on you, but they are just things to keep in mind before you go to the company Christmas party. In the end, it’s still just a party. You should have fun, mingle, chat and make new connections. Don’t just spend time with people you know from your department, but try and meet some of the other people working at the company. There may be opportunities you are not even aware of right now, that you may learn of from others. Take a little, but also share a little, and most of all enjoy yourself!

With all the office and home decorations ahead, we at Todich Floral Design will probably be working during the holidays, but that’s okay – we love to help people enjoy themselves. We will have a little office party of our own, but ready to take orders from our clients at any time. C’est la vie!

By the way, if you are organising an office party, take a look at what we can do for you.