With your Thanksgiving guest arriving next week, why not dress up your front door to welcome them in for the get-together? We’ve got some easy ideas on how to create a welcoming path for your guests!

Wreaths

Hanging a pretty wreath on your front door is a great way to create a welcoming beacon to your home. You can always buy one, but it doesn’t take much longer just to make one!  Head on over to your local crafts store for inspiration, ideas and supplies.

A simple and inexpensive twig or grapevine leaf can be the form of your wreath.

Using the grapevine wreath as your basis, you can get really creative with the project. You can use faux–or real–fruits and leaves of the season on your wreath by merely hot gluing them onto the wreath in a pretty pattern. Oranges, cranberries, and holly are all good to use. Or, glue pieces of dried corn husks and wheat to the wreath.

A really unique, beautiful and functional idea is to create a birdseed wreath. You’ll only need a few materials, and it’s actually a quick and easy project.

Swags

An even easier way to dress up your door is to make a quick swag to hang on your front door. Items you might consider using include dried wheat and cornhusks. You can even add in some dried or faux sunflowers. Simple tie a pretty and festive ribbon around the bunch, tie to the door and Voila! You’re all done! What could be easier?

Cornucopias

You can make a simple cornucopia to hang on your front door by using a natural sap bucket, wicker cornucopia basket or cone shaped tin can. Use dried flowers, faux fruits, pinecones and grasses in your cornucopia.

Other Ways to Welcome Guests In

-Decorate your front steps with gourds and potted Autumn plants like Chrysanthemum
-Get your kids to help make simple pumpkin cutouts or turkey crafts to decorate windows with
-Use kids crafts like these garden turkeys in flower beds
-Fill wicker baskets with faux lowers, fruits and cornhusks, tie with a pretty bow and leave on your front steps or porch
-Make a scarecrow with old clothes, a pillow, a hat and straw
-Set out bales of hay with gourds on top and beside them

We hope we’ve provided you with some fun, festive, affordable ways to welcome your Thanksgiving guest in. Happy crafting!

As the winter chill sets in, and colorful leaves of fall and give way to bare tree branches, it casts a more somber tone on the landscape. But just because the vivid oranges, golds and reds fade away outdoors, it doesn’t mean that you have to sacrifice color inside. In fact, the late fall and winter are perfect opportunities to get creative with seasonal décor.

For instance, rather than just relying on cold weather plants and blooms to liven up a room, why not add an extra point of interest with complementary fruits? Of course, pumpkins and gourds are the go-to option for early fall and Halloween, but don’t limit yourself to them. The chilly months offer a variety of vibrant options, including pears, cranberries, and pomegranates. Even a large bowl filled with a lively selection of fruits, intermingled with dried leaves or flowers, can have an attractive effect.

If you aren’t sure where to start, these ideas might offer some help:

• Kumquats: Don’t overlook the potential of these lovely, palm-sized citruses. Better Homes and Gardens suggests creating your own seasonal kumquat topiary using flower foam as the foundation. Simply the cut the foam to the desired shape and attach kumquats around the base with picks, topping it off with coordinating rose blooms.

• Cranberries: For a clever way to add an extra splash of color to a flower arrangement, fill the vase partially full with cranberries. Be sure to add enough of the tart fruits in the vase to prevent them from floating around in the water, and the stems will also nest securely in the bed of berries. To replicate this effect in a gift, send someone a seasonal flower arrangement filled with cranberries.

• Pears: Bring out the glitter and gold for the winter, and try your hand at gilding pears. Highlight the fruit’s delicate shape with easy-to-use gold, silver or copper leaf paper. Most craft stores sell gilding kits that should include everything you need. USA Pears recommends silver leaf on Gold Anjou pears and copper on Red Anjou.

• Pomegranates: These symbols of good luck also dry beautifully for long-lasting décor accents. According to eHow, the first step is selecting fresh, healthy pomegranates that are smooth and firm. Then, all you have to do is space them out on a wire rack and allow to air dry for at least three weeks. Take care to turn them every couple of days as well to preserve their shape. Once dried, integrate them into floral centerpieces, wreaths and garlands or display them on their own.

• Apples: The wonderful part about decorating with apples is their sheer variety. Bright green Granny Smiths, blushing Galas and sunny Golden Delicious are just a few of the options you can choose from. Martha Stewart suggests coring out apples, placing votive candles inside the spaces and floating them in water to cast a warm glow on an autumnal meal. Or showcase a harvest-themed centerpiece made up of chrysanthemums, roses, carnations and eucalyptus, interspersed with glossy apples.

As you start thinking about how to liven up your home for winter, consider bringing the fruit out of the kitchen and into dazzling displays. They can provide cheerful notes on the fireplace mantle, coffee table, dining room centerpiece or any entranceway. Just find a fruit you like and have fun with it.

Know someone with an October birthday coming up? Why not give them something different this year? If they are a Halloween lover then send an adorable and whimsical Halloween flower arrangement straight to their home or office. It will surely bring a smile to their place and accent their Halloween decorations–plus, it will be a welcome departure from the usual birthday gift cards.

This unique spooky-spider arrangement is too cute!

Orange blossoms spill out of this ceramic pumpkin to make an adorable gift.

A vase full of candy corn displays lovely fall flowers in this festive bouquet.

The leaves are changing and that familiar Autumn chill is in the air. Gone are the sunny, balmy days of summer, as well as the bright sunflowers and daisies, green grass and our summer garden harvest.

But just because the grass in your yard may be turning brown and your garden which was once thriving a few months ago might resemble a wasteland doesn’t mean you cannot get a few more months of color in your yard, add some fun fall touches to your front porch, as well as prepare for next Spring.

Planting Fall Color

Once all the bright summer color has vanished, it may seem as if your porch and yard are gloomy and boring. They don’t have to be! Plenty of flowers can flourish in a pot or bed in the Autumn. Chrysanthemums, Asters and Pansies are a few flowers that can grow heartily throughout Fall. Try big pots of beautiful chrysanthemums on both sides of your door to welcome guests.

For a fun weekend project, try container gardening with Fall perennials. Use seasonal perennials that will survive well in your area and plant lovely combination arrangements in large pots. You can get really creative but usually the large pot is filled with a taller perennial or decorative grass in the center, some ‘filler’ plants or flowers in the middle, and some ’spiller’ plants as the final, last layer; these will spill over the pot in a nice fashion. Here is a great step-by-step video on the process. Cheerful pots and beds of pansies will add color to your yard as well.

Cleaning up the Garden

Once you’ve enjoyed your summer harvest, it’s time to start preparing your garden for Fall and Winter, as well as start your planting and/or sowing for fall vegetables. Check out these guidelines:

• Replace all spent annuals
• Prepare soil for autumn planting
• Plant spring bulbs
• Rake and remove all fallen leaves
• Cut back the spent perennials / biennials
• Remove annuals damaged by frost
• Harvest all herb stems and roots
• Fertilize remaining plants as needed
• Sow seeds for succession planting
• Plant peonies, poppies and irises
• Add winter mulch, if needed
• Prepare bulbs for forcing and chill
• Divide and transplant perennials and ground covers
• Apply dormant fertilizer to trees, shrubs, ground covers and vines
• Plant and mulch hardy annuals for winter
• Plant bare-root trees, shrubs, ground covers and vines
• Transplant roses
• Plant bare-root roses
• In southern zones, stop watering to induce dormancy

You can also start planting your bulbs for Spring, such as bright yellow daffodils, gorgeous and vibrant tulips and many more types of bulbs to make a beautiful show once Spring arrives.

Decorate for Fall

In addition to adding mums and container gardens throughout your yard, there are several other things you can do to decorate and beautify for Fall.

• Make an easy Autumn wreath for your front door
• Decorate your front porch and stairs with gourds and pumpkins
• Make a scarecrow
• Pick beautiful fall leaves and flowers, preserve them in glycerin for three days (two parts hot water to one part glycerin), then display in a beautiful cast iron pot or wicker basket on your front porch
• Fill an old children’s wagon with hay, pumpkins, gourds and leaves to display
• Tie dried cornhusks from your front or back door
• Fill window boxes with mums and pumpkins

As you can see, there are so many ways to brighten up your yard and porch this Autumn. Do you have a great Autumn decorating idea we’ve missed? Please share it in our comments section!

One of the most fun ways to collect items to use in your Fall decorations is to take a long drive in the country to enjoy the beautiful Fall foliage, collecting items and produce from local farm stands and markets along the way.

Stop back by later this week for ideas about how to bring the beauty of Fall indoors!

Summer is officially over! September 22 marked the Fall Equinox and the official start of Autumn. Even if Summer is your favorite time of year, how can anyone not get at least get a little excited over the joys of this season: evenings by the fireplace, the beautiful changing of the leaves, football, Halloween and of course, Thanksgiving!

Bring out your creative side this Autumn and decorate your house with signs of the season– all it takes is a walk to your own backyard or quick trip to your local farmers’ market and you can design some unique and easy decorations for your home. Dried wheat tied in bunches and displayed in a wooden bowl make a wonderful table centerpiece and can also be given as presents for guests to take with them after a cocktail or dinner party. Another unique idea for a centerpiece is to purchase some gourds or pumpkins from your local store and display them on a platter; mix some leaves or flowers from your backyard to complete the festive look!

The colors of fall are probably best displayed through the fall foliage and the flowers and plants in season during this time. Take advantage of the lustrous and rich shades of seasonal flowers such as gerbera daisies, sunflowers, and calla lilies; or spread some autumnal cheer to someone you care about by sending a beautiful mum plant or blooming cyclamen. Or, consider sending a festive flower centerpiece showcasing the colors of the season.

As the days get shorter and the nights get longer, spend time with family and friends by hosting an evening of entertainment! Start with some delicious seasonal beverages such as hot harvest cider or hot brandy toddy and serve them with warm and delicious appetizers like ginger brie bites or pumpkin risotto cakes. Top the meal off with a delectable dessert such as an apple upside down cake and your evening is sure to be a hit! You can pass the time between servings of this scrumptious food by playing games for an intimate group of people like charades, Pictionary, or try some classic board games that are sure to bring out the fun yet competitive side of everyone!

Happy Autumn from all of us at FromYouFlowers.com—now, get out and enjoy the season!

Someone you care about has a birthday coming up. Are you planning on waiting till the last minute and sending a gift card again? Don’t do it! Send thoughtful birthday flowers or gifts instead–read on for personalized flower and gift ideas for that birthday girl or boy in your life.

Family and Friends

Mom

What Mom doesn’t like to get flowers? Below are some personalized ideas for your Mom, tailored to her style!

The How Sweet It Is flower bouquet is a good choice–and safe bet–for your Mom, regardless of her personal style.

A unique flower trend is “flower cakes” like this Wishes Come True bouquet.

Best (Girl)friends Forever

What better way to make your B.F.F.’s day then sending her a beautiful flower arrangement? The Fashionista Flower Bouquet is absolutely for your best fashionista girlfriend.

Or, send a gorgeous orchid!

Sister, Aunt or Cousin

A cheerful and pretty flower bouquet like the Polka Dots and Posies bouquet will certainly bring a smile to her face!

Romantic Birthday Flowers

Express your love, passion and devotion with these flower arrangements perfect for making her birthday one to remember.

Fragrant and gorgeous lilies mingle with classic roses in this gorgeous and romantic Celebrations bouquet

This Rambling Rose Bouquet is a unique and romantic spin on classic roses and sure to convey your love and affection.

Or, satisfy her sweet tooth with a delicious chocolate gift basket like the Grand Ghirardelli Chocolate Basket.

Husband, Dad, Brother, Uncle, Boyfriend

Guys love flowers and gift baskets too! This Home Run bouquet will definitely hit the ball out of the park!

Or, a great idea is to send a great plant for his home or office like this Areca Palm–a lasting way to spruce up any home or office.

Say Happy Birthday this year with style–send birthday flowers or gift baskets and make their special day even happier!

Summer sunshine is upon us–why not spread some to a friend or loved one with this lovely Summertime Splash bouquet? Orange roses and alstroemeria, yellow lilies, pink asters, hot pink miniature gerberas and green button spray chrysanthemums are delivered to the lucky recipient in a clear glass cube vase.

It’s the perfect arrangement to say ‘I love you’, ‘Get Well’, ‘Thinking of You’, ‘Happy Birthday’ or just to let someone know how much sunshine they bring into your life.

Popsicles, yum!

Summertime’s here–hooray! That means BBQs, swimming pools, sand castles and sweet treats to cool you down! Did you know you can save money at the grocery store–or the ice cream truck–by making your own popsicles? Not only are they cheap treats, but they’re fun to make with the whole family.

Perform a quick internet search for ‘popsicle molds’ and you’ll find a slew of options. Choose from the tried and true Rocket Shape form as well as more modern options. Once you have your popsicle molds, you’re ready to start making your sweet treats! You can use fresh or concentrated juice, fresh fruit or yogurt. I usually stick with the old-school lemonade or OJ version, but you can whip up all kinds of creative combos: peaches and cream, triple berry, strawberry banana….you get the picture!

Check out this site for more details and recipes to make your own sweet treats!

Or, if you’re too busy to make your own popsicles, try this quick tip for your next get-together:

Simply throw fruit chunks and/or fresh mint leaves along with a splash of water into regular (or fun-shaped) ice cube trays. The elegant and tasty ice cubes will surely ‘fancy up’ a regular old glass of sparkling water!

Sunday June 21st is right around the corner—do you have anything special planned yet for Dad? We’ve searched the web for some delicious recipe ideas and unique gift ideas guaranteed to ensure a wonderful Father’s Day!

RECIPES:

Dad’s Special Breakfast

Surprise Dad with a delicious breakfast in bed. Grilled Steak and Eggs is a hearty meal that satisfies and is sure to start his day off with a smile. If Dad has a morning sweet tooth then whip up this easy Fluffy French Toast recipe.

Picnic in the Park

Grab Dad for a sunshine-filled picnic in the park and be sure to give him a Father’s Day to remember. Pick up some pre-made sandwiches and salads from the grocery store; for a special touch bake up some sweet treats ahead of time to bring along like these Peanut Blossom Cookies.

Backyard BBQ

Give Dad a break from the usual BBQ duties. Try out this quick and easy Beer Can Grilled Chicken recipe and you can bet you’ll get two thumbs up.

GIFTS:

Fired up

Bring back warm memories with this adorable Fire Engine Basket. Complete with bell, ladders and wheels that roll, this is one fire truck that’s sure to deliver four-alarm smiles.

Gone Fishing

If your dad would always rather be fishing then check out these cool fishing-themed gift ideas. Perfect for the outdoorsman they will give him a reason to get out there and catch the big fish.

Going Green

Bring a little of the outdoors in with this Garden in a Glass. It’s perfect for his home or office desk. A unique gift for a unique father.

Made with Love

Grab the kids and make Dad something with love. This cool tool caddy craft is made from an old coffee can. Or make a set of cute family magnets to always remind Dad of those closest to him.

Home Run

Does your Dad love baseball? Send a cool Home Run Basket he’s sure to love. Include some tickets to a weekend baseball game for a real treat!

Happy Father’s Day!

Father's Day Bouquet