| Long a symbol of love and beauty, flowers have | | | | Roses are particularly popular, with orchids, Calla |
| never gone out of style. Yet, some flower colors, | | | | lilies, cymbidiums and hydrangea making frequent |
| varieties and designs are especially popular among | | | | appearances. |
| more tasteful gift-givers and decorators. So, while | | | | Colors are leaning toward monochromatic, for |
| the best advice may be to follow your own taste | | | | strong identity and style. Red and white are |
| and sensibility, here's what experts predict will be | | | | popular all year. Bright colors, like greens and |
| cutting edge this year for fashion conscious | | | | oranges, will flow in the summer months. The |
| flower lovers everywhere. | | | | Bohemian look, consisting of metals, browns, |
| Seasonal Statements | | | | oranges and greens will emerge in the Fall. |
| Summer looks bright, with flashy colors, especially | | | | Combinations like "Khaki and Cream" are a good |
| greens, oranges and yellows, dominating the | | | | example of this Autumn vogue. Whites, creams, |
| scene. Gerber daisies, sunflowers, lilies and a | | | | peaches and soft pinks remain, but bolder colors |
| spectacular array of colored roses are the | | | | will come shining through. So, don't be afraid to |
| mainstay. Designs are casual, contemporary, | | | | try something different, just remember to keep it |
| dramatic, or even outrageous. Blazing tropicals are | | | | simple, elegant and unique. |
| growing in popularity, too. | | | | Flower Design Trends |
| Fall color palettes will be more refined, with a | | | | From apple and lime to sage and celery, greens |
| variety of rich textures gaining in importance. | | | | are definitely hot. Watch for cymbidiums, |
| Look for dried grasses and berries accenting mini | | | | hydrangea, Kermit button poms, and roses in a |
| callas, Leonidas roses, and Asiatic lilies. Color | | | | variety of gorgeous green shades all year. In |
| selections are graced by rust, bronze, amber or | | | | warmer months, look for hot pinks, bright |
| copper hues. Centerpieces will be natural yet | | | | oranges, and sunny yellows in the mix. In the |
| elegant with deeper color accents. | | | | cooler months, expect richer tones and deeper |
| Traditional red will dominate the Christmas season | | | | hues. The emphasis on design is texture and |
| again this year, but watch for a greater variety | | | | detail, with the best floral artists not only featuring |
| of fresh evergreens, berries, roes and accents. | | | | unusual flower varieties but also other materials in |
| Other popular color schemes include darker reds | | | | their designs, such as grasses, berries, branches, |
| and crimson shades, as well as non-traditional | | | | and even metals. Design styles may vary from |
| palettes such as purple and turquoise. Textures | | | | the streamlined elegance of just a few unusual |
| will continue to play an important role, with flower | | | | blooms to the lush opulence of many different |
| arrangements featuring everything from | | | | flowers combined, but regardless of style, it will |
| pinecones and cedar to intricate handmade | | | | be the small details and unusual accents that |
| ornaments. Expect to see more glass bowls, | | | | make all the difference this year. |
| cubes and vases of every size, especially in colors. | | | | Timeless Beauty |
| With an emphasis on home and hearth, decorator | | | | Flowers are timeless. Their popularity dates back |
| cachepots and family heirloom containers will also | | | | ages. Yet, like anything else, flowers are subject |
| play a part. | | | | to the ebb and flow of fashion trends. For the |
| Spring will burst forth with a flurry of color and all | | | | hottest colors, textures and design styles, keep |
| the variety of an English garden. Tulips, iris, | | | | an eye on your favorite decorating magazines, |
| hyacinth, freesia, lisianthus, ranunculus and asters | | | | and clip a few of your favorite pictures. Then, |
| are just some of the season's best. Fashionable | | | | consult your local florist. No matter what you |
| designs may include simple clusters with just one | | | | have in mind, a professional florist can bring it to |
| type of bloom, compact nosegays with an | | | | life. With an eye on design and a great florist |
| abundance of varied blossoms and tall vased | | | | partner, you'll find it's easy to make your floral |
| bouquets with stylish blooming branches. | | | | gift-giving and home decorating more beautiful |
| Traditional pastels will be back, with a decidedly | | | | than ever and fashionably fresh all year. |
| feminine flair, but don't be surprised by occasional | | | | *** |
| accents in bright fashion colors. | | | | From the Flowers People at 1-800-FLORALS, |
| Wedding Flowers | | | | third-generation retail and wholesale florists |
| Simple. Elegant. Unique. Those three words are the | | | | specializing in fresh flowers, custom floral designs, |
| key to planning a stylish wedding this year. While | | | | and nationwide flower delivery. |
| traditional tones and flowers are still popular, | | | | This article may be republished in its entirety on |
| trends are moving toward bouquets with only one | | | | the Internet as long as the byline and link above |
| type of flower for a clean, contemporary look. | | | | are included. |