OAK HILL FLORIST

The California Cut Flower Commission publishes a biennial brochure on Floral Trends. According to their guide, "Floral styles are intimately connected with our broader lifestyle, taking their cues from world culture, music, media, fashion and home decor."
When taking a Wedding Certification class through MSF&GA last summer, we worked in depth with the 2006-2007 color trends. Trends like, Black and White Infusion - Black, White and subtle tones of brown, Hydroponic - Various colors of green, with pale touches of blue, for a spa-like feeling, "simple, clean designs."

This years trends take us to Habitat, Nocturne, Whisper, Nomad and my favorite -Chinoiserie.
Chinoiserie is "a French term describing European interpretations of Chinese style from the 17th and 18th century." This color palette encompasses pink-toned reds, with lighter purples and greens as complements. "Expressive, singular blooms are standouts, and materials are arranged with an Asian sensibility, a respect for line over mass."

When planning your next floral event, come see us at Oak Hill Florist, we're up with the latest trends and can't help you

Brides and Grooms still planning your 2008 wedding? Getting ideas for 2009? Come see us on April 26th from 11-3 at the Dunegrass wedding show. We'll be showing the industries latest color trends, various bouquets styles for you to select from, and showcasing some of the finest flowers available only through Oak Hill Florist. Easy to see many vendors in one location. Wherever you are in the planning stage for your wedding, be sure to stop by and say 'Hello'.

Owning a small business doesn't always allow you the time away you'd like. You need to pick and choose the events you attend. This past weekend was the Northeast Floral Expo held at Hartford Convention Center, what a great show it was!!

Sponsored by the Connecticut Florist Association this show had a bit of everything. Design shows, business seminars, vendors galore and a great banquet. I was finally able to meet a few of the vendors I speak with on a regular basis - it's always nice to be able to put a face to a name. Our website is hosted by Flowershopnetwork out of Arkansas. My sales rep - Joe and I have spoken dozens of times over the years, this past weekend was the first time we've met. What a treat!

Many florists today think they can survive on design alone. That's just not the case. You need the proper computer technology in your shop so you can communicate effectively with customers. You need to be 'up' on trends on the internet - like social networks and blogging. You need to know how to promote yourself and your business. These are all topics that were covered in the business sessions.

My friend Ann Jordan, mmfd, AAF, AIFD - and a fellow Mainer, was one of the featured designers for the show on Sunday. She's got such a spark about her when presenting. You know this woman loves the industry and has a wonderful, warm presentation style. She showed us designs representing some of the latest color trends developed by the California Cut Flower Commission. Trends like Infusion, blacks, browns and whites and Habitat a trend I particularly love. The colors are more yellowed greens, with touches of blue and focuses on found objects of nature. Birds are key in this color trend. Our business is all about color, it's wonderful having the opportunity to learn from such a talented designer as Ann.

We need to make time to attend these shows as often as possible, to be able to bring new ideas back for our customers. This little weekend away was the perfect shot-in-the-arm needed.

More coming on color trends...