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Category: Fall

Host Gift Guide

Posted on by Amber

The season of family and friend gatherings has arrived with Thanksgiving just around the corner.

If you’re not hosting this year and want to show your appreciation to the host of the party but don’t know where to start or what is appropriate, we’ve got you covered. Whether it’s Friendsgiving at your besties or Thanksgiving at your aunt’s house, we have something to help you say thanks to the host for their hard work.

Host/Hostess gift guide:

Flowers 

A classic. It’s hard to go wrong with flowers, but how do you pick the perfect arrangement for the host? Consider going seasonal and giving them our Fall Bouquet filled with roses, sunflowers and carnations. Alternatively, you can give them a splash of color with our Garden Bouquet that features a vibrant hydrangea, daisy poms and mini carnations.

There’s a bouquet for every taste on our website, or you can stop at one of our stores and we’ll help you find just the right one for your host.

Chocolates 

We know after the big holiday meal no one wants to think about eating again for a year. However, the chocolates can be stored away for your host to enjoy at a later date. It will be a perfect snack for them later when the last thing they want to think about is going into the kitchen to prepare more food.

A serving board

If your host volunteered to host the gathering, chances are they are a party planner and typically have many people visit their home throughout the year. A serving board is perfect for them to have something cute and functional to display cheese and crackers. This board features a beautiful floral design and the sentiment “the sweet comfort of home”. It will show your appreciation to them for opening their home up to you.

A plant

Plants are the perfect addition to any home and your host will be able to appreciate your gift long after the holiday season. This is also a great gift for the host who has everything, because there is no such thing as too many plants. Consider gifting this Bromeliad Planter in a seasonal orange container or the timeless Friendship Garden.

A gift basket

Everyone loves a good gift basket. Our “Movie Night” basket is perfect for the movie buff while our snack basket will offer them plenty of treats to enjoy well after the special occasion.

Tea

Hosting is fun, but stressful. Give your host some tea to calm their nerves and offer them a little caffeine boost. The Jubilee collection from Tea Forte has a little bit of everything with 10 different blends. There’s something for every taste.

A decoration

If they are a decorator or a collector of trinkets, this Willow Tree figure, “With Gratitude” is a wonderful way to say thanks. The bright yellow flowers the figure is holding invoke joy and the message on the accompanying card will show your gratitude towards them. They will always remember the special occasion whenever they glance at the gift.

Jewelry

Is your host a fashionista? Then treat them to a new piece of jewelry. Consider this calming blue “dream” necklace with original artwork or the Isle of Skye abstract “joy” bracelet to express how being invited to their gathering and being in their company makes you feel.

When picking out a gift for your host, just keep in mind that it truly is the thought that counts. No matter what you chose, your host will be grateful for the acknowledgement of their hard work to put together the event.

Best Flowers for the Thanksgiving table

Posted on by Amber

If you’re hosting Thanksgiving this year you have a lot on your plate from meal planning and cooking, to coordinating schedules and setting up the pullout couch. We know you’re working hard to make it a memorable holiday.

To help ease some of the stress and make one decision easier, we’ve created a list of floral table centerpiece options. Many of these will be the star of the show, and likely the only decoration you need on the table.

There’s something for every style including smaller arrangements for intimate family gatherings and those who like simplicity and grand tablescapes that are great for larger tables and those looking to make a statement.

Floral Table centerpieces for intimate gatherings

Harvest Beauty – This small arrangement is bursting with color. It’s housed in a festive glass pumpkin container and features red roses, football mums and orange carnations. The pops of purple caspia add to the colorful, joyous effect. It’s just the right size for any small gathering.

Grateful – If you’re looking for a rustic, but bright fall look this arrangement will perfectly match the aesthetic. Orange carnations, an array of yellow flowers and dried oak leaves fill the yellow ceramic pot, creating a beautiful autumn centerpiece.

Autumn Light – This arrangement features a candle to help bring warmth and light to the table. It is contained in a dish and features red carnations, an array of poms, orange mini carnations and purple statice. It’s the perfect arrangement for those looking for a traditional centerpiece with a pop of color.

Fall Blooms – This arrangement is housed in a unique, square orange frosted vase and features bronze daisy poms, orange mini carnations, dried oak leaves and more. It’s perfect for those wanting a modern Thanksgiving look.

Thanksgiving Harvest – This is a great option for those who embrace pumpkin season. The arrangement is held by an orange ceramic pumpkin and contains peach carnations, orange mini carnations, bronze daisy poms and more.

Floral Table centerpieces for grand gatherings

Autumn Meadow Deluxe – This classic bouquet featuring red roses, sunflowers and orange carnations sits in a clear vase, providing an earthy and open touch. The colors are vibrant and will catch the eye of everyone in attendance.

Autumn Warmth – This centerpiece has two orange candles and is adorned in peach roses, football mums, poms and more. It’s a great option for those looking for something traditional to fill the table.

Horn of Plenty – This showstopper is a cornucopia basket holding an arrangement with burgundy roses, sunflowers, burgundy carnations, lots of poms, dried oak leaves and more. This centerpiece will be the talk of dinner and tied in beautifully with the spread of food.

Plentiful – A white wooden turkey is the star of this centerpiece. The decorative statue is surrounded by peach roses, football mums, mini green hydrangeas, yellow carnations and more. It is a wonderful addition to your turkey day feast.

Family Gathering Centerpiece – This four-candle centerpiece has peach roses, sunflowers, burgundy carnations and more. The fall plaid ribbon embedded ties together the seasonal look.

Whatever type of gathering you are planning for Thanksgiving flowers are the perfect decoration to celebrate the special holiday.

Why are Marigolds Important to Day of the Dead Celebrations?

Posted on by Amber

Marigolds, or Cempasuchil, are a central part of Day of the Dead celebrations. 

The Mexican holiday is observed Nov. 1 – Nov. 2 and it is believed by its celebrants that during the Day of the Dead, or Dia de los Muertos, souls are released from Heaven to rejoin their loved ones. To celebrate this special time, people leave offerings to their deceased family members at gravesites and on ofrendas, such as the dead’s favorite food.

History.com states that ofrendas typically feature images of loved ones who have passed and are decorated with candles, marigolds and red cock’s comb.

According to npr, marigolds are used in the celebration to help guide ancestors back home. The spirits use the scent of the marigolds to find their way from their burial place to their families ofrendas.

Although Day of the Dead is primarily celebrated in Mexico, it is also observed throughout South America and in the United States by those with Mexican heritage. 

Select Royers locations including Reading, Lebanon, Chambersburg, Camp Hill and Carlisle are offering a limited selection of marigolds this year to assist in Day of the Dead celebrations.

Spooky plants to celebrate Halloween

Posted on by Amber

Plants are the perfect decor all year round. They brighten rooms and provide multiple mental and physical health benefits.

Although often overlooked for the fall season, there are many plants that give off “spooky” vibes that will compliment Halloween decorations. Consider including these plants in your Halloween decor this year:

Ficus Elastica Ghost Rider

This rare plant gets its name from the spectral-like coloring of its leaves. Green and “ghostly” white patches are dotted along the leaves of this plant. The red and orange petioles also compliment the season’s colors.

Ficus Belize

This plant screams dark academia. The pink splotches amongst the dark green create an eerie and dramatic effect. It’s a show stopper and would pair nicely with Halloween decor.

Philodendron White Wizard

The White Wizard looks like someone cast a spell on the plant causing parts of its leaves to turn white. Each plant is unique in its coloring and can range from white dots on the green leaves, half of the leaf being white or a full white leaf. Some of the leaves seem like they were dipped in white paint.

This would be a nice plant to pair with ghost decorations and white pumpkins.

Monstera Spotsylvania

This plant has unique holes in the leaves that give it a creepy and ghostly look. The white spots also add to the effect. It looks like something that could come from the Little Shop of Horrors.

This next list includes plants that aren’t spooky themselves, but with creative containers and effects, have been curated to seamlessly integrate into any Halloween scene.

Spooky potted plants

Arachnid Spell

Imagine if a witch cast a spell on a cactus to grow legs like a spider, but the cactus got stuck in the cauldron. That’s what this plant setup looks like. The cactus and cauldron act as the “body” of the spider and are held up by eight thin and long legs, giving the spider effect. 

Consider sitting this on top of a mirror to enhance the “creepy, crawly” image.

Na’maste Dead collection

These three zombies have swapped their brains for air plants! The trio features three green zombies meditating – one with his arms by their side, one with their hands in a prayer pose at their chest and one who is holding their head over their body. Find your inner zen this Halloween with these unexpectedly calm creatures.

Meddling Kids trio

Frankenstein, a witch and a pumpkin are featured in this group. They each have an air plant protruding from their head and mischievous looks on their faces. They would add a unique touch to any Halloween decor and their air plants can be removed and placed in other containers after the season.

The Boo Brothers

This scary cute ghost comes in a variety of expressions and includes a succulent. The succulent is simple to take care of and will last well beyond Halloween.

How to make a boo basket

Posted on by Amber

It’s spooky season, which also means it’s boo basket season.

If you’re not familiar with the popular trend, a boo basket is when people give loved ones a gift basket filled with goodies and treats that are typically halloween themed. It is most commonly gifted from a boyfriend/husband to a girlfriend/wife.

The name “boo basket” is a double entendre that refers to the “boo” spooky element of halloween and “boo” as in the term sometimes used to refer to a boyfriend or girlfriend.

Boo baskets have also traditionally been given as anonymous presents to neighbors and many close-knit neighborhoods have traditions of “booing” each other with a basket.

These baskets make great gifts for friends, family and coworkers too. It’s a fun and seasonal way to brighten someone’s day and show you care.

To give you some inspiration for your boo basket this year, we put together our own version. Watch the video below for boo basket ideas:

Shop the items in our boo basket:

Christmas in July: Crafting Holiday Arrangements

Posted on by Josh

As the summer sun beams down, many are enjoying the warm weather and outdoor activities. However, at Royer’s Flowers and Gifts, we’re already immersing ourselves in the holiday spirit, designing and photographing our Christmas arrangements. This early preparation allows us to capture the essence of the season and ensure that every arrangement we offer during the holidays is crafted with the utmost care and creativity.

Our talented team of designers is hard at work, transforming our workshop into a winter wonderland. While it might seem unusual to think about Christmas amidst the summer heat, this is a crucial time for us to conceptualize and bring to life the festive designs that will grace homes and celebrations in December.

In our workshop, you’ll find an array of holiday-themed materials—red carnations, lush evergreens, and ribbons in every shade of Christmas cheer. The process of creating our Christmas arrangements is a blend of creativity and tradition, with each piece carefully crafted to evoke the warmth and joy of the holiday season. From classic arrangements featuring traditional colors and elements to more modern designs with unique twists, our collection aims to cater to diverse tastes and preferences.

Once the designs are complete, the next step is capturing their beauty through photography. This is where the magic truly comes alive. Our photographer works meticulously to ensure that each arrangement is presented in the best possible light, highlighting the intricate details and vibrant colors. The photos we take in July are used throughout the holiday season, helping our customers envision how these beautiful pieces can enhance their own celebrations.

As part of our July design session, we are also creating arrangements for fall and Thanksgiving!

Designing and photographing our Christmas arrangements in July allows us to experiment with new ideas, refine our designs, and ensure that every detail is perfect. It also gives us ample time to plan and prepare for the busy holiday season, ensuring that we can meet the demands of our customers with beautifully crafted arrangements.

Mount Joy resident’s ‘Harvest Beauty’ wins Royer’s Flowers name-the-arrangement contest

Posted on by Neal


 
When she first learned how to use email through her local library, Karen Good said, she was told to select three words for her address that represented things she liked.
One of them was “rose,” which reflects her affinity for flowers.
Good, of Mount Joy, Lancaster County, now has good reason to be fond of carnations and daisy poms, too.
She won this year’s Royer’s Flowers & Gifts name-the-arrangement contest. Her entry, “Harvest Beauty,” was chosen from nearly 900 online submissions.
The all-around arrangement features a ceramic pumpkin, measures 12 inches high and 10 inches wide, and comprises carnations and daisy poms in fall colors.
Good said she sought divine inspiration for her entry.
“Now Lord,” she said, “what would you call that? It’s beautiful.”
Good and runner-up Janet Adams of Columbus, Ohio, will receive one of the arrangements as their prizes. Adams submitted “Blooming Pumpkin” through Royer’s sister company, Connells Maple Lee Flowers & Gifts, which has three Columbus-area stores.

Sizing up six new arrangements for fall

Posted on by Neal


Several sure signs of the season: cooler temperatures, candy corn on grocery store shelves and the arrival of our fall menu.
Emily Mallis, Royer’s marketing manager, shared her insight on six arrangements making their debuts.
2820/Foliage Terrarium:
A tilted pedestal container gives a unique, updated look to our everyday dish garden while retaining its vintage feel.
2838/Rectangle Succulent:
Succulents are in, and we are keeping them trendy with this stylized design. This two-plant dish garden gives an earthy feeling, with the stone container and moss as finishing touches.
3768/Darling with Spray Roses, Extra Large:
Charmelia adds height and removing the lilies and gerbera daisy makes for a fuller look in shades of purple and pastel pinks. Ginger spray roses add a finishing touch.
3780/Triple Rose Bud Vase:
This new style of triple rose vase, with its wider lip, enhances a shift to more of an all-around look that’s a great size for an office desk or end table in the home.
3788/Baby Girl Steps: 
The new L- shaped, three-quarter round design replaces the all-around look from last year. The increased height and width give it a more impressive look, with pink or blue carnations instead of an overall garden color.
3795/English Garden Vase:
We wanted to increase the number of $125 vase selections. This English garden vase was redesigned to be fuller. It no longer includes curly willow and uses stock, roses and other value flowers in place of lilies and gerbera daisies.
If you haven’t received a copy of the fall menu in the mail, you can pick one up at any Royer’s store.
 

Fox 43 appearance: (home)coming attractions

Posted on by Neal


Homecoming can be a nervous time for high school students.
Never mind asking someone to the dance; it can take real courage when it comes to choosing your date’s corsage or boutonniere. Rest assured, Royer’s is here to help.
That was part of the message shared today by Erica Bixby of Royer’s when she visited Fox 43 Morning News. Erica and host Amy Lutz discussed homecoming stalwarts and newer options.
“There’s a lot of fun things that are trending this year,” Erica said. “There’s floral prints. Our most popular colors are navy, blush, burgundy, those pretty fall colors.  …
“If you’re not sure what color the dress is, that’s OK. Our most popular one is very simple, it’s white sweetheart roses with babies breath. And, of course for the guy, we’ll always do the matching boutonniere.”
Among the changes Royer’s has witnessed, Erica said, is corsages with one big flower, such as a mini gerbera. It’s a trend she described as “fun and flirty.”

‘Every one is different’

Standard corsages start with a white ribbon but can be spray painted (she demonstrated with green) to match a dress color. A variety of ribbons, bracelets and rhinestones can be added, as can, of course, a rainbow of flowers to make for a one-of-a-kind look.
“It’s really like artwork,” Amy said.
“And every one is different,” Erica said, “which makes it fun.”
As an alternative to a corsage, Erica suggested a hand-tied bouquet, such as the one she held up featuring sunflowers, solidago, mini green hydrangeas, Italian ruscus, and seeded eucalyptus with a burlap bow.
Erica noted that it’s a good idea to consider a date’s mother, too, at homecoming.
“It’s always good to bring mom some flowers,” Erica said, holding a rose bouquet.
“And that’s [true] for the guy or girl,” Amy said.
“Or if somebody’s hosting for pictures, it’s always nice to bring them a little something.”
To view the segment, click here.
Of course, you’ll find homecoming help at all of our stores, or try out our corsage builder.

Highlights from our fall catalog

Posted on by Neal


Every year, we introduce a fall catalog that contains approximately 20 percent new products. We asked Geoff Royer, Royer’s area manager and a member of the product development team, to describe how some of the new arrangements came about. Here’s what he told us:
3617
One of the tasks of the product development team was to come up with more arrangements that are specific to birthdays. This arrangement does just that with the birthday bear that’s attached to the vase.
This is the fourth in our lineup of Big Hugs vases. We also have redesigned the baby boy and baby girl versions of that style.
3618 and 3619
We realized in the spring that we could do better on the pricing of the mini callas than we had before so we opted to develop a few arrangements with them.
3631–3633
This collection of arrangements is a new style for us, each one in a nine-inch glass bowl that we’d never carried before. We used them in some new lifestyle shots we are using to enhance our brochure and websites.
3644 (photo above)
This addition features several flowers that are new to us, namely the Memphis daisy pom, charmellia alstromeria, and Nobbio cherry carnation.
We had featured Memphis at previous holidays. We loved the color and the lateral lengths on the daisy but no one grew it year-round until now.
Charmellia is a new product in the floral world. It lasts incredibly long and, as it opens, it changes from dark pink to a lighter pink.
The colors and variegation of the Nobbio cherry petals are like nothing we’d ever seen. This carnation is from a farm called Geoflora, which is associated with South American carnation breeder S.B. Talee.
Talee developed the Nobbio series in response to a Japanese market that wanted something beyond the standard red, white and pink combination with a longer stem length. We can take the sizes the Japanese markets don’t want at a good price.