Admiration for our Sailors and Seafaring Adventurers

Standing aboard the soaked, slippery, and splintery deck of an ancient seafaring vessel, the fearless captain does not even move a muscle. He stands erect, right hand on his belt and left holding his trusted spyglass to his eye in which he peers into the abyss of the towering waves that surround his rocking and rain-battered ship on all sides.

Deck hands and other crew members scurry about, fighting the weather and following the captain as he barks out an order over the sound of the crashing thunder and waves the threaten to swallow the ship whole.

Now you may very well be thinking that they were doomed to a watery grave in the depths of the screaming sea, but in truth many a captain and crew underwent such harsh trials. And, while many perished under the crushing might of the sea many others prevailed.

With technology and the modernization of our world, braving the seas has become far less dangerous. Yet, even in this modern era, there are still hazards that abound in the sea — storms, accidents, and even pirates (yes even pirates).

It Takes a Different Breed of Courage

In the days of old and new, it doesn’t just take a man to brave the open depths; it takes courage and determination — both physical and mental aptitude that can come in the form of a man, a women, and even a child.

May 22nd recognizes these courageous souls. It is a day set aside to observe and praise the courage that these people have and the hardships they have endured. Many cities, especially those with ports and seafaring history or even those with legends of famous and infamous seafaring adventurers attached to them, will hold festivals and events celebrating the brave men and women of the sea.

Maybe you know one of these brave individuals, perhaps a soldier stationed at sea or a coast guard member, or even a tanker or cargo ship worker — perhaps they are just a fisherman. Even if you don’t know one of these people, still at least take a moment of silence in honor of these brave people.

Break the Silence

Beyond the moment of silence is the sound of recognition. You can choose to attend a local event put on by a port city or even volunteer to help organize the event or a dinner.

Decorate the table with beautiful floral arrangements whose colors complement that beauty of the sea, or get that special sailor of yours a thoughtful card or gift perhaps an arrangement of beautiful flowers.

Whatever it is you find yourself doing on May 22nd this year — working or celebrating – be sure to show you care somehow for these people who do a lot for us and most likely more than any of us even realize.

To All Who Serve…Armed Forces Day

Service men and women everywhere, on our soil or abroad, should be thanked always and forever and celebrated for their sacrifice and prayed for a safe return home to family and loved ones. While the soldiers are always in our hearts and should always be in yours too, Armed Forces Day is May 19th this year.

Do you have a loved one serving in the military? If not, maybe you have a close friend or perhaps an old friend or a co-worker’s son or daughter. Chances are someone around you is connected somehow to a soldier who is serving in a branch of or country’s military. They are serving us by helping to keep us and this country safe from those who would mean to harm us as well as sacrificing themselves so that, we as a nation, can continue to be free to live our lives how we please.

Now for a History Lesson

It was in 1949 when President Truman proclaimed the third Saturday of the month of May to be Armed Forces Day, which would become a national holiday to honor our military and those brave men and women serving.

Before that though, our four major branches of the military had their own ways of celebrating on four different days of the year. The Army celebrated their day on April 6th, the Navy on October 26th, the Marine Corp on November 10th and the Air Force on the second Saturday of the month of September.  Now unlike the past holidays, Armed Forces Day is celebrated more openly to the public with bases often opening up for the day and putting on demonstrations and the like.

They are Special

With Armed Forces Day, if you should know and care for someone serving in our armed forces then you should do something for them. Show them that you care and that they are special and that you support their decision and our thankful for their sacrifice.

Send them something special if they are on a base order them some flowers to brighten up the place, or if your soldier is overseas a care package really goes a long way.  This could be little and simple things like hand sanitizers, soap, tissues even their favorite bagged chips. Think about those things that are in abundance here but a real treat to have over there. Maybe you don’t know any soldiers but you still find yourself caring, so why send some flowers to your local recruiting office let our soldiers know how much they are loved and how thankful we all are for their commitment and sacrifice. 

It’s a Black Tie Event: Prepping for Prom with Prom Corsages and Prom Boutonnieres

As if it isn’t hard enough to ask that girl to the prom, she’s now said “yes!” so then comes all the stuff that you feel like you have no clue about. There’s the tuxedo, the limo, and lining up the parties. Then, there may be that very unfamiliar territory that involves flowers – get used to it because women love flowers and this is the first of many times you’ll be picking out flowers!

You’ll need a prom corsage for your date, and you may even want to add a little flower to your tuxedo jacket to match – this is called a boutonniere by the way and it gets pinned to your jacket. Your girl will admire your confidence to add a flower to your own prom ensemble. And, lastly, it might bode well to pick up a rose or small bouquet for your date’s mom (bonus points!). Now that you know what you need to get, the next part is figuring out the right color, size, flowers and, of course, price.

Prom Boutonnieres

A boutonniere typically only has one flower like a rose bud, orchid, or a mum. These are pretty durable and can withstand hugs and those slow dances when you get a little closer. Try to avoid flowers that bruise easily or tend to fall apart like lilies. Keep the flower at a size that fits.

You don’t want a large, overpowering flower where your date and friends mistake you for a clown. But, you also want to make sure it’s not so tiny it gets lost. Lastly, make sure you can somehow coordinate it with your date’s prom corsage.

Prom Corsages

Don’t be nervous about picking out a prom corsage. Simply follow the same rules in terms of size and durability as well as just simply ask your date. She will gladly share her opinion. You can also ask her about colors and style of corsage. Prom corsages can be traditional wrist corsages or they can be pin-on, non-traditional, or bracelet style.

Keep the number of flowers low so that you can add some foliage or other interesting features that will make your date standout and add to her beauty.

Prom Flowers for Your Date’s Mom

You don’t have to go overboard with flowers to impress your date’s mom – after all, you are most likely on a tight budget. A single rose or small bouquet provides a way to show your respect and thanks for her trust in letting you take her daughter to prom. It might even buy you an extra hour on the clock before you must bring her home!

Because Mom’s Always There for You, It’s Time to Say Thanks this Mother’s Day

Mother’s Day is nearly here — actually, it’s just seven short days away — which means that May 13th will be here before you know it. And, that means it’s time to spring into action (if you haven’t already!) and get something special for the Mom who has been there for you throughout your life with a kind smile, gesture, or word that has made problems melt away. That’s just what Moms do!

And, while you would love to  celebrate that every day, there is that one special day each year where you can give her a special gift whether that be Mother’s Day roses, Mother’s Day flower baskets, Mother’s Day gift baskets or some other gift that says just how much you love her. Here are some ideas to let Mom know just how special she is to you: 

Still at Home? If you share a home with mom, be sure to treat her to a special breakfast in bed with mimosas and a cooked breakfast, stack of fluffy pancakes, or whatever mom likes! Of course, you can also take her out if cooking is not your thing!

Mom Lives Nearby? If mom lives nearby, be sure to bring or send a special gift personalized to what she likes best. Cards are nice but homemade ones are even better. Maybe mom is now a grandma, so be sure to have the kids also make a special card or drawing for her. Treat her to a meal out or even some type of event like a play or musical. It’s also nice to just spend time together so bring Mom over for a barbecue to enjoy each other’s company!

Mom Lives Far Away? With everyone on the move, it may well be that you are not in the same state – or even country – as mom. If that’s the case, a phone call on the special day is a must. Or, if mom is a computer whiz, you could even do a Skype video call. Also, leave time to send a gift or special item her way. Flowers are always a favorite on Mother’s Day, but you can also think about a beautiful Mother’s Day flowering plant or a Mother’s Day goodie basket!

Carithers Knows Flowers 

Carithers is your go-to gift expert this Mother’s Day. Why not treat her to something special from Carithers like one of our many beautiful arrangements of fresh flowers? We even have a select assortment of floral arrangements dedicated to Mothers Day!

If mom is allergic to flowers or has more of a green thumb, we also offer an amazing selection of beautiful Mother’s Day plants. And, if that wasn’t enough, we have Mother’s Day gift baskets of all sorts – from coffee and gourmet nibbles to spa treats and other luxury items.

It’s Spring and Love (and Marriage) is in the Air! Get Your Fabulous Wedding Bouquet at Carithers

Weddings don’t just happen when summer hits. Many couples in Atlanta and other areas within Georgia actually plan for spring weddings where they can enjoy beautiful weather and often more options for their wedding. While wedding plan may be well underway, one important aspect to start thinking about is the wedding bouquet as well as the flower décor for the wedding and reception.

That’s why it’s time to head over to Carithers and check out some wedding floral designs that will add that special magic to your special day!

Tips on Selecting Wedding Flowers

Before checking out Carithers’ selection of wedding flowers and wedding floral designs, here are some things to think about when selecting your flowers for the ceremony and reception:

  • Think about your wedding style. Go with elegant blooms like lilies and roses for that sophisticated wedding but opt for simple wildflowers and daisies for that down-home affair.
  • Use seasonal and local flowers as these are less expansive and will hold up to the weather conditions. You don’t want to go with exotic flowers that cannot withstand the humidity of an Atlanta wedding.
  • Blend wedding flower choices with your wedding day palate of colors. While it doesn’t have to perfectly match, it should tie into your color scheme so as to not stand out in the wrong way!
  • Keep to your budget. It’s so easy to get emotional and caught up in the moment. Keep a level head and go with the blooms and number of arrangements that fit your budget for bouquets, décor, and centerpieces.
  • Work with a florist and their design team as they know what works well for your part of the country as well as how to maximize your budget to get the best flower effect for your dollars.

What Carithers Has for Your Wedding Day

From bouquets, corsages and boutonnieres to centerpieces and floral focal arrangements throughout the ceremony and reception, Carithers has everything you need for your wedding day when it comes to flowers. We can even decorate your wedding cake with living flowers!

With all of these options being fully customizable and the flowers always being fresh, the choice really is clear. Be sure to check out our wedding gallery to see our beautifully prepared work or to see other happy couples and satisfied customers on their special day. Maybe you aren’t entirely sure what you want, but don’t worry.

Many of the pictures featured in the wedding gallery were designed by our customers who worked with our friendly and extremely talented design team to create something to create something different and for them on their day. Our design team will work with you down to the very last intimate detail, putting in their best effort to help make your day not only special but perfect.

Feel free to contact us with any questions, and even set up a meeting with our incredible design team or really get things rolling by setting up a consultation with one of our friendly and knowledgeable staff. Feel free to visit Carithers Flowers today.

Appreciate Your Secretary or Assistant with a Special Gift from Carithers Flowers Today!

Bosses, everywhere, it’s time to show your appreciation for all the care, hard work, and long hours that your secretaries and personal assistants put in on a daily basis to help you with the ever-taxing and stressful job of running a company.

Show them you care and that they matter by giving them the elegant gift of beautifully arranged flora on this national Secretaries’ Day. Also known as Administrative Professionals’ Day, this secular holiday is celebrated by many businesses every year all across the nation and even in some other countries.

When is the fabled Secretaries Day, you may ask? It is celebrated in America during the last seven-day week in April on a Wednesday and this year that day is April 25, 2012.

A Little Bit of History

Secretaries’ Day was first celebrated during the first week of June in 1952, and it was first suggested by Mary Barrett, the President of the National Secretaries’ Association, which later became known as the International Secretaries, Association. Marry Barrett and C. King Woodbridge, who was the President of the Dictaphone Corporation, were both serving on a council that was heavily focused on and concerned with the lack of skilled office workers in the nation. They worked together with Henry Klemfuss and created the idea for a National Secretaries, Week, which would become the widely celebrated National Secretaries, Day.

In recent years National Secretaries Day has become one of the largest recognized holidays in the work place. It’s the time when the big boss men and big boss women everywhere take this day to show their appreciation towards their assistants and all that they do. Because, without them, you really could end up in the dark, so, this year, go on and show your gratitude and recognize their efforts and loyalty!

Keep it Professional

Our corporate gifts selection is sure to put a smile on your right hand person. Brighten their day with our ‘For All You Do’ Bouquet. It’s a gift that absolutely sings ‘thank you for all you do’ with its alluring white roses and yellow daisies all elegantly arranged in a stunning green designer vase. It would be hard to find a better way to just say ‘Thanks.’

Also be sure to check out our select arrangements that our meant for the work place all with various upgrade options. Then there are those delicious fruit baskets, goodie baskets, and delightful spa baskets that add a special and personal touch to your ‘thank you.’ Our vast selection means that you will be able to find the perfect way to show that you care and that their hard work means a lot to you.

Need any help? That’s what we are here for. Stop in to our shop, give us a call, or peruse our online store. No matter where you find us, our friendly staff is nearby and can help you to choose that perfect gift for Secretary’s Week.

It’s All About Spring Flowers

Have you noticed that spring always seems to make people a little happier? There is something about spring that brings out the young state of mind in all of us. Children are playing in the park on swings and slides, and the warm air and gentle breezes waft the smell of fresh cut grasses to winter exhausted sensibilities.

When you see those beautiful spring flowers with all their vibrant colors it’s just not possible to frown.  And, some of the most vibrantly colored flowers are tulips.

These gorgeous flowers are grown from bulbs and belong to the lily family. Although they can be found all over the world, tulips are primarily associated with The Netherlands.

Tulips and More

Tulips come in every color under the sun except for blue. The closest you can get is light lavender, but the deep purple Holland Tulips found at Carithers are exquisite.  Pink, white, and yellow are always popular tulip colors.

They are lovely either as part of a single flower arrangement or mixed with other types of flowers like roses.  Speaking of roses – if you thought that roses were the best of the red flowers, take a look at the Red Holland Tulips and the Red Passion Tulips. They are something special.

Then, there are all those other wonderful spring flowers that we, at Carithers, get so excited about. And, what could be more representative of spring than daisies? These happy little flowers in yellow and white bouquets are irresistible. Put them on a table that you pass by often and let their friendly bright blossoms light up your day each time you see them.

For many, spring memories also turn to hydrangeas. The big, showy blooms mix well with other spring flowers in colorful arrangements. Our hydrangea and orchid arrangement that is part of the European collection are certainly unique.

Lilies of all colors also usher in spring — either alone or in mixed arrangements. The prettiest of them are tucked into a tidy little glass cube that shows off the blooms just perfectly.

Spring’s Special Occasions

Don’t forget those special spring occasions! Spring birthdays are easily remembered with any of the bright and colorful flower arrangements we have available or even ones that our design team can create just for you. Birthday flowers will always put a smile on the face of that someone special.

Remember that lots of folks get married in the spring because the significance that spring has as the traditional season for beginnings. We already have many orders in for some joyous spring weddings just around the corner.

And, finally, be sure to reward yourself or someone near and dear with bright spring flowers or even a spa gift basket as a “just because” you or a loved one deserves it! Spring is here, so let’s celebrate!

Easter Holiday is Here! Time to Spring into Your Love of Flowers!

In spring, everyone’s fancy turns to love and to flowers. Tender green shoots are rising up through the chilled soil, and we all turn to the beauty and color of flowers to remind us that everything is new again. The winter cold is over and the world is once again warm and alive. Spring is definitely that transition season between winter and summer.

On April 8, people of the Christian faith gather to celebrate Easter. At Easter, we remember the joy of discovering our spiritual side. Our hearts are uplifted, and we naturally want to share these wonderful feelings. The Lily is the flower most associated with the passion of Christ, and the white Lily is especially appropriate to have in your home at this time of year.

Share the Joy

As a reminder of the season, here are some ideas from the expert design team at Carithers about what you can do to celebrate:

  • Send a blooming Easter Lilly or basket of colorful tulips to someone you love.
  • Put a beautiful mixed flower Easter centerpiece on your table when you celebrate Easter brunch or dinner.
  • Place some blooms among the colored eggs for a special look.
  • Choose one of the special Easter Baskets that feature chocolate eggs, candies, plush bunnies and other gifts for the kids or even the adults. You can even select a fresh fruit basket to make it a season of health!

The choice is yours! The warmth of this season of renewal brings out the best in all of us and sharing that joy is what the Easter season is all about. There are so many ways to celebrate the coming of spring whether it is a gift basket of delicious fresh fruit or a lovely arrangement in a delightful vase.

There are even available goodies like a dozen Easter brownies to gift to a special friend or the Easter “Bunny Love Brownies” that include a sweet stuffed animal. Hurry though as quantities are limited and Easter is just a hop, skip, and a jump away!

Tulip Time!

Although the Lily is the flower that reminds us most of Easter, it is Tulip time in Amsterdam. Visitors to the famous Keukehof Gardens get a real treat. The gardens are filled with spectacular tulips and other varieties of flowers.

Although tulips are the special flowers associated with the Netherlands and Amsterdam, you don’t have to go all the way to Amsterdam to see beautiful tulips. At Carithers, we are celebrating tulip time with gorgeous mixed-color or deep purple tulips. And, we even have tulips with a special discount of 30% off!

In fact, with all the colorful choices in flowers and the special gift baskets it is fun just to look at all the new items. Making a choice is difficult, but ordering from Carithers is easy. Once you have found the special arrangement or gift basket you want, just click on the picture and continue to shop. 

Carither’s Flowers Enhances Customer Interaction Via Google +1

We are excited to announce that we have found another channel to connect with our customers and vendors and that is through a new social networking channel called Google plus one. By adding the Google+1 service and its related button to the Carithers Flowers website, we are focused on strengthening our roster of interactive channels that our clients can interact with us and each other.

We can also serve as social media influencers for others who have not yet heard about what we offer in terms of high-quality, personalized, and unique floral arrangements, floral service, and floral delivery throughout Atlanta and all cities in Georgia as well as across the country

Our Social Media Strategy

Despite serving and communicating with our local Atlanta customer base through personal and traditional channels, we also understand that our customers are savvy and often prefer to interact and follow what we are up to through a wide range of social networking channels that they can access through their computers and smartphones.

We are always looking for additional ways to reach out to our customers and utilize them as spokespeople for our brand and our services. To date, we have already seen some significant results from this strategy. Currently, we are experiencing additional interest in our flower delivery services thanks to the addition of the Google+1 tool and plan on enhancing how it is used as Google further develops it as a key social networking and social media tool for businesses like ours.

What Google +1 Can Do

You may wonder just what the Google +1 widget allows you to do. Here’s what you will now be able to do:

  • Endorse a floral arrangement, gourmet gift basket, baby gift, sympathy flower arrangement, web page, website, or search result similar to what Facebook does with its “like” button.
  • To be able to use the widget, the person who clicks on it must have some type of Google public profile whether it is a Gmail account or whether it is through one of Google’s many other applications like Blogger, Reader, or Maps.
  • The Google+1 recommendations are visible to all of a person’s contacts within their Google network, providing companies like ourselves with a wider reach in promoting their florist services.

We are Everywhere

The social media tools we already utilize includes Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, Blog, Pinterest, Internet Press News Releases and, of course, the new Carithers Flowers “Floral App” for smartphone shoppers. You can find the Google+1 icon on all pages of the Carithers website to make it easy for visitors like yourself to choose this connection and promotion tool.

What a Delight: Usher in National Nutrition Month with a Gourmet Fruit Basket

Exciting and tasty new prospects are on the horizon at Carither’s Flowers. The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics has chosen March as the National Nutrition Month, and we are here to celebrate.

The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics focuses their attention on proper nutrition and making wise food selections which fuel our body and promote a lifetime of healthy habits. Carither’s Flowers is excited to be a part of this important campaign and we are ready to share this bounty with you.

Our Selection of Gourmet Fruit Baskets is Endless

The only trouble you will have is making a selection because of the bountiful choices we have on hand. Our stock of succulent fruits artfully displayed in beautiful baskets is simply mouthwatering. We take pride in our fruits, offering the freshest varieties of fruits, cheeses, crackers, and other goodies to complete your basket.

Here is a sampling of our delicious harvests:

Epic Gourmet Basket: When you are looking to make an impression with a bounty of savory fruits, cheeses, and spreads, look no further than the “Epic Gourmet Basket” to fulfill your wish.

California Healthy: Deliver the gift of sunshine with a delightful gourmet basket filled with a delightful selection of tasty nuts and appetizing fresh fruit. Your family or friends will love the savory selection of California-grown roasted pistachios, mocha and chipotle almonds, along with toffee almonds and a variety of mixed nuts.

 Simply Healthy: A boxful of succulent fresh oranges, pears, and apples along with an assortment of dried plums and figs, complement the cashews and pistachios makes this one of the healthiest gourmet baskets around.  

Share the Health: Its name says it all. This gourmet basket of goodies is overflowing with crispy apples and pears, succulent oranges, divine cheeses and cookies along with tasty salami, heavenly Ghirardelli chocolate and hardy almonds. 

To New Beginnings

Let National Nutrition Month inspire you and your loved ones to embrace a healthier lifestyle. Carither’s Flowers invites you to view our selection of nutritious and delicious gourmet fruit baskets for your friends and family. Carither’s Flowers hand-selected fruit is the freshest available.

We offer same-day delivery to our Atlanta and metro Atlanta customers. For customers needing shipment to national and regional addresses, we offer same-day service through our ‘best of the best’ floral design network. To get started, simply call 1.800.980.3000 and speak to one of our friendly and knowledgeable sales staff.    

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