Christmas Decorating 101

Christmas is about to come upon is full force. People have now geared up for the decoration of their homes, cars, trees & anything else that is not nailed down. Christmas is most beautiful and amazing holiday of the year.  It’s easy to see why people get very energetic and exited this time of year.
Remember the Griswolds? Everyone tries to outdo their neighbors with lights, trees & anything they think will pass as Christmas decorations. While I say go for it. You always need to think outside the box when your look to add that something special, I am not talking about decorating your car.  I mean who decorates their car? Even though I am a big believer in repurposing everything, Wreaths are not meant to be hung on cars.

Wreaths can be hung over windows, shutters, railings, beds, couches, mantel & a few more places. Just not on cars.  Pull out those lost & forgotten boxes that you don’t use any more and do a retro Christmas. You’ll not only have fun trying a “new” look, you’ll have so much fun remembering the goods old times of Christmas’ past.

 To most Americans decoration is very important part of the holiday season. So even thought you may have remembered the outside. The inside needs done too.  Decorating can be a happy occasion.  Don’t thing oh I have a tree and now I am done. Wrong!!! Look all around your house, inspiration comes from things you already have. Repurpose them and give them a new life.  But if you want to take your decorating to a new level than don’t forget the flowers. Flowers are like the missing key for the decoration beauty.   Without flowers your decorations may fall flat.  Absence of beautiful flowers really will make you feel like Scrooge.

In the winter season there are a wide range of flowers that are available. Of course most are red & white, but remember color always brightens the day. Don’t be afraid to use your inner decorating diva.  As we all know Christmas greens have a wonderful fragrance.    So if you add flowers in your decoration then it really will make your house a home, filled full of amazing scents.

And please don’t put out anything other than cookies & milk for Santa. Being a helper of his I know he doesn’t like anything that is toe- fu, organic, without butter & smells just bad. Stick with the formula that has worked for generations, Cookies & Milk.

By following these simple rules you’ll have a beautiful and stress free holiday. And remember CASSANDRA’S FLROALS is here to help you reach your Christmas potential..

Merry Christmas,
Cassie

day FIVE of CASSIE'S thoughts on HOLIDAY CHEER & ETIQUETTE

In essence, the main point of the Holiday Cheer and Etiquette Story / Tips is:
That if each of us just shows some common decency & give things a little thought first, we can have a very stress free holiday. The best golden rule is: do on to others as you would have done on to yourself. 

But… remember CASSANDRA’S FLORALS is always here if you need anything to make your holidays a little more stress free.

We have has just the right thing… from beautiful candles, one of a kind finds & unique floral arrangements. Everything from Poinsettia's, Wreaths, Garland, Christmas Cactus, Azaleas, Cyclamen, Kalanchoe, Rosemary Trees, Frosty Ferns, Decorative Crosses, Mantle Piece's , Helping you Decorating Your Home, Centerpieces, Arrangements, Gourmet Fruit Baskets, Holiday Themed Baskets, Balloon's and much much more.

Following the above tips will help in your wish to give it back.  And always remember the golden rule..It is always better to be a gracious giver than a receiver.

Day FOUR of CASSIE'S thoughts on Holiday Cheer & Etiquette:

While it’s customary during the holidays for us to reflect on the past year, keep in mind everyone who has helped you achieve your goals. Thinking about all you have to be thankful for in your life is something you should do everyday not, just once a year.  You should always try to acknowledge the people who’ve supported you. For individualizes especially the small-business owner (LIKE ME), this means taking a few minutes out of our / your busy schedules to give thanks to customers, friends, co-workers & employees. Here are some suggestions/ tips.

1.Write Thank-You Notes. A very short, sincere & original card or note lets your best customers & vendors know how much you appreciate their continued support for your business.

2.Host an Appreciation Day/ Open House. Organizing an event at your business will allow every one, your staff, friends, customers & vendors, to get to know one another. You should never pass up an opportunity to network. You never know who you will meet. It just takes that one special person to turn everything around.

3.Picking up the Phone >vs< Texting.  In this ever present mobile time we live in, actually picking up the phone will be that extra little something & give your words an even more personal touch. Always remember expressing your thanks will never go unnoticed.  And you never know the recipient will likely thank you right back.

4.Give a Gift Certificate. Giving a gift certificate is always appreciated. When in doubt, a gift certificate from CASSANDRA’S FLORALS is always a safe choice that can be used for anything they want.

5.Support a Charitable Cause. Make a donation to a food bank, homeless shelter, or another nonprofit in your customers, friends & employees names. Giving back to the community on their behalf will not only make you feel good but it is bound to make people feel good about doing business with you and that will lead to repeat business.

6.Spread the Word. Share a Kind Word & Share it often. Always shine the spotlight on a special customer, a vendor who went over the top for you, or another business you would like to help. Make sure to tell everyone how important that person is to your business, as well as what you’ve done for them & what they have done for you.

7.BUY FLOWERS: Distribute BOUQUETS to EVERYONE to show them how much you value their contributions to your success IS ALWAYS A GREAT CHOICE. CASSANDRA’S FLORALS has just the right thing… we have everything from beautiful candles, one of a kind finds & unique floral arrangements. Everything from Poinsettia's, Wreaths, Garland, Christmas Cactus, Azaleas, Cyclamen, Kalanchoe, Rosemary Trees, Frosty Ferns, Decorative Crosses, Mantle Piece's , Helping you Decorating Your Home, Centerpieces, Arrangements, Gourmet Fruit Baskets, Holiday Themed Baskets, Balloon's and much much more.

Following the above tips will help in your wish to give it back.  And always remember the golden rule..It is always better to be a gracious giver than a receiver. 

Day THREE of CASSIE’S thoughts on Holiday Cheer & Etiquette:

So now your thinking do I or should I be purchasing gifts for partners, employees, customers and clients? We all have office gift-giving festivities to think about.  While you may genuinely love your suppliers & customers (I know I love everyone of mine. Hi everyone, fellow bloggers & facebook family), your always thinking, what do give/get them for the holidays?

The most cherished gifts are those that make recipients feel as if you thought specifically about them. Remember two things:

1.    You don’t have to buy for everyone even if they give you a gift. Say thank you very sweetly & let them know it wasn’t in your budget this year, but you really appreciate the thought. (because again they should be giving it to you out of the goodness of their heart.)

2.  It can really embarrass people/ business collages if you don’t handle gift-giving appropriately. 

So your thinking, it’s hard to go wrong with gift certificates that can be redeemed at any time. But what if you give someone a gift certificate for coffee (and they hate it) when they really wanted one for the nearby shopping mall.  While some people may think their doing good, everyone should take care not to give the one gift that is the most tacky and the one that is so over given: the one-size-fits-all gift. 

 Here at CASSANDRA’S FLORALS we try to make sure every item is different and unique. EVERYONE LOVES & NEEDS FLOWERS AT SOME POINT. One very important& know it should never be forgotten golden rule for giving business gifts is try to avoid any that may connote intimacy.  Would you want these gifts given to you? These types of products are something that a client may not appreciate also. Do you really want to start the New Year off with a lawsuit? If you answered no, stay with the FLOWERS if you answered yes, than I know a really good lawyer I can refer you to. 

The one gift that everyone will like at won’t offend anyone is a little plant or floral arrangement. Here at CASSANDRA’S FLORALS we have just the right gift. From beautiful candles, one of a kind finds & unique floral arrangements. Everything from Poinsettia's, Wreaths, Garland, Christmas Cactus, Azaleas, Cyclamen, Kalanchoe, Rosemary Trees, Frosty Ferns, Decorative Crosses, Mantle Piece's , Helping you Decorating Your Home, Centerpieces, Arrangements, Gourmet Fruit Baskets, Holiday Themed Baskets, Balloon's and much much more.

Also keep in mind if you still need some help for an office party, formal dinner, cocktail party, No event is to small for CASSANDRA’S FLORALS.  

Following the above advise will help in your wish to give it back.  And always remember the golden rule..It is always better to be a gracious giver than a receiver. 

Day TWO of CASSIE’S thoughts on Holiday Cheer & Etiquette:

Ok so now I know you’re all wondering, how do I choose an appropriate gift for a holiday friend, hostess or foe? Exchanging gifts is an etiquette minefield studded with unspoken rules (step very, very carefully), do you or do you not bring a gift? (hey I’m not called mini Martha for nothing.) First you need to think of the extent of hospitality provided.

Think a Yes, if you are a houseguest, visiting someone’s house for the first time, have been invited to a holiday dinner/party, or someone has given their time, resources, thoughtfulness and energy to someone or something you love & you want to say thank you.

Think a No, if you’re only doing coffee, having a quick lunch out, helping your sister, want to keep a fair weather friend/ foe (let them go. Their dragging you down) or you’re just invited to go caroling w/ friends.

 So the next question is what do I get & how much do I spend?  Gift giving really depends on how well you know the recipient.  I feel it is important to express thanks & thoughtfulness, with at least a small token of appreciation.  Giving to others may bring you pleasure but keep in mind not to overdo it.  Here at CASSANDRA’S FLORALS I always suggest having a budget in mind and don’t go over.  We offer a wide array of gift giving ideas that will fit into any budget.  Most customers rely on one of the standard three hostess gifts: flowers, alcohol or food.

Of course Flowers are right up my alley. Here at CASSANDRA’S FLORALS we have everything from beautiful candles, one of a kind finds & unique floral arrangements. Everything from Poinsettia's, Wreaths, Garland, Christmas Cactus, Azaleas, Cyclamen, Kalanchoe, Rosemary Trees, Frosty Ferns, Decorative Crosses, Mantle Piece's , Helping you Decorating Your Home, Centerpieces, Arrangements, Gourmet Fruit Baskets, Holiday Themed Baskets, Balloon's and much much more.  Unfortunately I can’t sell the alcohol or food, since I’m not licensed to do either. So I say just stick with the FLOWERS! That way No one can be upset with you for helping them get drunk, (they could be in rehab for all you know), or if somebody’s on jenny craigish type plan ( you don’t want them to think you’re getting them fat again).

Following the above advice will help in your wish to give it back.  And always remember the golden rule..It is always better to be a gracious giver than a receiver. 

CASSIE’S thoughts on Holiday Cheer & Etiquette

Hi everyone, fellow bloggers & facebookers,

Cassie here with some thoughts on this very festive time of year.  You know what they say, Holiday cheer / joy comes hand in hand with holiday stress. After all, we all have family dynamics (someday I’ll have to tell you about mine), a couple of ton’s of work pressures (hello?) and lengthy to-do lists (mines like 3 pages long);Mix that all together with the heightened expectations of Joy & Merriment and you got one hell of a recipe for Christmas Delight. So what is one to do: here are my thoughts & tips that should help ease the pain w/out losing a friend or family member in the process?  Enjoy and have a splendid holiday season.

1: It’s not about the rules—it’s about the relationships.  Remember what the holiday is about, Peace, Joy & Good Will for all mankind, big or small, human or not (pets).  Not all the commercialization that this holiday has become. It’s about the love you have for everyone & everything & not the gifts.

2: You should never start decorating for one holiday before another one ends. 

You should always wait until after Thanksgiving to start thinking about Christmas. Remember the magic of the holiday? Walking into the mall on black Friday and being amazed with all the decorations.  Well decorating should only start after the last balloon has passed by in the Macy's parade.  Only than should you think about Christmas & Santa. Let’s all go back to traditions. Hold strong to your beliefs and do what is right for you. Don’t do what everyone else is doing. Personalize it. It’s better to be unique and special than run of the mill.

3. Thoughtfulness: The most cherished gifts are those that make recipients feel as if you thought specifically about them.  Personalization is the key to gift giving success. You know you got it right when that truly genuine smile comes out the second they see the gift.

4: Regift = I don’t want it, it’s ugly…so I’m going to give it to you.  This should be done rarely...if ever, it ranks high on the tacky scale (like a 17at least). Even if you have an abundance and or surplus of wonderful & beautiful things and or stuff, that your feel others would enjoy, it should never be done. Only exception…give your sister the ugly sweater grandma gave you & instead of her last Christmas & smile ever so sweetly as she opens it & say… I know how much you wanted it. I bet it will be the gift that makes an appearance every year. Than its ok because it’s a fun poke at family among the tense drama that I sure the day has brought.

Following the above tips will help in your wish to give it back.  And always remember the golden rule..It is always better to be a gracious giver than a receiver.  

God Bless this day now & till the end of time

I just want to take a moment to say thank you to every person living or dead who lived through this horrible day & has served our country since then. December. 7th should be a day no one ever forgets. Whether it's 1 day, 100 days, or 100 years from now. Thank You, Thank You, Thank You!!! May God's blessing always be with you!!!