Welcome to part 2 of our Christmas Gift Guide where we’re helping you find something for everyone on your list.
Part 1, which features our first 12 categories, was posted on Dec. 16.
With just a few days left until Christmas, we hope the rest of this guide eases some of your Christmas shopping anxiety. Here’s the final 12 gift guide categories:
The Christmas Obsessed (For the one who has had their tree up since Nov. 1)
If you’re looking for Christmas gift inspiration or you’re at a loss as to what to get the person that has everything, you’ve come to the right place.
We’ve created a gift guide with 24 categories to help you find the perfect present. Because we have so many suggestions, we are splitting this guide into two parts. Check back for the next installment on December 20. For now, here’s the first 12 categories:
The Cat Parent (This is for the one who constantly has cat hair on them)
Plants are a beautiful, traditional way to celebrate the holidays.
However, some of the plants associated with Christmas are dangerous to our furry friends. If you have a pet and are planning to use live plants to decorate for the holidays, it’s important to know which plants are toxic to pets and how to keep your pets safe.
Holiday plants that are dangerous for pets
Mistletoe
According to the Pet Poison Helpline the American and European variety of mistletoe are not good for animals. Although both types can cause issues for pets, the European variety is the most toxic.
Signs that your pet has ingested mistletoe includes drooling, vomiting and diarrhea which is all caused from the polysaccharides, alkaloids and lectins in the berries on the mistletoe. If a large amount of berries are eaten there can be more serious side effects such as an abnormal heart rate, low blood pressure, ataxia, seizures, collapse and even death.
Holly
The English, Japanese and Chinese varieties of holly have toxic saponins, according to the Pet Poison Helpline.
English holly is the traditional plant used for Christmas decorating. Signs an animal has eaten holly includes vomiting and diarrhea.
Poinsettia
Arguably the most popular Christmas plant besides actual Christmas trees, poinsettias can be found in many houses during the holiday season. These plants are often used to decorate for holiday parties and grace entryways and are often given as gifts.
Contrary to myths, which are hypothesized to have started over a hundred years ago after a child was found dead next to a poinsettia, they are not deadly.
According to the National Capital Poison Center, poinsettias can cause some issues like vomiting, nausea and diarrhea when eaten by pets, but it will not kill them. Some pets may also experience skin irritation if they brush up against the plant.
Amaryllis
The ASPCA states that Amaryllis plants are toxic to dogs, cats and horses because they have lycorine. When ingested, Amaryllis can cause animals to have vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, hypersalivation, anorexia, tremors and depression.
What to do if your pet eats any of these plants
If you even suspect your pet has eaten any parts of these holiday plants immediately seek veterinary assistance and contact either of these hotlines:
ASPCA 24/7 Poison Control Hotline: 888-426-4435
Pet Poison Helpline: 855-764-7661
Tips for keeping pets away from dangerous plants
If you are planning on having any of the listed plants in your home and have pets, it is imperative that you take precautions to keep them away from your animals.
Keep your plants in rooms your pets are not allowed in or place them high up in areas they don’t go, such as on the kitchen table. Consider using the plants as decorations for your front porch as opposed to inside with your pets.
Make sure that even if the plants are out of reach that no debris like leaves or petals fall on the floor where a curious critter can find them.
Place the numbers for the previously listed pet poison hotlines somewhere you can immediately access, like on the fridge, just in case of an accident.
Pet safe holiday plants
Rosemary and christmas cactuses are both non-toxic holiday plant options for those with pets who find a way to get into everything.
Rosemary is often shaped to look like a mini Christmas tree for the holiday season. Christmas cactuses add a pop of color with their bright pinkish-red flowers in bloom. Both are safe and festive options for households with pets.
If preventative measures are taken and you are observant of your pet, your holiday plants and pets can safely coexist together.
“And the stockings were hung by the chimney with care in hopes that St. Nicholas soon would be there.”
Having a mantel in your home offers the opportunity to create a stunning Christmas scene. We’ve compiled some ideas to help you make a “Pinterest worthy” mantel for the holidays.
1. Make the Wreath the Star
Wreaths aren’t just for the front door. A wreath can act as a focal point, an anchor for a room. Placing a wreath above a mantel is the perfect festive touch. No matter what you put actually on the mantel, the look will feel complete.
2. Make a Village
Use the top of your mantel as host to your Christmas village. If you don’t want to place your whole village on the mantel, consider adding one or two houses on the ends for a whimsical feel.
3. Don’t Forget the Floor
Utilize the space around your mantel to enhance your Christmas look. Including lanterns and boxwood trees, which look like mini Christmas trees, will extend the magic.
There are also of course traditional holiday plants, like poinsettias, that when placed around the mantel will create a timeless holiday look.
4. Incorporate Flowers
If the shelf of your mantel is wide enough, consider incorporating flowers into your decor. Add a festive fresh arrangement of flowers to brighten the room or a silk arrangement that will last the entire holiday season.
5. Color Coordinate
Firstly, if your mantel is in a room with a Christmas tree make sure the mantel decor is color coordinated with the tree. For example, if you have a classic red and green Christmas tree, give your mantel a classical look too. But if your tree is pink, blue or any other unusual color combination, make sure your mantel compliments those colors.
Consider making all of the decorations on and around your mantel one color. For instance, if you appreciate the “snow day” feeling, make all of your decorations white. If you’re adding flowers to the mantel’s decor,
6. Hang Ornaments
Stockings are the traditional option to hang from the mantel, but what about including some ornaments? If you have greenery draped over the mantel adding ornaments to it creates a fun look.
They look just like miniature Christmas trees, making them great for those who wish they could have a tree in every room of their house and for those who want something small. They are also great for those who want something festive in their office at work.
Once you get a boxwood tree, you of course want it to last as long as possible, especially through the holiday season.
The best way to keep your boxwood tree looking fresh is by giving it water. To keep your boxwood tree happy, simply add water to the bottom of the container, like you would with fresh flowers.
Your cut boxwood tree won’t last forever, but by keeping it hydrated, it will last you until the holidays come to an end.
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 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.
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 – Another 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.
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.
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:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Sweetest Day is celebrated every year on the third Saturday of October, this year falling on Oct. 19.
Not everyone celebrates Sweetest Day, but it is a prominent holiday in Ohio because it was born in Cleveland.
According to Ohio Memory, the predecessor of Sweetest Day, “Candy Day”, was created by the National Confectioners Association in 1916. Candy Day, nicknamed “The Sweetest Day in the Year”, was only celebrated for one year because of the efforts to conserve sugar during World War I.
The holiday was revived and reimagined in 1921 when Herbert Birch Kingston, an advertising executive in Cleveland, decided to twist Candy Day into a sweet celebration encouraging people to be kind to others by giving out treats.
Eight candy makers from the Cleveland area created a committee to enact the celebration and the first Sweetest Day was held on Oct. 8, 1921.
According to Ohio Memory, 10,000 boxes of candy were passed out on the first Sweetest Day to orphanages, senior citizen homes and other in-need organizations. Silent film stars Theda Bara and Ann Pennington even came to Cleveland to pass out treats at theaters.
The holiday has now evolved into people gifting their friends and families something to show their appreciation for them, whether it’s candy or something else.
According to National Today, 80% of Sweetest Day cards given are geared towards romantic interest, showing how the holiday has evolved. The holiday is mainly observed in the midwest, with Ohio, the birthplace of the holiday, being the state with the highest participation.
Gifts for Sweetest Day
We have a variety of options to help you show your appreciation for your loved ones on Sweetest Day.
