Many think of Valentine’s Day as a day for men to do romantic gestures for the women in their lives, but they deserve to be celebrated too.
To help you find the perfect gift for your significant other, we’ve compiled a Valentine’s Day Gift Guide for Men:
Flowers
Men like flowers too. Just because it’s traditional for men to buy women flowers, many also appreciate a vase of fresh flowers. If you’re looking for something “less feminine” try these options –
Is your man a plant dad? Give him a new plant for his collection. These Valentine’s-themed plants are perfect gifts that will last well beyond the holiday when taken care of properly.
These are just a few of the options we have in store and online to treat your guy for Valentine’s Day.
If you choose to order flowers to surprise your significant other, we have a special offer this year! Have the flowers delivered between Feb. 8-13 and your recipient will receive a coupon for a free dozen roses that is redeemable in-store from March 1-31, 2025.
Valentine’s Day is quickly approaching! If you’re still looking for that perfect gift for your special lady we’re here to help.
Women, just like everyone, want to feel special, seen and loved everyday of the year, but February 14 is a perfect time to remind them how much they mean to you. We have an array of gifts to say “I love you”.
Valentine’s Day Gift Guide for Women:
Flowers
Flowers are the traditional Valentine’s gift for a reason. They are an easy, yet meaningful way to show you care. And your significant other will think of you every time they look at them. We have a full selection of Valentine’s Day arrangements to choose from which can be found on our website, cmlflowers.com , but a couple bouquets to consider are:
Give them a little bit of everything. Our gift bag includes a bag of Asher’s chocolate covered pretzels, a 10” white stuffed bear and a red heart balloon. We take care of the packaging with red tissue paper and red shred too.
And guys, don’t forget the card! We have a selection of special Valentine’s Day cards in-store only. You can also have a message sent when you place a flower order in-store, online or over the phone.
If you choose to order flowers to surprise your significant other, we have a special offer this year! Have the flowers delivered between Feb. 8-13 and your recipient will receive a coupon for a free dozen roses that is redeemable in-store from March 1-31, 2025.
We at Connells Maple Lee Flowers and Gifts work very hard to bring you the freshest flowers possible. We are diligent in our selection of only the highest quality flowers, work directly with the growers, and go to great lengths to ensure they are handled with expert care once they arrive.
However, there are some steps you can take at home to ensure that our flowers last as long as possible.
Tip #1 – Buy from a local shop that only sources the best quality flowers
If you get your flowers from us this step is already covered. But no matter where you are buying your flowers, it is important that you know where their flowers are from, how they transport them and how they care for the flowers once they receive them.
Don’t be afraid to ask. A good florist will be able to answer these questions for you without hesitation.
Buying flowers from a local florist is important because of the amount of care that is taken in the selection of flowers. While many floral retailers ship their flowers using ocean containers and ships, Connells uses air shipping to speed up the time between the flowers being cut and arriving at your doorstep.
Tip #2 – Remove low leaves
If you are purchasing a handheld bouquet, there are extra steps that need to be taken when placing the flowers in a vase to ensure flower longevity.
First, remove leaves that will be submerged in water when placed in the vase. This can lead to mold. Be careful to not remove the leaves that will be above the water line however.
Tip #3 – Choose the right vase
Don’t just pull the random vase out from under your kitchen sink and plop the flowers in. That’s a recipe for failure.
First, make sure that the vase fits your flowers. Ask yourself, will the flowers be able to stand up straight and not tip over? Will all of the leaves be underwater (remember, that’s not good)?
If the vase will fit the flowers, then make sure you clean it if it’s dusty or hasn’t been rinsed since it held its last bouquet. Make sure there is no soap residue left behind before filling the vase with water.
Tip #4 – Use the flower food
Don’t forget about the packet of flower food your florist should have given you when you purchased the flowers.
Read the instructions on the back of the packet carefully as the ratio of water to food is very important and the amount of food you should use will be different for every vase. Mix the food with the water before adding the bouquet.
Tip #5 – Cut your stems
Before placing your flowers in the vase, cut the stems at an angle. This will help with water uptake.
Tip #6 – Keep the water clean
For best results, don’t ignore your flower care after initially setting them up. As you’re admiring them, check that the water is clean. Make sure it’s not cloudy or full of debris. If you notice this, change the water immediately. The quick extra step will extend your flower’s life.
If you follow these tips, your beautiful flowers can last up to two weeks.
Tulips are back in our stores for the season, and we want to make sure that after you take them home, they last as long as possible.
We only offer the highest quality tulips available and care for them diligently while they are in our stores. However, to ensure their longevity there are some steps you can take at home.
Understanding Tulips
It is important to know that tulips are different from other cut flowers. Tulips continue to grow even after being cut. Their stems grow upwards and their flowers grow towards light sources.
Because they are active, they will droop. This does not mean they are dying or unhealthy; they are simply “moving”.
Connells Maple Lee also specifically sources tulips with larger heads, which increases the chance of the “drooping” effect while they are growing but is a higher quality flower.
They can easily be recut and shortened if they become too unruly.
It should also be noted that tulips do not require flower food like many other fresh flowers.
Tips to make tulips last longer
Cut them
As with most fresh flowers, it is recommended that you cut some of the stem off from the bottom. For tulips, cut a ½ inch off from the bottom at an angle.
This is done to increase the flowers ability to uptake water, which ensures they don’t wilt or get shocked.
Water
Even though tulips don’t need flower food, they do require a lot of water. Be sure to check the amount of water in the vase daily. It is important that at least the bottom of tulips stems are always covered. Remember, the tulips are still technically growing.
For best practices, give your tulips fresh water everyday or continue adding water as the levels decrease.
Environment
Tulips like to be cool. Keep them in a room that won’t get a lot of heat. To help them maintain their ideal temperature, drop ice cubes into their water.
Be sure to place them somewhere away from direct light, radiators, lamps, tvs, electronics and other items that could cause them to overheat.
Peace Lilies, which are not true lilies, are thought to bring peace to those who tend for them. Those who practice Feng Shui believe the Peace Lily harmonizes the energy whenever it is placed and gives feelings of hope to those in its presence.
Orchids are hard to take care of. According to Southern Living, it is believed that caretakers of the plant will be rewarded with good fortune. Others say Orchids are a symbol of creativity and beauty, according to Good Housekeeping.
Feng shui practitioners believe having two philodendron plants in your home helps promote the balanced partnership you hope to achieve with those you live with, according to Good Housekeeping.
The ZZ Plant is supposed to bring prosperity to its caretaker. In Feng Shui the ZZ Plant is said to elevate positive energy in relation to wealth and well-being. It is a very hardy plant and is nicknamed the “eternity plant” to symbolize endurance.
Consider adding one of these plants to your home or office to hopefully have your best year yet!
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.
The leaves are changing colors and falling from the trees, the air is slowly starting to cool and every coffee shop is advertising their pumpkin spice drinks – Autumn has arrived.
One of the most exciting parts about the changing of seasons is getting to change your home decor. Welcome fall, and your guest this season, by giving your front porch an autumnal makeover.
Connells Maple Lee has everything you need to achieve your dream fall curb appeal.
Watch our video below to see what we put on our porch:
If you want to recreate this look, we’ve compiled a list of products we used:
Large fall planter (in-store only, while supplies last)
We also used hay bales and locally grown pumpkins alongside our products to complete our porch.
We’d love to see how you incorporate Connells into your autumn decor! Share you fall setup by tagging us on Instagram @cmlflowers or Connells Maple Lee Flowers and Gifts on Facebook and using #ConnellsMapleLee
Exercise, eat healthy, get plenty of sleep. These are among the most common means of practicing self-care, even if many of us struggle to achieve them daily.
Did you know that an even easier way to boost your physical and mental health is by including flowers in your everyday life? Academic researchers have linked flowers to happiness.
“Flowers aren’t just for making emotional statements at holidays or milestone moments,” said CEO Tom Royer. “Having them around on a regular basis improves our mental and emotional health.”
Researchers have noted that flowers can be a source of pleasure. Flowers are known to trigger the release of “happy” brain chemicals dopamine, oxytocin and serotonin.
While flowers won’t replace working out or eating well, they are beneficial to self-care.
Researchers at Rutgers University in New Jersey conducted a 10-month study of participants’ behavioral and emotional response to receiving flowers. Their report, “An Environmental Approach to Positive Emotion: Flowers,” found that flowers improve mood, help people make deep connections, and have an immediate positive effect on happiness.
On the heels of the Rutgers study, a researcher at Harvard Medical School and Massachusetts General Hospital looked at the “Home Ecology of Flowers.”
The research found that people living with flowers reported increased feelings of compassion and kindness toward others. By placing flowers in high visibility areas of their home, participants reported feeling less anxiety and worry.
Happiness at home carried over to the workplace where the individuals were happier and felt more enthusiasm and energy.
