Scottish Walk Tour of Homes

Two of our creative Helen Olivia Floral Design workshop students created all the arrangements for this year's Scottish Walk tour of homes.  Sharon Hanes and Hope Dobrow worked hard and did a lovely job.  They should be so proud.  I am only sad that I did not get a photo of Hope's amazing white birch tree scape for the backyard.  But here are the rest of the images.  Thanks guys!  You did Helen Olivia proud.

By Sharon Hanes

By Sharon Hanes

By Hope Dobrow

Arena Stage Floral Design Contest

We won!  I can't believe it!   Helen Olivia Flowers participated in Arena Stage's Isn't She Loverly Floral Design Contest this weekend and tied for the grand prize.  The challenge in the contest was to design an arrangement that reflected the qualities of the dress and character from a leading lady in a previous Arena Stage production.  I drew from the hat Mama Nadi from the show Ruined.  Ruined is set in the Congo and depicts a strong, vibrant woman who helps to shelter young women in her bar during the Congolese revolution.  I was excited about the vibrancy of the costumes fabric and the lushness of the Congolese rain forest.

Andrea's favorites

Helen Olivia's lovely floral designer, Andrea, has picked her favorite items in store this month.  The snowy pine cone wreath is perfect for any front door and will last from season to season.  The little birdie is especially sweet and they are "flying" out the door.

Harvest Party

Here is a sneak preview of an arrangement from the New Year's table display for the Harvest Party tomorrow night at Helen Olivia in Old Town.  The party is from 7-9 p.m. and features china settings from Patrick's and wine from Grape and Bean.  Hope to see you there!

More of Michelle's favorites

We thought we would share some more of Michelle's favorites in store right now.  Love the little bud vase with orchid?  What a great gift.  She can get one of those ready for you in a matter of minutes!

Yeah peonies!

Here is a very special arrangement for a birthday. We can't say who it is but she is a pretty big deal and you may have heard her birthday mentioned on the news! Those are our first South American peonies of the season. Yeah peonies!!!

Pine Cone Wreath

Here is the perfect wreath.  These natural pine cones look great with all the fall ribbons and then all it needs is a red bow for Christmas!

Pine Cone Wreath $63 (not including bow) -- 20" wide

Breast Cancer Awareness Month

We installed an event today for Breast Cancer Awareness Month.  We were too rushed to get photos so we scrolled through our files to find something pretty in pink.  This arrangement features the gorgeous Kiko rose.  One of our favorites and we always have it on hand.

Cool Ribbon Wrap

We were playing around with ribbon today in the shop and we came up with this cool new wrap.  What do you think?

Annual Harvest Party

Save the date for Helen Olivia's Annual Harvest Party

Thursday, November 8th from 7-9 p.m. 

 

Preview wonderful holiday table ideas and decor and taste great wines perfect for the season.  Thanks to this year's partners -- Grape and Bean and Patrick's both of Old Town.  Mark your calendars!

 

Pumpkin Witch

Have you stopped by to see our pumpkin witch.  If you have a urn or planter looking a little tired, you can turn it into this simple display.  We can tell you how it's done!

Favorite Wreath

This is our new favorite wreath.  Are these pumpkins just so festive.  (yes they are faux so they will last forever).

In love with Halloween

Yesterday we were asked to create a Halloween inspired anniversary arrangement for someone who loves Halloween.  How do you think we did???

Long Stem Roses

Introducing the newly styled long stem rose arrangements.  Wouldn't it be great to tell someone you love them with this arrangement!

Two dozen roses $175

 

 

One dozen roses $130

 

 

Dining Room Centerpiece

Here is a stunner for the dining room table.  This large rectangular vase is ideal for an oval or rectangular table for a buffet or just decor.  The roses are Gypsy Curiosa.  One of Helen Olivia's favorites!

The shades of fall

I say why does a gorgeous fall arrangement have to be orange and yellow (not that I don't love orange and yellow).  Variety is the spice of life!)

Fall Wreaths

 

These are two of our favorite wreaths in the store right now.  There is only one left of each so don't miss your chance!

 

 

A Sophisticated Halloween

Halloween doesn't have to be orange and black.  This sophisticated take on Halloween uses sparkly purple paper from Michael's.  Come by and check it out in our window display.

Fall colors

Most people think red and orange when it comes to fall colors.  But many color combinations can evoke the richness of fall.  This vibrant arrangement was created for someone celebrating their birthday.  How about sending something like this to someone you know -- maybe tomorrow!  It will cheer them as it rains and rains.

Halloween

We are starting to decorate the store for Halloween.  What a fun holiday.  Here are some of the new items that just went on display at Helen Olivia Flowers in Old Town. Come see all that we have to offer!

 

Arrangements on Hand

Every day we have beautiful extra arrangements made so you can just grab and go. We always have a $30, $40, $65 and $100. Check out our gorgeous selection today!

Fall is Beautiful

After a lovely walk in the woods today, I was reminded how gorgeous and warm the colors of fall are.  We are happy to be sharing this beautiful arrangement today that demonstrates both these points -- beauty and warmth.

Harvest Party Postcard Design Contest

We are seeking someone interested in designing the postcard and poster for our Annual Harvest Party on Thursday, November 8th.  We are looking for entries to be submitted in an outline/description format by Friday, October 5th.  We will select a winner by Monday, October 8th and the final design needs to be finished and in PDF format by Friday, October 12th.

The benefits -- the winner can list their design credit in the corner of the postcard and poster.  And you get $50.  Plus you get to see your work all over Old Town.

Here are the details ---

Postcard/Poster Design Specifications:

 

What:  Helen Olivia Annual Harvest Party

When:  Thursday, November 8^th from 7-9 p.m.

Where:  Helen Olivia Flowers

                128 N. Pitt Street

                Alexandria, VA 22314

                703-548-2848

Details:  Wine Tasting

                Holiday Tabletop and Décor Showcase

                Live music and food

                No charge

 

Postcard Size:  5”x7” or 5”x5” – 4 color front and Black/white back

Poster Size:  11”x17” – 4 color front and blank back

Design Credit:  small and in corner

Fee: $50

Please include photos if possible – please contact us for .jpg format photos.  Please narrow down colors or feel you would like to see in the photos (we just have so many!)

 

Please submit your design ideas and outline by Friday, October 5^th at 5 p.m. 

Winning entry will be selected by Monday, October 8^th by 5 p.m.

Final design due by Friday, 12^th at 9 a.m. to be sent to the printer in PDF format (additional options also available).  Printing will be a 5 day process. 

 

Thanks for your entry and interest and good luck!

Personal Vases

People often ask us here at Helen Olivia Flowers if they can bring in their own vases to be filled.  The answer is, "Yes!  We love it!"  Not only do personal vases inspire us because they tell us a little about the client but the size, color and shape of the vase can really guide the designer and challenge our creativity in a wonderful way.  Below is a vase one of our clients often brings in for her dinner parties.  It turned out so pretty today we just had to share.

Gorgeous Purples

We created this gorgeous design earlier this week at Helen Olivia Flowers and just wanted to share.  Enjoy!

Beautiful day in Alexandria

It is a gorgeous day in Old Town Alexandria.  It feels like fall!!  We here at Helen Olivia Flowers are happy to say good bye to sweltering hot days and hello to the best weather of the year.  To get us all in the mood I'm posting some gorgeous bright, fall flower arrangements we created last year.  These are Circus roses and they are naturally that color.  They are accented by the striking Gloriosa lily.  It's a red/yellow tropical lily that grows inside out!  (P.S. it has no fragrance).  Order some for your friend or love today!  703-548-2848.

2013 Floral Workshop Catalogs are here!

The official 2013 Helen Olivia Floral Design Workshop catalogs have arrived.  Pick up your copy today or if you would like one mailed to you, send us your name and address to workshops@helenolivia.com. 

What you missed . . .

We had a wonderful Dried Fall Wreath floral design workshop at Helen Olivia last night.  It amazes me how creative everyone is.  Every wreath was so unique and I loved all the different takes on the fall theme.  It was hard to pick out my favorite so I'll just say here are a few examples.  Join us for a floral design workshop in 2013!  Just click on the schedule to the left.

Floral Design Workshop -- Fall Wreath Dried

Most of the floral design workshops at Helen Olivia Flowers are full for the remainder of 2012 but there is a spot available this Wednesday, September 5th.  We will use a grapevine wreath base and dried floral elements to create a gorgeous fall wreath finished with a burlap ribbon bow.

If you are interested in joining us on Wednesday, September 5th at 7 p.m. we would love to have you.   The workshop lasts about 2 hours and all materials and tools are provided.  Call 703-548-2848 or e-mail workshops@helenolivia.com to register.  The cost is $95.

Back To School

Helen Olivia's back to school windows are up and attracting a lot of attention.  Though most feature our exquisite collection of fall wreaths, our main window has antique school desks, pencil vases and a red carnation pomander sitting atop a vase covered with Paper Source ABC paper.

 

And some fun back to school inspired products at Helen Olivia Flowers.