Mother’s Day at the Ronald McDonald House is really special. This year it touched our hearts in a very special way. The New York City Chapter of the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society (www.lls.org/nyc) organized a very special Mother’s Day at the Ronald McDonald House in the Upper East Side of Manhattan. Moms and kids got to spend the day together. There was fun, there was laughter and it was a very special day. Hearts were touched as only hearts can be.
Starbright Floral Design proudly provided floral decor and centerpieces for the room where food was served and everyone lounged for a lazy afternoon. The real highlight? Every child got a rose to give to his/her mom. For many years now we proudly support and sponsor both of these organizations and we have worked with both very closely. When the LLS called us to ask us to do this event, they did not know that we already work with the RMH and bringing these two groups together was really special for us. We would like to encourage everyone we know to support these two amazing groups that do so much for all of us.
Mother's Day was really special this year!
About Starbright Floral Design – Starbright (http://starflor.com/) is a full service florist and floral delivery company located in Manhattan. Our store, our studio and our offices are in the wholesale flower district on 28th Street and 7th Avenue. We provide same day delivery of flowers everywhere, event decor, corporate and institutional services, etc. Starbright is the most reviewed florist on the web and we have a consistent FIVE STAR ranking everywhere. Please feel free to visit our website to learn more about us, our flowers and the work that we do.
For the past several years we have been honored to sponsor a MADRE Event that honors those who do the most for women in challenging situations throughout the world. Below is a description of this years event, the honoree and the organization. To learn more about the organization and the amazing work that MADRE does, please visit their website at THIS LINK. You may also visit our website at www.starflor.com to follow Starbright, send flowers, amazing gifts and learn about the work we do and the events we are involved with.
The event was a tribute to honor Elsa Stamatopoulou, current Chief of the Secretariat of the Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues for the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs. At her retirement Mrs. Stamatopoulou has dedicated 23 years of her United Nations work specifically to the advancement of human rights. Throughout her career she has given support to a number of organizations and she has influenced in the implementation of human rights treaties, the progress of rights of the child, of indigenous peoples, education, development and civil society. We are organizing this tribute to thank her for the support she has given to the advancement of human rights, specifically to those of Indigenous women.
Elsa Stamatopoulou was born in Athens, Greece, where she obtained her Law Degree from the University of Athens Law School and entered the Athens Bar Association upon her graduation. She did her Masters studies in the Administration of Criminal Justice, at North-Eastern University, Boston, USA. She completed her Doctoral studies in Political Science with a specialization in International Law, at the University Institute of Graduate International Studies of the University of Geneva, Switzerland. Mrs. Stamatopoulou has received the award of the NGO Committee on the Decade of the World’s Indigenous Peoples, the Eleanor Roosevelt Award of the Human Rights Center and of Voices 21, and other awards from grassroots organizations. Furthermore, as the Secretary of the United Nations Working Groups of the Commission on Human Rights and its Sub-Commission and also of the General Assembly, she has participated in the drafting of the following international human rights instruments: the draft declaration on the rights of indigenous peoples; the Convention against Torture and Other Degrading Treatment or Punishment; the Convention on the Rights of Migrant Workers and Members of Their Families; the Declaration on the Rights of Persons Belonging to National, Ethnic, Religious or Linguistic Minorities, and the Declaration on the Rights of Persons who are not Citizens in the Country in which they Live.
The event was held on the 21st of April, from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. at the Church Center for the United Nations, where we hope to have a very special gathering with her friends and colleagues.
It is the peak of the season for hydrangea! We have selected a few of the very interesting varieties and colors that are coming to us from Holland to showcase… Starbright Floral Design is showcasing these varieties of flowers for delivery anywhere in New York City over the course of the springtime. To order these amazing blooms, you may need to pre-order and keep in mind that they are in short supply and very high demand. For this reason we ask for your flexibility in delivery date, etc. For more great ideas, please visit our website at www.starflor.com or give us a call at 800-520-8999. Flower delivery worldwide. Starbright Floral Design is located in the heart of New York City’s Historic Flower District (on 28th Street in Manhattan).
Scroll down and enjoy the hydrangea!
The Emerald Classic Hydrangea By Starbright Floral Design"Expression" a Springtime Favorite Hydrangea Variety - By Starbright Floral DesignThe Harlekijn Hydrangea - Dutch by name, Starbright by DesignVerena Rose - a hydrangea variety like no other. Delicate and Soft... Brought to you by Starbright Floral DesignThe Bela Hydrangea By Starbright Floral Design
Every season has its flowers. There are flowers in wide varieties all year long. But springtime is really special. Sure with greenhouses and with easy air transport from countries that are in seasons opposite our own, flowers in all varieties are available virtually year round…
BUT, let me draw an analogy – Have you ever tasted the difference between a vine ripped tomato and one that came from halfway across the world? Fruits and veggies are most enjoyable when the come from small local growers and when we enjoy them when they are really in season! Strawberries and watermelon don’t really make much sense in December. Do they?
Flowers are the same. NOW is the time to indulge and to really enjoy your flowers. For the next three months there are so many varieties that are in season, so much to enjoy and such a plethora of colors and scents that you will overdose all of your senses in an elixir of life!
Window shop any florist, take an early morning stroll on 28th Street and take it all in at the NYC Flower District (should be a historic landmark) or better yet stop by our studio at 150 West 28th Street (www.starflor.com); and this is some of what you will see…
Tulipalooza is here!
Tulips in just about every imaginable color… They will be around until early May. If the springtime is unusually brisk, then they will last a little longer.
Flowering branches. YES flowers growing on real branches! Dogwood, Cherry Blossom, Quince, Forsythia, Plum and so much more. These trees first bloom a flower and then a leaf. Natures gift to our homes is this timeless beauty that is enjoyed in every design style that truly transcends time. Again, they are weather dependent, but flowering branches should be around for about another two to three weeks…
Peonies are about to make their grand entrance into our homes! In their peak, the season will last about six weeks and they are so fragrant! The local varieties are available in light and magenta pink, deep burgundy and white. Catch them while they are around. The best peonies are grown in the North and South Carolina and we are about to get our first shipment. No need to reserve, there will be plenty to go around; but don’t blink! The season IS short!
Lilac (grown on a bush) will show up and make a grand entrance in the late springtime too. This is an extremely fragrant flower that everyone loves. The most popular color for lilac is lavenderish-purple. They do also come in white.
Anemones, sweet pea, mini calla lilies, roses (in amazing pastel tones) and so much more are coming too! We hope you enjoy them all. They are the protagonists of the season. The first sign to put away the Winter Blues! These are the flowers that will make us all smile and let the sun shine upon us.
For me? After the lilacs bloom, it is motorcycle season! It may be the beach, the jet ski or a hiking trip in the Shenandoah Valley that you have to look forward to. But unless the peonies come and go, your summer fun is on pause. Open your heart and let the spring shine in! My favorite time of the year…
A few words about us: Starbright Floral Design is a premiere florist located in New York City. We are in the Historic Flower District on Manhattan’s 28th Street in a second floor loft. Most of the work that we do involves sending flowers and gifts delivered in Manhattan or anywhere else! Visit our gift-giving catalog to see what you can send. We are also experts at executing corporate and social events. A peak at our event portfolio and you will be able to gain a broader perspective on the depth of our organization and they type of work that we do. Whenever we could be of service, whenever we could answer a question, or if you would like to simply take in the colors and scents, we would love to hear from you. We can also be reached by phone at 800.520.8999. Happy Springtime!
Welcome to the first entry of our new series on taking care of your plants. So often we want to have some live greenery in our homes and all to often we are intimidated by the care requirements that a plant may have. How many times have we said to ourselves, I can’t have it because around me it will die? Or the classic: “I don’t have a green thumb”! Some people (I am sure you have heard) play classical music to their plants, others talk to them! While I will never dispute the benefits of talking to a plant, I can assure you that making sure that your plant is in an environment that it is comfortable in, is far more important than conversation or musical genre!
In this and all entries that follow, we will offer simple no-nonsense easy to understand instructions. We should not be scared of the care that plants require and in fact, they don’t require that much care. Today we introduce you to the Areca Palm!
This Areca Palm plant is about seven feet tall - Brought to you by Starbright Floral Design
Areca palms can live indoors quite comfortably. They are tropical plants and they would thrive in that type of climate. Generally in a bright, sunny airy room that you are comfortable in (room temperature, with no extremes) they become well acclimated. Here are some basic care instructions for your plant:
Select a sunny location. It is best to have the plant near a Southern or Western facing window.
Water the plant about once every ten to fifteen days. If the soil feels dry and granular on the top layer it is time to water your plant.
When you water your plant, pour the water in slowly so that the moisture is absorbed by the soil, rather than running through the plant.
Do not water your plant too often or too much. Most plants do not like living in a moisture infested swamp.
Too much standing water attracts bugs!
Feed about every one or two months with your choice of manufacturer’s indoor plant food. Follow instructions on the bottle / box.
Avoid extreme temperature fluctuations. Do not expose the plant to drafts by doors that open and close to the freezing cold or scorching heat.
Keep the plant away from the direct influence of a radiator (it will dry the soil and make the foliage crisp).
Areca palms can be purchased from small table top plants (12 inches tall) to really tall floor plants that are over nine feet in height. The average is between four and six feet. If you have any questions on how to take care of your plant or on which plant is best for you, please feel free to reach out to me at nic@starflor.com. You may also visit our website at www.starflor.com. You can also email us a photo of your Areca for more thoughts on how to take care of your plant and correct a certain situation.
Lastly, don’t forget that Areca Palms make great gifts for a home or an office. In the right space it will live forever and you will be remembered every time the person receiving your gift looks at its luscious green fronds!
About Starbright Floral Design: Starbright is a full service florist located in the heart of New York City’s historic flower district on 28th Street, between 7th and 8th Avenues. We service all hotels, event venues in the city as well as assisting with sending floral and plant gifts worldwide. We can be reached at www.starflor.com, by email at cs@starflor.com or by phone at 1-800-520-8999.
So you went to the local bodega or your supermarket and bought some flowers! Designing a vase of flowers that you can enjoy at home for over a week is both rewarding and great therapy… It can become a fun hobby and it is not that expensive! In the photographs below you will be able to follow some simple steps to make your first flower arrangement. Have fun!
Step One: Take a long and broad leaf and insert it on the interior wall of your vase. This will prevent the murkiness of the water from showing through to the outside of the vase. Add water to your vase. Fill to about an inch from the top. Round cylindrical vases work best for starters. Your vase can be short or tall. After a little bit of practice you can experiment with different shapes of vases.STEP TWO: Make a grid on the top of your vase using adhesive clear tape. You will notice that there is a ring of tape on the outer rim of the vase. This is there to get the tape to stick to the sides of the vase. This grid is kind of like "cheating" as this is where you will be placing your flowers in a later step!Step Three: Get different forms of greenery that you like (fern, lemon, pittosporum are all good for practice) and place your greens in the vase first. You are going to completely fill the vase (using the taped grids as your guide) to create a bed of greenery. This will be the base onto which your flowers will be placed in the next step.Step Four: Constantly rotatae your vase and place the flowers you selected in equal distance and in symmetry to each other. As you do this, cut your stems to the height that you would want them (one by one). Remember that you can always cut more stem off! BUT you can never add stem back. Dont cut your flowers too much. The length of stem that you need is trial and error. Cut a little and then cut a little more!Step Five: Find your empty spaces and fill them. As you rotate your vase (like a Lazy Suzan at a Chinese Restaurant!) you will find spots that you missed! Take the flowers or berries or stems that are not directly around the missing spot and fill with those in order to keep everyhting symmetrical. Step Six: Enjoy! Voila!!!
To learn more about Starbright Floral Design and the work we do, please visit our website at www.starflor.com or call us at 800-520-8999. You can also become a Starbright Fan on Facebook. We would love to hear from you!
We were asked by an exhibitor at the Restaurant Show at Jacob Javits Center to transform their oversized exhibit area into an enchanted forest. The materials we used included bamboo, willow branches, moss (by the ton), all kinds of ivies, sod, and anything else you can imagine that fit the genre. Take special note of the glass table with the Snake Plant inside the base! The photos below are of our work in progress… We hope you enjoy!
Starbright Floral Design is a full spectrum floral and decorating organization. We deliver gifts all through Manhattan and beyond as well as plan and execute events of all types and sizes. To visit our website, you can go to www.starflor.com and you can also call us at 800-520-8999. We hope to hear from you soon!
Vanda Orchids and Steel Grass Sculpted in a Rectangular Vase
Whether you’re considering sending your man a gift for Valentine’s Day, a birthday or to congratulate him on scoring that new promotion, flowers can be a wonderful option. The key is understanding a man’s taste and sending him the right message. Will tulips tempt him? Do rose make him rave? Do orchids send him into overdrive? Knowing how to present your man with the perfect arrangement can be a challenging proposition. Unless you take advice from your favorite florist, that is!
Flowers have a perception of being feminine, soft, romantic and altogether un-manly. Taking this into account, you have two options. Either you can embrace the feminine quality of the flowers or you can ask their floral designer to highlight the masculine shapes and features of the florals being sent.
If you chose to embrace the feminine qualities of the flowers being sent, it’s important to still keep in mind a man’s taste and sensibilities. Sending a pale pink bouquet of sweet peas may not be the best approach. Instead, mix bold colored blooms with scented flowers that just might trigger memories of your favorite perfume. Freesia, stock, and lilies can create a fragrance profile sure to lift his libido. If the flowers are appealing to his nose as well as to his eyes, mission accomplished!
Romance is inherent when it comes to flowers. Red roses have always signified the height of passion in the world of flora. While roses have always been popular, when trying to impress your man, send don’t send him the standard vase of red roses. Let us get creative. Why not send a modern pave of red roses in a moss lined vase? Or perhaps we can whip together a tight cluster of red roses and burgundy cymbidium blossoms in a silver cube vase. Embracing the romantic symbolism of the red rose is very practical. Even wiser is using this powerful bloom to full advantage and appealing to the male sensibility.
If it’s imperative the blooms you are sending have a masculine vibe, ask us for a simple, modern arrangement. Men tend to dislike flowers that are too fussy or overdone. Clean lines and architectural details are elements that are more likely draw a man’s appreciation. Ask your florist to create a swirl of darkly colored mini calla lilies. Or perhaps a simple hand tied bouquet of leopard spotted Mokara orchids would make your man’s day. Using elements such as stones or metal wire can add a very rustic and manly esthetic to even the most delicate of blossoms.
Between your knowledge of your man’s taste and the help your florist should provide, the perfect floral gift is just a phone call away. Call us at Starbright and we’ll be happy to help you create something truly special for that special guy.
ABOUT STARBRIGHT FLORAL DESIGN – We are a full service florist located in the heart of New York City’s historic flower district. Our studio is located on 28th Street between 6th and 7th Avenues. You can learn all about the work that we do at www.starflor.com or by calling us at 800.520.8999. We deliver our floral designs in Manhattan and around the world. Give us a call for the most exquisite blooms you can imagine!
A Sphere of Black Magic RosesA lavander phaleonopsis orchid plantA clutch bouquet of miniature calla lillies
Tom S. is our Creative Director and the Arbiter of Style for Starbright. Tom sees into the future and keeps our design styles ahead of the curve. For Valentine’s Day 2010 he has some thoughts to share and has written the article below… Enjoy!
As Valentine’s Day quickly approaches, I stop to ponder Gertrude Stein’s famous quote, “A rose is a rose is a rose.” During this time of year, our store is inundated with requests for red rose arrangements. It is not atypical to have over 15,000 long stem red roses in our fridge during the week of Valentine’s Day. While roses are gorgeous and will always remain a popular declaration of one’s love and devotion, I have to agree with Stein. A rose really IS a rose.
Luckily, we are prepared with other creative and unique options that should appeal to most couples. Why limit yourself to a vase of red roses? During the Valentineseason, the price of roses can be shocking. Our wholesale cost goes up, supplies of the best roses become scarce and customers can see that reflected in the price of a dozen roses. Instead of roses, consider sending a lush, hand tied nosegay of eggplant colored calla lilies. With their sculptural shape that has been eroticizedby artists such as Georgia O’Keefe and Robert Mapplethorpe, calla lilies should evoke a passionate response from any recipient.
Orchids are another option that will both delight and inspire. The exotic shapes, textures and colors of the orchid speak to the tropical fantasies of many lovers. During the winter months, wouldn’t it be wonderful to remind your loved one of your past trip to the islands? Perhaps the flowers will help to promote a future trip. One benefit of orchids that can not be overstated is their longevity. While long stem roses typically last an average of five days, fresh cut orchids will remain lovely for up to two weeks. An orchid plant can last months, and they are deceptively easy to care for. For a masculine approach to the orchid, a floating cymbidium stem artfully arranged inside a glass cylinder is a very modern choice. This option is long lasting and costs about $25 less than a dozen roses.
If your other half is more traditional and may be disappointed if they don’t receive roses, let us become creative to come up witha special mixed arrangement. Rather than the typical tall vase, try a tight and compact cube arrangement. Not only will the flowers be easier to bring home, they will last longer! Low and lush arrangements are a modern trend and appeal to most discerning costumers. Hydrangea, tulips, and roses make a romantic mixcertainto please even the most persnickety lover. Because the roses are being added to other flowers, the cost willbe significantly less then a solo vase of roses. While cost is often not the deciding factor when choosing a gift for someone special, in these times it is very nice to have some economical options.
As a floral designer, my opinion of roses may be negatively influenced by the scars and calluses I’ve acquired from years of Valentine’s Day thorns. However, I have the unique opportunity to see the wide of variety of flowers available to customers during thisromantic holiday. While roses are certainly the star of the show, there are many flowers that are waiting in the wings for their moment to shine. No matter what, when the flowers are sent with love, they transcend and aspire to more than Stein’s observation. “A rose is a rose is a rose…” unless it comes from you!
About Starbright Floral Design: We are located in New York City in the heart of the historic flower district. We are in a loft on the second floor of our building on 28th Street, right by Seventh Avenue. We deliver to all of New York City ourselves (and beyond). This holiday season we have some amazing Valentine’s styles for you to choose from. Give us a call (800.520.8999), stop by (150 West 28th Street, Suite 201) or visit our website (www.starflor.com)
Recipients receiving their awardsA wonderful night of fun, dance and dinner!
Following the Starbright Floral Design Sponsorship of the Hotel Excellence Awards and the Silver Plume Awards, MVP/NY sent out the following press release. NOTE: To learn more about Starbright visit our website at www.starflor.com
New York (February 2, 2010): On February 1, 2010, MVP/NY hosted the 2009 Hotel Excellence Awards (HEA), the hospitality industry’s most prestigious awards, at the grand and luxurious Cipriani Wall Street. More than 500 guests and honorees gathered to recognize the hospitality industry’s service to New York City, which became the top domestic tourist destination in 2009. In addition to the Hotel Experience and Silver Plume Awards, which honor the top hotels and individuals (and the only industry awards sanctioned by the Hotel Association of New York City), New York City’s “top cop” Ray Kelly was presented with the Lifetime Achievement Award.
Hotel Experience Awards winners among hotels with 500 rooms or more were: The New York PalaceHotel for Best Concierge Service, The Westin New York at Times Square for Best Room Amenities, The Waldorf=Astoria for Best Hotel Restaurant, New York Marriott Marquis for Best Family-Friendly Hotel and Sheraton New York Hotel & Towers for Best Business Services. The Best Overall Hotel Experience award went to The Westin New York at Times Square. In the 500 rooms or less category, The Plaza won for Best Concierge Service, TheSt. Regis New York won for Best Room Amenities, The Ritz-Carlton New York, Central Park received the Best Hotel Restaurant award, Renaissance New York Hotel Times Square and Omni Berkshire Place tied for Best Family-Friendly Hotel, Millennium Broadway Hotel New York won for Best Business Services and The Plaza won for Best Overall Hotel Experience. In addition, the venerated Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to New York City Police Commissioner Ray Kelly.
Silver Plume Awards winners included David Moreno of Gramercy Park Hotel for Chef Concierge of the Year, while The Trump International Hotel & Tower New York had a big night with Loida Diaz taking home the Concierge of the Year award and Suzie Mills named Best Supporting Manager of the Year.
A hugely successful Silent Auction featuring over 100 donated items was held benefiting four charities: Les Clefs d’Or Foundation, the New York City Association of Hotel Concierges’ Charitable Fund, the Hotel Association of New York City Scholarship Fund and the ITM Hospitality Fund.
Composer Andrew Lippa joined cast members from the brand new Broadway production of THE ADDAMS FAMILY entertained the audience. Manhattan City Music provided music for the gala affair throughout the night.
The 2009 HEA was sponsored by Benjamin Steak House, BICE Ristorante, Bloomingdale’s, CityPass, CitySights NY, Deva Spa, Empire State Building, Harbor Experience Companies, Gray Line New York Sightseeing, John Barrett, Lalique, Loehmann’s, Madame Tussauds, Starbright Floral Design and Wempe Jewelers, and many others.
About MVP/NY
Morris Visitor Publications New York (MVP/NY) is a division of Morris Communications Company. MVP/NY’s market-leading visitor publications include IN New York and Where® New York magazines, QG: New York City’s QuickGuide, Where GuestBook® New York and IN New York Map. Reaching every segment of the visitor market—from leisure and family to business and luxury travel—MVP/NY products appear at more than 300 of New York’s most distinguished hotels, visitor centers and high-traffic attractions, private clubs, airports, on New York Water Taxi boats, Amtrak trains and Acela VIP lounges and in upscale corporate housing, generating an annual readership in excess of 34 million. For more information, log on to www.mvpny.net and www.innewyork.com.
Blooming Thoughts 