May the season's joy be in your home every day of the year!
To all our friends and clients… The season has arrived where we all take a deep breath and take the time to appreciate the little things that mean so much. We celebrate all those who are in our lives and help make the season special.
Throughout the year, you have all been a source of inspiration to us all. All of us at Starbright Floral Design are getting ready to go to our families and raise a glass and we wanted to take a moment to thank you for all the opportunities that you have given us to be of service.
All the fresh flower arrangements, all the fruit baskets, and all the gifts that you have asked us to deliver big and small; all year long; we will be forever grateful for. Thank you for all that you have done to help put Starbright on the map and to make this year (our 15th year) a truly special one!
By visiting our website at www.starflor.com and our e-portal at www.starbrightnyc.com, you will be able to see all that the new year and the seasons ahead have to offer.
It is now time to turn down the lights and go home…Let’s have a wonderful holiday season that is warm and joyous. We should continue to make memories with our friends and family that will last a lifetime. Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, Greetings of the Season and Good Cheer to all…
Thank you for all you have done to support us – May 2011 be the year of successful endeavors for us all….
My personal warmest regards and gratitude,
Nic Faitos, Senior Partner
Starbright Floral Design – The Official Florist of the City that Never Sleeps…
150 West 28th Street, New York City – We are located in the heart of New York City’s Historic Flower District.
It is amazing how you will be remembered by the flowers you send!
Well this is the second time I am writing on this subject as the first article that was written and met an overwhelmingly positive response. Ka-billions of folks read it. So without trying to rewrite the same article over again, I wanted to offer up a different perspective.
GUYS – your interest in a woman should be shown on many different levels. Women notice little things and they will catch not only your little mistakes but also the little things that you do right. So make your flower purchases part of what you do right. Blow her away with the unexpected!
Here are some ideas to think about (I called them “rules” and then changed to “ideas” because there really are no “rules”):
Don’t send flowers only on the typical flower holidays (birthday, anniversary, Valentine’s, etc.). If you limit your flower sending to just those types of days, you look predictable. You appear as though you only send flowers because you could not figure out what else to do. I am not saying NOT to send flowers on those occasions, but mix it up. “Just because” is the BEST reason to send flowers of all. If you do not have the budget to send flowers on the special days and on the non-special ones, then skip the birthday (do something else) and send flowers on one beautiful August morning with a note that says “I love you” or “Cannot stop thinking of you”! It will mean a lot more because it is so unexpected and who does not want to be surprised?
Secondly, FORGET the dozen roses! Again, roses make you look predictable (“ah just send her a dozen roses, all women love roses”… yada, yada). Be a flower connoisseur (or at least look like one). What is her favorite color? Purple? Then make her a bouquet of “everything purple” and so on. Spend time with your florist in person or on the phone. If your florist is unwilling to educate you and won’t spend time with you to share his love of flowers, then find a different florist. Certainly if you come to Starbright (www.starflor.com) we would love to share our passion with you and you will walk away with a Bachelor’s in Romance! Learn the names of flowers, learn how long they last, what is in season, and so on.
You want to keep things interesting. Imagine that if you send her peonies or hydrangea she will for the rest of her life remember only you when she sees this flower. If you send roses (I hate to say this) but how many men do you think will come to mind? Do you stand a chance of standing out? Send interesting and unusual flowers! There are enough varieties and colors for you to select from that you will never have to send the same flowers twice even if you send flowers ever week for an entire year. Invest a little bit of time and your education will more than pay off.
Lastly, all these e-romance websites can claim all they want about having the best track record for bringing people together, making the most compatible matches and so on… While I cannot statistically prove this, I will claim that the following is true:
Send flowers to someone you love and the scent of the flowers will remind them of you for a very long time. Flowers do keep romances alive, they make men sensitive and keep couples in love. Make flowers your secret weapon and the special person in your life will be there forever.
Falling in love, Starbright Style is a truly unique experience. We deliver fresh flowers daily anywhere in Manhattan or around the world. Starbright is a full service florist and flower delivery service located on 28th Street in New York City in the heart of “New York City’s Historic Flower District. Visit us at 150 West 28th Street (2nd floor), call us at 800.520.8999 or you can visit our website at www.starflor.com to gain a much broader perspective on the work that we do.
Starbright Floral Design is the most reviewed and highest rated florist in Manhattan (by Citysearch) and also was voted the Best Florist in our area for your wedding as voted by The Knot (dot com).
“The Official Florist of the City That Never Sleeps” is also “The Official Florist of Romance”.
On any team, in any company or in any organization people join in every now and then that you “just know” are going to be around for a very long time and will contribute in a super meaningful way… Barbara is just such a person. Last year we were short-handed for what was the largest wedding production that our organization had ever been involved with. It took our entire team, plus a freelance group (that Barbara was a part of) to basically decorate the Brooklyn Museum. That is when we met Barbara and have not let go since…
Flowers, Festivals and Romance
In her own words, life in the wonderful world of flowers –
At ten years, the floral design industry is one of my two longest-lasting relationships, (the other is my husband, who’s been my partner for seven.) Following are a series of brief descriptors of the business.
In a cash and carry shop I worked at, customers were constantly walking in and saying how wonderful the store smelled. I’d smile and agree, and even lead them to the fragrant flowers if they asked, although I’d been in the store long enough that I couldn’t actually smell them anymore. A favored expression in this business is, “hurry up and wait,” meaning that work is not a steady flow; rather, everyone rushes to meet a deadline, or prep to begin work on an event…and then we just hang around for go time. The florally-related holidays, such as Valentine’s, Mother’s Day, Easter, and so on, do produce weeks’ worth of intense work. Sometimes, if a store is lucky, there is more work than even the best-equipped store can handle. Those times generally wear on everyone’s nerves- frazzling coworkers to the point that they want to strangle each other. The hours become long and the amount of work slavish. These periods are counter balanced by the quiet periods, such as January or midsummer, when customers are traveling, or the calendar is empty of a special occasion which calls for flowers. Since flowers are generally short-lived, a commodity rather than a necessity, customers also frequently haggle about the price, or the fact that, yes, there is tax on flowers.
How does the floral business sound after the above descriptions? If the job had been described as such, I probably would’ve looked for a job elsewhere before walking into my first interview with a shop. The truth is, however, that I am, and always have been, hopelessly addicted to flowers. My interest was piqued at an early age by my grandmother, who was a landscape architect. But familial dedication isn’t really enough to explain why I’ve returned again and again to the floral business over a decade. Flowers, if you can stop to take a deep breath and appreciate them, are beautiful in themselves. But let’s face it… how many people can stop to smell the roses? This work is worthwhile to me for the good moments, to be found in every day. When an arrangement comes together, it gives a sense of satisfaction that is immediate and complete. When coworkers also find beauty in something you’ve made, it’s an additional bonus. The maximum gratification comes when a customer’s eyes light up at seeing what you’ve made for them. I’ve also been fortunate to work with many excellent people, not least among them the crew at Starbright. (Especially Brian!!!) There are always laughs to be shared, as well as the sense of accomplishment when a large job is completed, at having contributed to a significant moment or event in someone’s life. If I’m waxing too poetic, sometimes there’s satisfaction at simply having gotten through another day, and having managed to create something in the meantime.
A little bit about Starbright…. Starbright Floral Design is located in the heart of New York City’s historic flower district. Our studio is centrally located in Manhattan. We offer local and worldwide delivery of flowers, plants and gifts of all types. In addition, we are a premier provider of decor in Manhattan for corporate and social special events. To gain a bit of a broader perspective on our organization and on the work that we do, please visit our website at www.starflor.com or reach out to us by phone at 800.520.8999. We are located in Studio 201 at 150 West 28th Street. We hope to see you soon!
Starbright Floral Design was recently named a member of Teleflora’s National Account Program, an elite incentive and loyalty program that is created exclusively for the tom member florists in the United States. This program was created by Teleflora as a way to recognize the top tier florists throughout America and to recognize/support hard work, excellent quality and tremendous customer service.
Starbright Floral Design was founded in 1994 and is located in the heart of New York City’s Historic Flower District on 28th Street (150 West 28th Street, Studio 201). Over the past twelve months we have been recognized in several other categories of quality and service – including: The top pick florist in Manhattan for weddings by The Knot and also The Best Florist in New York City by Citysearch for 2009. In addition we are both the highest rated and most reviewed florist on line with over 70 reviews and five stars.
We are very proud of all the awards and accolades that have come our way. None are we more honored of than the oooh’s and aaah’s that are expressed by receiving a gift from Starbright. Give us a call (800.520.8999) or visit our website for worldwide delivery of the most amazing flowers and gifts!
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.
Sunday May the 9th is Mother’s Day. While we stand ready to serve your every request and to send amazing flowers and gifts to every mom in Manhattan and the world over, we want to remind you to send your love and your gratitude in your own special way. This Sunday, let the phones ring, the “I love you’s” flow, the embraces warm and plenty and the flowers bloom! Every mom is special, every Mom is an MVP and we love them all.
For amazing flowers, designs that leave moms all over gasping for air… Give us a call (800-520-8999) or visit our website at www.starflor.com. Starbright Floral Design is the most reviewed florist on the web and we even have a streak of over 65 five star reviews! Worldwide delivery, based in Manhattan with our own store and incredible flowers. We promise to make mom smile!
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
A vase of mixed spring flowers with the right message, says it all...
It is impossible to count the number of calls we get where someone asks us to prepare a bouquet for a business associate, a loved one, a friend in need of a cheer and everything goes as planned, EXCEPT when we ask “and what would you like the card to say?”!
Dumbfounded by the thought of writing a card, our client will say something like: “I don’t know… Love, your husband Mark” (like the recipient is likely to have two husbands and the clarification by name will eliminate the confusion! Or we get – “You do this all the time, write something for me!!”. There are countless scenarios to the above vignettes that we encounter daily.
Dear Client: It is the message on the card your inscription that makes the gift all the more memorable. Even IF you are a terrible writer (I submit there is no such thing), you can still think of something clever to say. The problem is that we don’t plan the card. Flowers are a spur of the moment purchase or a MUST DO like Valentine’s or Mother’s Day and we place our order without putting thought into the card. Yes the flowers will perish; but a well said card, a clever card, will be saved forever. A well thought card will make the scent and the colors of your flowers last a lot longer in the person’s mind. Years from now, you will get one of these: “Honey, I remember back about five years ago when you sent me those really special flowers when I was feeling down…” She does not remember the flowers as much as she remembers your words that remind her of the flowers and the way they made her feel.
Your card can be something as simple as a date from the past that leaves the person wondering of the significance… until you tell them. It can be cleaver humor like “I love you but I am going to beat you!” sent the day before a competitive tennis date. Or if you are a hopeless romantic – go ahead and spill the beans. Let your card say what spoken words cannot.
It is far better to send a small token gift of flowers with a meaningful and memorable card than it is to send a big “over the top” bouquet signed “your husband”! So take some time think about your special moments, think about what is cleaver to say and then say it! A card without flowers does not say as much. Flowers with a mediocre card, will keep you out of the doghouse. Flowers with a really special message that is in words that are yours, will tidy up the whole package in a really nice bow and make the occasion super special! It is the stuff that heroes are made of.
All of us at Starbright will always stand ready to help you with your gift selection and even to help you write the card. The more information you give us about what you want to say and the more thought you have put into the occasion, the more can help. It is all about how enthusiastic the WOW or the Thank You are after the flowers get there and how long the mood lasts!
A bit about Starbright: We are a full service florist and floral delivery service. We occupy a loft space in the wholesale flower district on 28th Street in Manhattan. Within our own delivery area we create all our own arrangements by our master designers. In other locales throughout the US, we have partnered with selected florists that stand by the same code that we have. It has taken us fifteen years to build our list of partners and we stand by each and every one. This gives us the ability to bring you custom made floral creations in Manhattan and beyond. We can be reached at 800.520.8999 or on the web at www.starflor.com.
Citysearch selected us as the #1 florist in Manhattan for 2009 and The Knot recommends us as the top selected shop to have for your wedding in New York City. What makes us particularly proud of these accolades is that we live and work in a town that has many really-really good florists! Of course, our work is only as good as the next bouquet we send for YOU! We hope to hear from you soon and we will help you write the card!).
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!
Over the years I have had the honor to know and work with one of the true professionals in the Event Planning and Destination Management industry. Anthony Napoli of Briggs NYC is a pro’s pro. He is the go-to person for “everything Manhattan” and “everything beyond”. His clients are in for a New York City experience like no other! For more years than I can count on one hand we have had the privilege to be the florist for the events that are organized by Briggs. Because of Tony and this amazing organization we have decorated at the United Nations, at Ellis Island, at Gotham Hall and countless other landmarks.
Tony has a unique perspective on this weekend and when I received Tony’s February newsletter, I asked him for permission to reprint it on our blog… (thankfully he said “yes”!) – Apropos of Valentine’s Day, here is Tony’s perspective on what to do this weekend – enjoy!
“The stars have lined up for a multiple holiday weekend this February 12th to the 15th. The festivities start off on Friday, February 12th the traditional date for celebrating Lincoln’s Birthday (before Congress passed the Monday Holiday Act – of course they left the Fourth of July alone!). And that evening you can toast Honest Abe while watching the opening ceremonies of the Winter Olympics in Vancouver.
Saturday is a major day to celebrate Mardi Gras or as we call it in NYC, Carnevale! Sunday is a double header: Valentine’s Day and Chinese New Year’s – the Year of the Tiger! We can all rest up on Monday, Presidents Day! Happy Birthday George! So get out your patriotic songs, beads and doubloons, fortune cookies and dancing shoes cause it’s all “ashes ashes all fall down” for 40 days of Lent!. What a weekend!”
To learn more about Anthony Napoli and his amazing team, please visit their website at www.briggsnyc.com.
About Starbright Floral Design: We are a full service florist located in the heart of New York City’s historic flower district. We are known as “The Official Florist of the City that Never Sleeps” but this week Cupid took over and we are “The Official Florist of Romance”! Give us a call at 800.520.8999 or visit our website at www.starflor.com. We are open and delivering flowers all the time!
Blooming Thoughts 