While the beloved Christmas tree often takes centre stage in holiday decorating, a beautiful floral arrangement can be the ideal focal point to your table or quiet complement to the twinkle lights and tinsel.
And if you’re looking for the perfect gift for the person who has everything, a long-lasting arrangement to decorate their home or office well into the New Year is sure to be a cheerful addition.
“Whether it’s your own arrangement for that special dinner or a gift for someone else, this is what we do – we are floral designers,” says Tracy Bell, owner of Surrey’s La Belle Fleur Floral Boutique, which has been delighting clients for 20 years.
“Flowers are our passion, and it shows in our approach, our flower selection and our presentation.”
Tradition and trends
Christmas is one of the most traditional times of year for decorating, with lots of fresh greenery paired with flowers, often in various shades of red and white. But like other areas of art and fashion, trends also inspire the floral world.
After several years with a silver focus, metallic influences are warming, with golds and rose golds nicely complementing natural accents like birch that people still love, Bell says.
A creative eye
Trained floral designers approach their work with a unique eye. More than simply arranging flowers in a vase, “we like to do things a little differently,” Bell says, pointing to elements like mixed, long-lasting flower choices and interesting wire work. “It means there’s always something interesting to look at.”
While designers call on years of experience when creating that special arrangement or gift, clients are also encouraged to share thoughts on colours, favourite flower choices and the setting the arrangement will eventually decorate, for example.
“The trust we share with our clients is so important – they are confident we will get it done right and create something beautiful,” Bell says.
Supporting local artists
Perusing the floral possibilities awaiting this season, La Belle Fleur visitors will also find a whole host of work by local artisans. “We have a lot of work by local artists in our shop, including photographers, glass artists and jewellers,” Bell says.
“We’re part of the local arts scene in Surrey and we really do want to support our fellow artists.
“It’s the small businesses that support the community.”
Visit La Belle Fleur Floral Boutique in Boundary Park Plaza at 6350 120th St. in Surrey. Visit on Facebook or online at labellefleursurrey.com, or connect via Twitter and Instagram at @labellefleur97.