Those Decadent Thanksgiving Tables…by ProGiftNet.com

November is well underway, and for us at ProGiftNet.com, the holiday spirit is definitely in the air! Even on an unusual year such as this, we are all getting ready for that Thursday that will kick off the season, and one thing is for sure...Thanksgiving is all about family and friends, but it is also about the table that we will sit around and the experiences we will share with our loved ones!  

By now we are all familiar with the comfort food that is shared on this day, those freshly harvested ingredients, and the fall flavors in all of their splendor! But only second to that, is how we dress that table to convey the feeling of the season. Centerpieces, arrangements, table toppers and tablecloths bring all of the magic together on this evening, and we are here to tell you all about your options! Plus, a little history behind then...

The Origins of Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving was originally held as a way to celebrate a fruitful autumn harvest in preparation for the winter, and to thank the ancient gods for that. It didn't start in North America, where it is customary to celebrate in the present day. The original versions of these celebrations have their birth in many classic cultures, such as the Romans, Greeks and even Egyptians.  Those celebrations would consist of several days of feasts and gifts, and the adoration of their gods and goddesses, like the Roman goddess Demeter: Goddess of grain and harvest.

The American version, however, the one we are familiar with, started in 1621, and it is steeped in a lot of folklore and legend. Edward Winslow, an American Pilgrim leader who served as governor of Plymouth Colony, describes in a letter a prosperous harvest year of corn, barley, and peas.  He goes on to describe men sent to gather fowl, so they might "rejoice together after we had gathered the fruit of our labors". And then "at which time, amongst other recreations, we exercised our arms, many of the Indians coming amongst us...with some ninety men, whom for three days we entertained and feasted..."

So with these little history nuggets we just shared, two things are for sure: This is the season to come together, and to feast!

A Table to Gather Around

The primal concept of the Thanksgiving tables is, and always has been, abundance. It is customary to find a version of a Cornucopia as a centerpiece! The cornucopia, also called the horn of plenty, is a symbol of abundance and nourishment, commonly a large horn-shaped container overflowing with fruits, flowers, or nuts. 

Modern versions of this can be fashioned easily! Choosing a lovely fruit basket for example, or displaying fall produce such as apples, corn, walnuts and pumpkins in bowls or panniers, or adorning glass translucent vases with foliage and grains!

Fruit baskets are a staple on ProGiftNet.com, and so are flowers! A popular option to bring beauty, color and a homey feeling to our tables as well!  Arranged with fruits, or on their own, fall flowers such as chrysanthemums and sunflowers really convey the spirit of the holiday, and the yellow, burnt oranges and reds tie the entire concept together. In the spirit of the season you can also incorporate wheat and oats stems to your flower arrangements, or even twigs and berries!

Another element that can be incorporated easily and with stunning results is candles! Careful with scented candles however! Remember you are going to be tasting yummy dishes all evening, and a strong scent can definitely put an undesired spin on your meal. But the warmth of a small flame is more than desirable.

Winter foliage, like pine branches, although more of a “Christmas” feeling, can decorate beautifully! So can pinecones. So, if you happen to have a forest close-by (or a flower market for that matter), this can be the year in which you give them a try!

Dressing the table. We’ve covered the options for centerpieces by now… how about the rest of the elements? Silverware and china… wineglasses and napkins, what about those?

Well, the holidays are that time of the year when we bring out the special serving dishes or plates, the “fancy china”, and all of those things destined to be showcased on special days. Some tips to keep it classy and in tune with the spirit of the occasion:

• It's all about fall! The color palette you should keep in mind, is the one of a forest in autumn! Yellows, oranges, auburns and warm browns. Hints of red here and there are also lovely!
• Rustic is fantastic. Burlap tablecloths or placemats can be a great choice, especially over a wooden table. Wicker elements can be incorporated. Some other ideas are to use vintage handkerchiefs tied with string as napkins, and mixing and matching vintage plates.
• Mason jars! A new classic for beverages and desserts.

Alongside the turkey, the stuffing, the pies and yams, mashed potatoes and cranberry sauce, these ideas are going to make your table look picture perfect and fantastic!

This November, don't forget to visit ProGiftNet.com, to complete your table, and to find gifts for your loved ones, near of far! Whether you would like to send a flower arrangement to let them know you're thinking of them, or a gift basket with delicious goodies to help them celebrate the season, ProGiftNet.com is here to help with all of your flower and gifting needs. Place your order online today!

 

 

 

ProGiftNet.com Presents: Your Ultimate Guide to Flower Colors

Have you ever wondered if there is a meaning behind different colors? Have you ever thought about the message you can send, depending on what color of flowers you choose? Well, here at ProGiftNet.com we're going to help you decipher some of these meanings! For those of you who didn't know, red is for passion, white is for innocence, yellow is cheerful and happy… and round and round we go along the color wheel! It is customary to give flowers almost in every special occasion, and in all of them, there is a color scheme associated. Let's dive into these colorful traditions!

RED

If any of us where to define the quintessential color for love, we wouldn't chose any color but red. Red is the color of passion, the color of lust and everlasting romance. And when it comes to flowers, none other than the red rose takes the center stage. The decadent long stem red rose bouquet is the go to for valentine's day, anniversaries and romantic gifts!

ORANGE

Orange symbolizes energy, enthusiasm and confidence. It's the color of the sun and fire. Orange flowers are a fantastic choice when a relationship is starting to heat up! It's also the color that we think of first when fall starts, so we tend to see orange flowers in fall weddings and celebrations, as centerpieces during thanksgiving, and gracing gardens as the leaves on the trees start to lose their summer green. Chrysanthemums come in a wide variety of oranges, so do alstroemerias and lilies and we can find beautiful bouquets of them everywhere! Look for them at ProGiftNet.com!

YELLOW

Yellow represents joy. It is vibrant and lighthearted. Yellow flowers are a symbol of friendship, new beginnings and happiness, which is why they are the perfect choice for graduations, birthdays and overall happy occasions for anyone! Daisies, daffodils and tulips are found in this color at every flower shop!

WHITE

White is purity. Chastity and innocence. Almost every flower, from roses to orchids, from lilies to lisianthus, grows in beautiful white.  They are the color of the eternal and spiritual love, which is why they are present in every major event in life. White flowers are chosen by brides for their bouquets, they are given to celebrate births, and to pay respects when a loved one departs.

PURPLE, LAVENDER AND VIOLETS

Purple is historically the color of royalty. Quite rare to come by, purple flowers are often given as a sign of accomplishment and admiration, which make them the ideal gift for someone who has reached a goal, or that is facing a major life change. A lovely choice to gift someone who has just been promoted! Popular purple flowers are the fragrant lilacs, daisies and soothing lavender.

PINK

Feminine and joyful, pink is appropriate for every occasion. Pink flowers show appreciation and gratitude. Pink is most certainly romantic and flirty, so it is very popular during Valentine's season, but not just that! The great variety of hues ensures a proper choice for everything:  Brides and bridesmaids go for it in their softer shades, while sons and daughters everywhere choose it for mother's day.

BLUE

The color of dreams and fantasies. It is definitely the hardest color to come by when it comes to flowers, that's for sure! But not impossible… Hydrangeas, forget-me-nots and delphiniums grace bouquets and arrangements that are most certainly meant for a special and unique person.  We're pretty sure there isn't a designated celebration for this one, but it would make any occasion unique!

GREEN

Green is for hope and nature. When it comes to green presents, we leave flowers aside for a minute and we dive right into another popular option: plants! Whether they are indoor plants, outdoor plants, cactus or succulents, it is customary to give them when a loved one embarks on a new venture. Extremely popular when moving into a new place, or taking on a new business, plants are known to be gifted for good luck!

Colors show emotion, they help us transmit what wee are feeling, and what we want to convey...Whether we go with what is customary or with whatever feels right in the moment of choosing, the only thing that is certain is that the feeling will get across. And when all else fails, just send what you love! You can never go wrong with that. ProGiftNet.com will help you with flowers to all of your friends and loved ones. Whether it's down the street, or halfway around the world, send flowers with ProGiftNet.com today!

Flowers in the Fall with ProGiftNet.com

While the last warm days start making room for crisper ones in the northern hemisphere, and we bid summer "adieu",  gardens begin to show yellow, orange and red tones for our delight. And all of us over here on ProGiftNet.com are getting ready for the season of giving and gifting! Starting with this guide on seasonal flowers: What is blooming? What to plant? And most definitely, what to send our loved ones that will transmit the spirit of this wonderful season!

In Full Bloom

This season is bringing us a wide range of flowers that make a statement in bouquets and centerpieces, and adorning arrangements for every occasion. We kick off this list with beautiful Chrysanthemums. The quintessential fall flower. Coming in all shapes and sizes, “mums” are for sure the ones to watch. Pick them in oranges and reds to capture the essence of autumn. Set them in pots and flower vases, and if you are planning them in the soil, cut off buds as they wilt to keep them blooming!

Alongside Chrysanthemums, Dahlias keep on appearing both in gardens and flower shops. They begin blooming mid-summer but continue to appear throughout October and November. 

Sunflowers thrive on chilly days. If you happen to have them at hand, a great time to harvest their seeds is when they start to turn brown. You might have to fight off a bird or two though! We absolutely suggest you keep them in mind for your celebrations, especially for Thanksgiving centerpieces for a real showstopper!

Verbenas are tiny and full of color; they will last until that first frost. Ideal for flowerbeds and the borders on your garden!

Pansies on the other hand can withstand winter, as they will bloom until a hard frost. If looking for a colorful flower plant to gift this season, this happy faces are a great choice.

And finally, Roses. An absolute year-round staple, appropriate for every single occasion. Autumn keeps on giving beautiful roses, and it’s a wonderful opportunity to turn from classic red and chose to send yellow, tea and orange tones. However, keep in mind, red is always an option at ProGiftNet.com

What to Plant This Season

This is a great time to plan ahead and visualize our ideal spring garden for next year, as mid- autumn is the time to plant bulbous flowers: Tulips, Hyacinths, Lilies, Crocus (look ‘em up!) and Marimonies to name a few, need their preparation to bloom while spending a little time in the cold, and this is the time to put them bulbs in the soil. 

Keeping with the spirit of planning ahead and taking advantage of the cooler weather for gardening, this is the ideal time to think of trees and shrubs, so while the soil is still warm from past summer days, plant them and keep them well watered until the ground freezes so they get a good start before they become dormant during winter.

Fall is also the best time to lay down or seed new turf grass, and always remember to keep it well watered!

Whether it is in the garden, on our holiday tables, or on the doorstep of a loved one on a special occasion, flowers and plants will make this season brighter and warmer even though days grow cooler. Keep all of this information in mind when choosing your next gift, and here at ProGiftNet.com, we´ll make sure they get to their destination worldwide.  Send flowers and gifts today with ProGiftNet.com!

Valentine's Day 2017 is Coming! ProGiftNet.com Can Help You Get Ready!

We know, we know, we always say the same thing - we can't believe how long it has been since our last blog! Sometimes things get a little busy, and we lose touch with the things we always do. However, 2017 is in full swing, and one of our resolutions here at ProGiftNet.com is to get back on track with all of our social media and posts. This means writing a blog post a lot more often than we have been doing! We think Valentine's Day is a great moment to get back on track...continue reading for some stunning gift ideas, as well as a special offer just for you!

Pink Ranunculus Flowers

We recently opened an Instagram account, so for those of you who would like to follow us check as out @progiftnet for some beautiful arrangement ideas, as well as just beautiful images of different types of flowers, such as the one on the right.

To start, we thought you might enjoy a brief history on how Valentine's Day came to be: St. Valentine's Day began as a celebration of several saints named Valentinus, and martyrdom stories were invented for the various Valentines and were associated with February 14. One of the most popular stories was of Saint Valentine of Rome. At that time, some soldiers were forbidden to marry, and St. Valentine would go against the law and perform weddings for these soldiers anyway. For this and other 'crimes', he was imprisoned and later executed. An added embellishment to this story states that before his execution he wrote a letter signed "Your Valentine" as a farewell.

The 18 Long-Stemmed Red Roses Bouquet

The change between martyrdom stories to the celebration of romantic love came in the High Middle Ages, at the time of Geoffrey Chaucer. This is when the tradition of courtly love flourished. In 18th-century England, it evolved into an occasion in which lovers expressed their love for each other by presenting flowers and sending greeting cards. Since the 19th century, handwritten valentines have given way to mass-produced greeting cards, which we find today and the giving of flowers and gifts has grown from romantic love to expressing your affection for all of those around you, including friends.

So the question then becomes, what should be send to our loved ones and friends? Well, here at ProGiftNet.com we're here to help you with exactly that question. First, we'll start with the most traditional - red roses, and ProGiftNet.com® Presents the 18 Long-Stemmed Red Roses Bouquet. A beautiful bouquet of 18 long-stemmed roses red roses artfully arranged in a glass vase with lush greens. This beautiful bouquet is perfect to send to a loved one this Valentine's Day. And if red is not their color, is is also available in yellow, pink, peach, and white, because even though it is a traditional arrangement, is does not necessarily need to be the traditional red color. Does your special someone love pink roses? Ask us to make it all pink!

12 Red Roses Long Stem and a Special Champagne!

Another beautiful option that has a little bit for your loved one, and a little bit for you to share is the 12 Red Roses Long Stem and a Special Champagne! The ultimate gift for a loved one; a bottle of Champagne and a dozen long-stemmed red roses. Our classic hand-tied bouquet of red roses is the perfect companion to a bottle of Champagne. Both will be hand-delivered to your door, and are perfect to enjoy for a night in this Valentine's Day!

Our last suggestion for the day is definitely for the non-traditionalist. We have plenty of those in our lives, and with so many stunning flowers, we cannot blame them for preferring some over others. For those people, we think that the Double Phalaenopsis Plant from ProGiftNet.com is absolutely perfect. We have chosen these eye-catching Phalaenopsis orchids for their incredible beauty and natural elegance. Two orchids sit side by side displaying their brilliant white blooms with a dark purple throat perfectly seated in a sleek designer dark purple double container to offer an incredible gift of gorgeous grace and sweet sophistication.

Double Phalaenopsis Plant

We hope you have enjoyed this blog, and we have certainly enjoyed getting back in touch with all of you. We really do mean it when we say it has been too long. Whether for Valentine's Day, or for any other occasion, here at ProGiftNet.com we are always happy to help you with all of your flower and gifting needs. As we always say, whether its down the street, or halfway around the world, we can get it delivered for you. We are also happy to work with you on creating a custom made arrangement to fit your needs if you cannot find exactly what you are looking for online.

The flower experts @progiftnet can help you pick your perfect gift.

Since it has been a long time, we wanted to give you a little something extra with this post...and it is Valentine's Day after all! Place your order by February 12, 2017, at 11.59pm PST to receive 15% off your order. Simply mention the code 'VDAY2017' in your comments at checkout. As always, this promotion cannot be combined with any other offer and cannot be applied to past purchases or orders already in process. Discount is only applicable to the purchase price of the item(s) and is not available on delivery fees or on any applicable taxes. This promotion is available on all items, and not just Valentine's Day items by the way! Place your order at ProGiftNet.com today!

Don't forget to follow @progiftnet for the latest offers and specials!

Dia de la Madre en Argentina con ProGiftNet.com!

En ProGiftNet.com, tenemos una fuerte conexión con varios países en el mundo - ya sea por familia y/o amigos en el extranjero, o simplemente porque hay algunos paises que son nuestros países favoritos, definitivamente hay algunos lugares que se sienten mas cercanos a nuestro corazon. Uno de estos países es Argentina, donde el domingo, 16 de octubre, 2016, se celebrara el Día de la Madre. Ya sea que la llames mamá, ma, o por otro apodo, todo significa la misma cosa. La simple palabra nos recuerda lo afortunados que somos y la cantidad de energía que han puesto en nosotros para que nos convirtamos en los adultos que somos hoy. Este Día de la Madre, aprovecha y hace que tu madre sepa lo mucho que la queres mediante el envío de un regalo especial de ProGiftNet.com.

Con ProGiftNet.com, podes hacer un pedido para cualquier parte de Argentina. Hoy vamos a estar hablando de algunos de estos lugares y al mismo tiempo, te estaremos dando ideas para el regalo para el Dia de la Madre.

Necesitas mandar flores a Capital Federal? ProGiftNet.com te puede ayudar. Este Dia de la Madre le podes mandar a tu mama el Arreglo Mixto en Tonos de Rojo y Rosa. El Arreglo Mixto en Tonos de Rosa y Rojo es un ramo impresionante que ofrece hermosos contrastes con su combinación de flores. Hermosas rosas rojas y claveles son combinados con claveles de color rosa suave y alstroemerias. Este es el arreglo perfecto para el Dia de la Madre!

Arreglo Mixto en Tonos de Rosa y Rojo

Mandar flores a la Provincia de Buenos Aires nunca fue tan facil! ProGiftNet.com te puede ayudar a mandar flores La Plata o a cualquier lugar en la Provincia de Buenos Aires. Si te gustaria mandar un arreglo mas tradicional, que te parece el Bouquet de 12 Rosas Rosadas, de ProGiftNet,com? Este hermoso arreglo de una docena de delicadas rosas rosadas constituye un ramo clásico que crea un regalo ideal para el Dia de la Madre. Si preferis otro color de rosas, tambien es posible. Solo nos tenes que avisar y haremos todo lo posible para satisfacer el pedido.

Bouquet de 12 Rosas Rosadas

Mandar flores a Cordoba es facil con ProGiftNet.com. Si tu mama, o una hermana que es mama, una abuela, etc. esta en Cordoba, ProGiftNet.com te puede ayudar a mandarle flores para el Dia de la Madre. Que te parece enviarles el Bouquet de Luz Solar y Margaritas? Bouquet de Luz Solar y Margaritas es el más alegre de los ramos de flores, lleno de luz y de alegría para esa persona especial. Un hermoso arreglo de rosas amarillas y lirios peruanos, junto con margaritas blancas y exuberantes follajes verdes situados en un florero de cristal. Es el regalo perfecto para este Dia de la Madre!

Bouquet de Luz Solar y Margaritas

Finalmente, el ultimo lugar del que vamos a estar hablando en el dia de hoy es Mendoza. Si tenes que mandar flores a Mendoza, nunca fue mas facil que con ProGiftNet.com. Si tenes un ser querido en Mendoza este Dia de la Madre, que te parece mandarle el Bouquet Bouquet de Dulzura con Chocolates de ProGiftNet.com? El Bouquet de Dulzura de ProGiftNet.com es un regalo extraordinario. Gerberas rosadas, claveles rosas, crisantemos color lavanda, lirios peruanos blancos y follaje están perfectamente situados en un florero de cristal claro. Al llegar con una caja de 4 piezas de chocolate, este ramo da a su destinatario especial un deseo dulce que lo sorprendera y deleitara.

Esperamos que les haya gustado este blog. Recuerde, si necesitas mandar flores dentro de la misma ciudad, o al otro lado del mundo, ProGiftNet.com está aca para ayudarte. Para ayudarte con el regalo nos gustaría ofrecer una oferta para esta fecha especial - realice su pedido antes del sabado, 15 de octubre, 2016, para recibir 15% de descuento en su pedido. Solamente tiene que mencionar el código "MADRE2016" en la sección de comentarios al momento de pagar. Recuerde, los descuentos son aplicables al precio de compra del artículo, y no se pueden aplicar a los impuestos y los gastos de envío. Realice su pedido en ProGiftNet.com hoy!

Preparing for Hurricane Matthew with ProGiftNet.com

We know that this is a little bit different than the things we usually post about, but here at ProGiftNet.com, it is something we thought should be discussed - Hurricane Matthew. Our blog name is from Miami to the World because it is our home base, and in all honesty, Hurricane Matthew is definitely something that is on all of our minds, not only in Miami, but all throughout Florida, especially on the Eastern coast, as well as South Carolina and all coastal areas.  For these reasons, we wanted to share a little bit of information on some ways to prepare and provide a checklist of items you should have at home to prepare for the storm.

Remember, when purchasing items and going through your pantry, there should be enough food and water for every member in your household (including pets!) to last at least 3 full days.

Basic Needs:
• Drinking water (1 gallon per person per day)
• Manual can opener
• Nonperishable foods, including canned meat, fish, fruit,or vegetables
• Bread in moisture proof packaging
• Cookies, candy or dried fruit
• Canned soups & nonperishable milk
• Powdered or single serve drinks
• Cereal or granola bars
• Peanut butter and jelly
• Instant tea or coffee
• Flashlight (1 per person) and portable battery powered lanterns
• Large trash bags (lots of them)
• Battery operated radio
• Extra batteries, including hearing aid batteries
• First aid kit including aspirin, antibiotic cream
• Mosquito repellent
• Sunscreen (45 SPF recommended)
• Waterproof matches / butane lighter
• Money *
• Unscented bleach or water purification tablets (add 8 drops of bleach per gal.)

Cooking
• Sterno fuel
• Portable camp stove or grill w/ utensils
• Stove fuel, charcoal w/ lighter fluid or propane
• Disposable eating utensils, plates, cups
• Napkins and paper towels
• Aluminum foil
• Oven mitts

Personal Supplies
• Prescription medicines (1 month supply and copy of prescriptions)
• Feminine hygiene products
• Toilet paper
• Entertainment: books, games, toys and magazines
• Bedding: pillows, sleeping bag
• Change of clothing
• Rain ponchos, rain boots, and work gloves
• Extra eye glasses or contacts

Important Documents Placed in a Waterproof Container
• Insurance documents
• A list of all your important contacts (family, doctors, insurance agents)
• Banking information
• Leases / mortgage
• Proof of occupancy (such as utility bill)
• Photo inventory of your personal belongings

If you have a baby at home, don't forget the following items:
• Disposable diapers
• Formula, food and medication
• Bottles and feeding utensils

Sometimes a lot of people, in the rush to make sure everything is ready for the storm, tend to forget the pet supplies needed:
• Dry and/or canned food
• Manual can opener
• Bowls for food and water to attach to the cage/carrier
• ID tags and collars
• Proof of recent immunizations
• Water (1/2 gallon per day)
• Litter box and supplies, including a little scooper
• Carrying container
• Plastic poop bags

Other Necessities
• Tool box
• ABC rated fire extinguisher
• Masking tape or duct tape
• Outdoor extension cords
• Spray paint
• Standard single line phone (that does not require electricity)
• Local phone book
• Roofing tarps or plastic sheeting

We hope this information helps all of those in the storm path prepare, as we all continue to follow the news closely to see where the storm will make landfall. From all of us at ProGiftNet.com, we hope that you stay safe during the storm.

White Phalaenopsis Plant

Source: Hurricane Preparedness List | NBC 6 South Florida http://www.nbcmiami.com/news/local/Hurricane-Grocery-List--167035055.html#ixzz4MGQ0SYPg

Fall in the United States with ProGiftNet.com!

Here at ProGiftNet.com we hope that everyone's October has gotten off to a good start. As we mentioned in our last post when we discussed some beautiful Fall spots to travel to in Europe, we wanted to bring this next blog back home to the United States and discuss some beautiful local spots to visit that are perfect to see the leaves changing. Today we're going to be discussing The Catskills (New York), Green Mountain Byway (Vermont), and the Great Smoky Mountain (North Carolina and Tennessee). We know that there are so many more beautiful locations that can be visited, but for now, we hope you enjoy this mini trip to some amazing locations. Also, a special thank you to Fodors.com for their great travel posts that provide for amazing inspiration.

First on our list is The Catskills, New York. "The 6,000 square miles in southeastern New York known as the Catskills are home to six major river systems, [and] thirty-five mountain peaks over 3,500 feet. A year-round destination, the Catskills are at their most vibrant in the fall when yellows, oranges, and reds electrify the thickly wooded hillsides. The last two weeks in September through mid- to late-October are prime time for fall foliage in the Catskills."1 Can't make it to New York, but need to send flowers to New York to some friends or loved ones? ProGiftNet.com is here to help. The Touch of Fall Bouquet is the perfect arrangement for the Autumn season. The Touch of Fall Bouquet, from ProGiftNet.com, is a perfect for any Fall occasion. With a stunning mix of red carnations, yellow roses, and rust colored daisies, this bouquet quickly brings to mind the changing colors of the leaves on the trees this season. Send it to a friend or loved one today and let them know how special they are!

Touch of Fall Bouquet

The next place on our list is Green Mountain Byway, Vermont. This is a place near and dear to us, as we have seen it in person many times, and it is truly a magical location. "The maple, birch, and beech trees lining this eleven-mile route bisecting Vermont put on one of the most dazzling displays of color in New England. The drive from quaint Waterbury [...] to Stowe, one of the most famous ski resorts in the east, passes through two state forests and three state parks. In Stowe, the ski area gondola offers a bird's-eye view of the forested slopes and easy access to hiking. The northern Vermont leaf observation season begins the second week of September and peaks the first week in October."2 Need to send flowers to Vermont? Here at ProGiftNet.com we are happy to provide a little bit of inspiration. How about sending your loved ones the Beauty of Fall Basket? The Beauty of Fall Basket, from ProGiftNet.com, is a stunning mix of colors and flowers, perfect for the Autumn season. The beautiful flower basket contains pink tea roses, deep red mini carnations, orange roses, red orange Asiatic lilies, and lush green foliage. A spectacular way to give thanks to all of your friends and loved ones.

Beauty of Fall Basket

Last, but not least on today's trip are the Great Smoky Mountains, in North Carolina and Tennessee. "Great Smoky Mountains National Park is one of the most visited national parks in the U.S. for good reason. There are more than 100 species of native trees, including scarlet oaks, maples, sweetgums, and hickories, which put on a jaw-dropping autumn display of gold, orange, crimson, and purple. With 800 miles of scenic roads and hiking trails, you could spend days exploring these stunning forests. Great Smoky Mountains National Park is ablaze in fall color from early October through early November."3 Do you need to send flowers to North Carolina or have friends or loved ones in Tennessee which you would like to let know you are thinking of them? Send flower to them today using ProGiftNet.com. If you're not sure what to send, how about sending the Mixed Fall Hues Basket. The Mixed Fall Hues Basket makes a charming gift this season. Light orange roses and mixed in with pink mini carnations and Peruvian lilies, as well as burgundy carnations and tea roses. A beautiful combination with reminds everyone who lays eyes on it of the beauty of the season!

Mixed Fall Hues Basket

We hope that you have enjoyed this beautiful mini trip through some stunning locations in the United States that are perfect for seeing the Autumn colors. We are truly blessed by having so many places to visit, and there are even more locations in Colorado, Oregon, Massachusetts, etc., that are equally breathtaking. Also, we hope that the options we provide here help serve as a little bit of inspiration is you are not sure what you send your friends or loved ones. There are many more options online at ProGiftNet.com. If you don't find exactly what you are looking more, we will be happy to work with you to create the perfect custom-made arrangement. Whether you need to send flowers down the street, of halfway around the world, ProGiftNet.com is here for all of your flower or gifting needs.

To make the season even more special, place your order through Sunday, October 9, 2016, and mention the code "AUTUMN2016" in your comments to receive 10% off your order + free box of chocolates. Remember, the discount is on the purchase price of the items, and is not applicable to taxes or delivery fees. Place your order at ProGiftNet.com today!

1 http://www.fodors.com/news/photos/10-best-fall-foliage-trips-in-the-us#!3-the-catskills-new-york
2 http://www.fodors.com/news/photos/10-best-fall-foliage-trips-in-the-us#!6-green-mountain-byway-vermont
3 http://www.fodors.com/news/photos/10-best-fall-foliage-trips-in-the-us#!8-great-smoky-mountains

Getting into the Fall Spirit! Send Flowers to Scotland, Belgium, and Italy!

September 22, 2016, marked the beginning of the 2016 Autumn season. Summer is officially over...although for all of us here at ProGiftNet.com in Miami, it might not seem that way. For us locals, the change of season has brought on a lot of rain, although we cannot say whether the change in season is to blame, or just our generally tropical/rainy climate. Since we do not experience a very significant change in the seasons locally, we love to explore places that do. We are enchanted by the changing of the leaves and love to see all the warm tones in nature, as the landscape is filled with tones of red, orange and yellow/gold. There are so many places to visit during this time of the year to catch a stunning glimpse of this beauty, that today we wanted to write about some of them. Our focus today will be on Europe; with special thanks to TripstoDiscover.com for the travel inspiration. We will discuss local destinations in our next blog, so make sure to come back for those.

First of our list of Fall destinations is Perthshire, Scotland. "Perthshire, often referred to as Big Trees Country, is one of the most glorious places in all of Europe for autumn colors in a country well-known for its breathtaking natural beauty. Here, lochs and rivers reflect the array of gold and copper of tree covered hillsides, making it ideal for exploring and impressive photo taking. You’ll find some of the most stunning spots near Loch Tummel, the Pass of Killiecrankie and Knock Hill."1 Need to send flowers or a gift to a friend or loved one in Scotland? Send flowers to Scotland with ProGiftNet.com. For a little inspiration, how about sending them our Enchanted Fall Bouquet? The Enchanted Fall Bouquet is perfect for the season. This beautiful arrangement brings together yellowish orange roses, which are beautifully contrasted against the burgundy tones of the lilies, poms and carnations. A truly enchanting visual experience!

Enchanted Fall Bouquet

Next on our Fall tour of Europe is the wondrous city of Bruges, Belgium. "The medieval city of Bruges becomes one of Europe’s most beautiful cities in the fall with crimson and golden vines covering historic buildings with rich autumn hues. The colors reflected in the canals create an especially romantic scene as well as picture-perfect photo ops. Be sure to experience some of the city’s open-air markets that are typically open through November."2 If you need to send flowers to Belgium, it has never been easier. Here at ProGiftNet.com we would be happy to help. Whether you need to send flowers to Bruges, or anywhere else in Belgium, we will work with you to send the perfect gift. We're sure your friends and loved ones would adore the Autumn Sun Bouquet, the perfect gift for the season. The Autumn Sun Bouquet, from ProGiftNet.com, is reminiscent of a walk in the woods on a beautiful and crisp fall day, walking in the sun while observing the beautiful colors on the trees as the leaves change colors. With stunning yellow lilies, bright orange gerberas, soft orange roses, and burgundy mini carnations, all set against lush green foliage. This exquisite arrangement is perfect for any occasion and is sure to be loved by all!

Autumn Sun Bouquet

For the last city on today's tour, we are going a little bit further south, to Piedmont, Italy. "Autumn, and particularly October, is peak season for food and wine in Italy. Truffles and mushrooms, chestnuts and chocolate all enjoy their own festivals during this time – and, it’s also vineyard harvest time. Piedmont is home to amazing fall scenery as well as a fantastic food and wine culture with the northwest region hemmed in by the Alps, so there are hundreds of roads and trails to explore the surrounding peaks set ablaze with color."3 Need to send flowers to Italy? How about sending a friend or loved one the Autumn Harvest Bouquet? The Autumn Harvest Bouquet brings together a striking combination of all the best colors that Fall has to offer. With stunning burgundy chrysanthemums set against the softer tones of the soft orange roses and yellow mini carnations, which also contain hints of orange, as well as lush green foliage. Here at ProGiftNet.com we think the arrangement is sure to delight all who receive it!

Autumn Harvest Bouquet

We hope you have enjoyed our mini Autumn tour of Europe. As we mentioned earlier, in our next blog we will be discussing some spots here in the United States to visit during this beautiful season, since we know there are so many beautiful spots to see the leaves change. Remember, whether you need to send flowers or gifts down the street, or halfway around the world, ProGiftNet.com is here to help you with all of your flower delivery and gifting needs. If you don't see exactly what you're looking for online, let us know, and we will work with you to create a custom-made arrangement to meet your needs.

To make the season that much more special, place your order through Sunday, October 2, 2016, and mention the code "FALL2016" in your comments to receive 15% off your order. Remember, the discount is on the purchase price of the items, and is not applicable to taxes or delivery fees. Place your order at ProGiftNet.com today!

1 http://www.tripstodiscover.com/20-of-europes-best-cities-for-fall-travel/
2 http://www.tripstodiscover.com/20-of-europes-best-cities-for-fall-travel/3/
3 http://www.tripstodiscover.com/20-of-europes-best-cities-for-fall-travel/7/

Cooking with Edible Flowers! Brought to you by ProGiftNet.com

Here at ProGiftNet.com, we hope that everyone has had a smooth back to school season, as we all re-adjust back to our regular schedules. Now that things are more relaxed, we have been doing some research and spending some time looking at innovative ways to use flowers. A while ago we brought you the blog post on using flower in drinks, which we loved! So today, we are looking at ways to cook with flowers, which as you may or may not be aware, is something that has been done for centuries. We have been inspired by lots of images popping up in our Instagram feed lately showing salads sprinkled with petals, as well as by some Italian friends offering us violet candies, so we couldn't help but wonder what flowers can be used, and how exactly to use them. So here at ProGiftNet.com, we did some research.

To begin, we are going to be discussing one of the most popular flowers - roses. All roses are edible, although it is recommend that the white portions are removed when cooking, as they add a bitter flavor which is often unwanted. Growing conditions, as well as the soil, can also have an effect on the flavor of the rose petals. Also, the deeper the color of the rose, the stronger the flavor, which can be "reminiscent of strawberries and green apples. Sweet, with subtle undertones ranging from fruit to mint to spice."1 Rose petals  - both in their regular and miniature version - can be used in a wide variety of ways - from garnish on desserts and salads, frozen in ice cubes to put in drinks, to using them to make syrup, jam, and butter. For a little bit of inspiration, how about sending a loved one ProGiftNet.com's 18 Long-Stemmed Red Roses Bouquet, with is deep red petals. It is a beautiful bouquet of 18 long-stemmed roses artfully arranged in a glass vase with greens. If you are not interested in red, the bouquet is also available in yellow, pink, peach, and white.

18 Long-Stemmed Red Roses Bouquet

Next on our list is a common flower, which is often overlooked, but should not be - the carnation. Even Sex and the City's Charlotte called the carnation a 'filler flower' but it definitely should not be considered this. Carnations in food can be used in a variety of ways, and like with roses, the white base of the flower can be bitter, and an effort should be made the remove this part as much as possible as the rest of the flower can be unexpectedly sweet. The flowers can also be used to add to salads and sweets, and can also be put into desserts. Many of you may not know that "carnation petals are one of the secret ingredients that has been used to make Chartreuse, a French liqueur, since the 17th century."1 A beautiful arrangement that contains carnations is ProGiftNet.com's Touches of Purple Bouquet. The ProGiftNet.com® Touches of Purple Bouquet is a beautiful way to send your best wishes and affection. The Bouquet contains lavender carnations and traditional daisies, that are brought together with purple statice and matsumoto asters. Finally, these exquisite tones are accented with lush greens for a breathtaking look. Arranged beautifully within a glass vase, this bouquet has a simple majesty that conveys your every wonderful wish for your special recipient.

Touches of Purple Bouquet

Last on our list for today is the sunflower. We were most shocked about this news, as is was completely unexpected. The petals themselves, if used, should be blanched first, and then can be used in salads. Like the other flowers we described, the petals should be removed from the bitter base of the flower. The most surprising thing though is the sunflower in bud stage - which according to our research can be "steamed like artichokes" and "tastes similar to artichokes."1 We have not tried this yet, but would be very interested in hearing back from anyone who has! A beautiful arrangement containing sunflowers that is perfect for a friend or loved one is the Sunflower and Spray Roses Bouquet by ProGiftNet.com. This beautiful bouquet of sunflowers and spray roses sends your special recipient a bright gift conveying a contagious cheer and charm they are sure to love! Incredible sunflowers are the main focus of this flower bouquet accented with pink spray roses. This flower arrangement is a wonderful way to send your warmest wishes in honor of their birthday, to say congratulations or to extend your thanks and gratitude.

Sunflower and Spray Roses Bouquet

Here at ProGiftNet.com we hope you have enjoyed learning about how flowers can be used when cooking, and that you try some of these ideas out! We are akways looking to learn new things about flowers, and are more than happy to share it with you, our reader. Remember, whether you need to send a flower arrangement or gift to a loved one down the street, or halfway around the world, ProGiftNet.com is here to help. Place you order online today!

1 A special thank you to this site for providing the information in our research: https://whatscookingamerica.net/EdibleFlowers/EdibleFlowersMain.htm

Send Flowers to Australia with ProGiftNet.com!

We hope everyone is having a great summer. Here at ProGiftNet.com we can never believe how quickly time flies, as here we are, only a few weeks away from the first day of Autumn. We know a lot of you are busy with 'back-to-school' activities, as you prepare your children for another school year, while some of you have already gone through the rush, as classes have already started for some. Today, we're taking some time away from the craziness to continue with our tour of world countries that we deliver to, and are excited to take you through a mini-journey to Australia. If you need to send flowers to Australia, ProGiftNet.com is happy to help!

Carnation and Daisy Basket

Australia is a beautiful and unique country, lined with beaches, and known for things such as the Great Barrier Reef and the Sydney Opera House. Also, there are animal species that are unique to Australia, such as kangaroos and duck-billed platypuses. Some of the most largest cities in Australia include Sydney, Melbourne, and Perth. First, we are going to start with the most populous one - Sydney.

Sydney, "is best known for its harbourfront Opera House, with a distinctive sail-like design. Massive Darling Harbour and Circular Quay are hubs of waterside life, with the towering, arched Harbour Bridge and esteemed Royal Botanic Gardens nearby. Sydney Tower’s 268m glass viewing platform, the Skywalk, offers 360-degree views of the city, harbour and suburbs."1 Do you have friend or family member in Australia and you need to send flowers to in Sydney? Don't hesitate to ask ProGiftNet.com for help. One great option to send just because is the Carnation and Daisy Basket. This cheery basket is a welcome sight! Bright and fluffy pink and purple carnations, daisies, and green button pompoms arrive in a beautiful basket and is sure to delight your special recipient. It's the perfect gift for any occasion.

White Phalaenopsis Plant

Next up in our tour is the city of Melbourne. Melbourne is considered "Victoria’s coastal capital, [and] is a city of stately 19th-century buildings and tree-lined boulevards. Yet at its centre is the strikingly modern Federation Square development, with plazas, bars, restaurants and cultural events along the Yarra River. In Southbank, the Melbourne Arts Precinct is site of Arts Centre Melbourne – a performing arts complex – and National Gallery of Victoria, displaying Australian and Indigenous art."2 One stunning recommendation that we can provide if you need to send a friend or a loved one a flower arrangement to Melbourne is the White Phalaenopsis Orchid Plant. ProGiftNet.com has chosen this white brilliant orchid plant because it is known for its clean petals culminating in a yellow throat. It creates a display of gentle grace and timeless sophistication, This orchid plant arrives seated in a sleek container, and will bring joy and happiness to your special recipient with its elegant demeanor and limitless charm.

Pink Rose Bouquet

For our third city, we travel across the country to the West coast to the city of Perth, considered the "capital of Western Australia, [it] sits where the Swan River meets the southwest coast. Its suburbs lie along sandy beaches, and the huge, riverside Kings Park and Botanic Garden on Mt. Eliza offer sweeping views of the city."3 If you are looking to send a classic yet beautiful gift to a friend or loved one in Perth, how about sending them a dozen roses, like this beautiful Pink Rose Bouquet with One Dozen Roses from ProGiftNet.com. This beautiful arrangement of delicate pink roses forms a classic bouquet that creates an ideal gift for any occasion throughout the year. Remember, if you would like a different color for the roses, don't hesitate to ask, and we will be happy to work with you to meet your needs.

We hope you have enjoyed this quick trip to the beautiful and unique country of Australia. From us in Miami, it may seem like the other side of the world, so we are happy to connect to and work with great vendors throughout Australia. Like we always say, whether it's down the street, or halfway around the world, ProGiftNet.com is here you help you with all of your flower and gift delivery needs. In honor of this blog on Australia, we would like to offer 15% off your next purchase to any country. Place your order through Thursday, August 25th, 2016, and mention the code 'AUSTRALIA' in your comments to receive the discount. Remember that this promotion cannot be combined with any other offer and cannot be applied to past purchases or orders already in process. Discount is only applicable to the purchase price of the item(s) and is not available on delivery fees and on any applicable taxes. Place your order at ProGiftNet.com today!

1 https://www.google.com/#q=sydney

2  https://www.google.com/#q=melbourne+australia

3  https://www.google.com/#q=perth

Using Flowers in Cocktails presented by ProGiftNet.com

Mixed Pink Roses Bouquet

Here are ProGiftNet.com we love flowers. However, many of us only think of flowers in their traditional sense, and sometimes forget that flowers can be presented in a lot more ways than we think...they don't always have to be in a a vase, or a hand-tied bouquet, and instead, can sometimes appear in unexpected ways. Today, we're going to show you some delicious ideas for flowers, specifically - flowers in cocktails. Here you will find some of our favorite recipes, along with beautiful arrangements to match each cocktail.

The first cocktail we are going to show you is the Rose Martini, created by Jacinta Moore. For a little inspiration, how about sending that special someone the stunning Mixed Pink Roses Bouquet from ProGiftNet.com.

Rose Martini

The ingredients needed are the following:

1 1/2 oz. vodka
1 oz. white crème de cacao
1/4 oz. rosewater
small pieces of Turkish delight or rose petals to garnish
1 drop rose food color

How to make it:
Fill half of a cocktail shaker with ice!

Purple Elegance Arrangement

Add your liquids! Shake! Pour! Garnish! Drink!

Next up, the delightful Water Lily Cocktail, presented by Saveur. With beautiful purple touches, it is hard to resist. When thinking of Purple Touches, here at ProGiftNet.com we can't help to think of the Purple Elegance Arrangement, which is the perfect gift for any occasion.

Water Lily

To create the Water Lily Cocktail, you will need the following ingredients:

3⁄4 oz. triple sec
3⁄4 oz. crème de violette
3⁄4 oz. fresh lemon juice
3⁄4 oz. gin
Strip of orange zest, for garnish

How to make it:
Combine triple sec, crème de violette, lemon juice, and gin into a cocktail shaker filled with ice; shake vigorously and strain into a coupe. Garnish with orange zest.

Lastly, nothing screams summer like lemonade. How about making is a little more interesting by creating a delicious Rosewater Lemonade with beautiful roses as garnish, such as this one by Deco Tartelette. To go along with the delicious drink, how about sending your friends and family the beautiful Pink Surprise Bouquet. They can later dry out some of the flowers to use for the drink!

Pink Surprise Bouquet

The ingredients needed are the following:
5-7 organic lemons, juiced (about 1 cup)
3 tablespoons organic maple syrup at room temperature
1 tablespoon homemade rose water (you can also purchase organic, edible rose water at most grocery stores)
Filtered water
2 ounces of vodka per cocktail
2 tablespoons organic, dried rose petals for garnish

Rosewater Lemonade

How to make it:
Place lemon juice, maple syrup, and rose water in an extra large ball jar or pitcher. Stir. Slowly add 1/2 cup water until you find the combination you enjoy. Store in the fridge.
To make the cocktail, simply place 1 cup of the rose water lemonade in a glass. Add 2 ounces of vodka. Serve over ice. Garnish with organic, dried rose petals.

If you would like more information on these cocktails, make sure to click on the link, which can be found in the name of each cocktail, and it will take you straight to the full recipe. We hope you have enjoyed learning about this innovative use for flowers, and hopefully it will provide you with some inspiration of your own to try out these recipes. Here at ProGiftNet.com we are involved with all aspects of flowers, and we love sharing this with you. Remember, whether you need to send flowers down the street or halway around the world, ProGiftNet.com is here to help you. Pick one of the beautiful arrangement on our site, or contact us to create a custom-made arrangement - anything is possible! Place your order at ProGiftNet.com today!