Support your favorite small business.

This November 24th is Small Business Saturday®, a day to celebrate and
support the local small businesses that boost the economy and invigorate
neighborhoods across the country.

Steve's Flowers and Gifts is proud to take part in Small Business Saturday, and we’re
encouraging everyone to Shop Small® here on November 24th.
Plus, we’re having a special Small Business Saturday offer! Come in on
November 24th and you’ll get

50% off anything in our Showrooms for that day only.

Most importantly, get out there, Shop Small, and let’s make this November
24th the biggest day of the year for small business.
To learn more, visit ShopSmall.com.

Steve Huth
Steve's Flowers and Gifts

Love, laughter, and happily ever after.

The Autumn Season has become a popular time of year for Weddings. Temperate weather makes celebrating an outside event comfortable and enjoyable. The shades of gorgeous fall landscapes creates beautiful backdrops for wedding photos.  Fashionable decor in rich fall hues creates a seasonal atmosphere unlike any other.

Flowers are one of the most important elements of the wedding day. They set the mood and tone for the event with their beauty, color, style and elegance. The flowers will be remembered and cherished for years to come, especially when admiring photographs. Steve's will work to ensure you have a picture perfect wedding.

Fall Wedding Floral Trends and Ideas:

1. Surprisingly, add white flowers to your Fall Shades. This will make your fall hues stand out.

2. Add seasonal dried materials to your decor such as raffia, twigs, branches, wheat or cattails.

3. Scented candles or tea-lights add a fall ambiance to your table setting.

4. Focus more on variety of flowers, that match your color scheme, instead of one specific. 

5. Autumn Bloomers such as fall chrysanthemums make great decor for an outdoor wedding.

Steve's Prom Lineup 2012

Prom season is upon us!!

Prom Corsage, Prom Boutonniere

A corsage or boutonniere for your Prom date is a very important part of the Prom tradition. Flowers, for him and her, are special ways of showing your respect and consideration for your partner. Flowers are special:

                                                    BOUTONNIERE

Customarily girls buy a boutonniere for their dates. Usually it is a pin-on carnation or rose with baby's breath to be worn traditionally on the right lapel. You may want to order this at the same time your date orders your corsage.

                                                                CORSAGE                                                                                                      It is customary for the guy to buy a corsage for his date. It can be a pin-on type, or one she can wear around her wrist. Some even buy a modified nosegay that a girl can carry in her hand. It is a good idea to know what color dress your date is wearing so that the corsage you choose doesn't clash. Some couples like to go together and choose the flowers.

Fitz Designer Bracelets

For our fourth year in a row, Steve's Flowers and Gifts is adding "bling" to their Prom Corsages with "Fitz Designer Bracelets". These bracelets add style and value to each corsage. Not only is it stylish, it also becomes a keepsake that can be worn everyday as a reminder of your Prom. Each bracelet has a special name such as "Girls Best Friend", "Rock Star", "Cupid Dazzle" "Paparazzi", and "Tiny Dancer". Add these to any of Steve's branded corsages such as "Steve's Savannah", "Cozumel", "Milan", "Maui", or "Bordeaux" and see the difference. Also this year, ask us about matching Earrings, Necklaces, and Armbands that we have added flowers to for a little something different. Even the new "Diamond Strands Hair Piece". Call us today to order your Prom Corsages and Boutonnieres.

Steve's 2nd Annual "12 Days of Christmas" begins December 13th

The Suspense is building. Christmas is coming. Yet, more shopping needs to be done. What better way to finish your shopping for Christmas than with Steve's "12 Days of Christmas" Promotion. This is like "Groupon on Steroids". This promotion consists of 12 days of holiday savings. Each of the twelve days leading up to Christmas, Steve's is featuring one item on "SUPER SALE" for that day only. These amazing deals are a secret, as Steve decides what we will feature on Sale next. To be notified of these great holiday specials for Steve's "12 Days of Christmas", you can sign up for our e-mail blasts @ www.stevesflowers.com, text: STEVESFLOWERS to 22828, call us @ 317-787-3431 and ask one of our sales representatives to sign you up,  or even better, stop in every day from December 13th through December 24th to actually see the item featured. These deals are available at both our Greenwood and Indianapolis locations.  Don't forget, our staff won't know what items are on sale until the next day too. So, stop in and take advantage of the Holiday Specials, and bring your Spirit too.

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays from all of us at Steve's Flowers and Gifts.

Steve Huth Owner

Steve's Flowers and Gifts

Small Business Saturday is November 26th

First, there was Black Friday. Then, there was Cyber Monday. Now, there’s Small Business Saturday^®, a day to support the small businesses that help fuel the economy and invigorate communities. 

Steve's Flowers and Gifts pledges to support Small Business Saturday^®.

Small businesses help the economy, create jobs and preserve the uniqueness of local communities. That’s why Steve's Flowers supports Small Business Saturday. We’re encouraging our employees and customers to shop at their favorite local businesses on November 26, and help fuel small business growth. So watch the video, get involved and pledge your support at: facebook.com/ShopSmall

As a 2nd year participant in Small Business Saturday, we are enticing customers by offering 50% off everything in the store for that day only. An amazing chance to get great quality, unique items, and gifts for a great price. This is available at our Indianapolis and Greenwood locations. 

Why support Small Business Saturday?

SMALL BUSINESS IS THE HEARTBEAT OF THE U.S. ECONOMY:

Source: U.S. Department of Commerce, Census Bureau and Intl. Trade Admin (2007)

As of 2007, small firms:

·         Represented 99.7 percent of all employer firms

·         Employed just over half of all private-sector employees

·         Paid 44 percent of total U.S. private payroll

·         Generated 64 percent of net new jobs in the previous 15 years

·         Created more than 50 percent of nonfarm, private gross domestic product (GDP)

SMALL BUSINESS IN MARATHON TO KEEP UP WITH PUBLICALLY TRADED COMPANIES:

Source: The American Express OPEN State of Women-Owned Businesses Report (March 2011)

Small businesses have lost substantial share in the U.S. economy over the past 14 years. In 1997, publicly traded firms represented 2% of firms and contributed 43% of the jobs and 55% of business revenue. Now, large publicly traded firms, though still just 3% of U.S. businesses, employ 53% of workers and generate nearly two-thirds (64%) of business revenues. ­

SMALL BUSINESS OWNERS SPLIT ON OPTIMISM, BUT SEE A SALES SILVER LINING
ON THE HORIZON

Source: The American Express OPEN Small Business Monitor and Optimism Review (Spring 2011)
In the spring of 2011, 49 percent had a positive view, while 48 percent held a negative view, for a net optimism score of just +1. Additionally, more business owners said they thought sales over the next six months would be higher compared to a year ago (50% vs. 39% in 2010). 

BUY-LOCAL CAMPAIGNS BOOST SMALL BUSINESS SALES

Source: Institute for Local Self-Reliance (January 2011)

·         Independent retailers that are in communities with a “buy local” initiative reported revenue growth of 5.6% on average in 2010, compared to 2.1% for those elsewhere

·         Independent retailers that are in communities with a “buy local” initiative saw a 5.2% increase in holiday sales, while those elsewhere reported an average gain of 0.8%

·         More than half (55%) of business owners who live in cities with an active “buy local” initiative said the campaign created more existing-customer loyalty

LOYAL CUSTOMERS ARE VITAL FOR SMALL BUSINESS OWNERS

Source: The American Express OPEN Small Business Monitor (Fall 2010)

·         The recession hit small business owners harder than their larger counterparts. Consumer spending dropped more at small businesses relative to larger businesses. Small businesses lost market share and are still 4% below the share they held before the recession

·         54% of small business owners say what they need most to help grow their business is “more customers,” instead of tax cuts (23%), access to capital (14%) and the ability to hire more employees (6%)

·         To help boost demand, small companies are focused on two key strategies: deepening relationships and creating value for customers

CONSUMERS SHOP SMALL TO SAVE THEIR LOCAL ECONOMIES

Source: The American Express OPEN Small Business Saturday Consumer Pulse (July 2011)

·         93% of U.S. consumers believe it’s important to support the local small businesses that they value

in their community

·         87% believe that small businesses are a critical element of the overall U.S. economic health

·         89% agree that locally owned, independent businesses contribute positively through taxes and jobs

·         73% consciously shop at small businesses in their community because they do not want them to close

MORE SMALL BUSINESS OWNERS ARE BECOMING TECH SAVVY

Source: The American Express OPEN Small Business Monitor (October 2010)

Business owners are getting creative in their marketing. Three in ten indicate they use at least one social media platform; Facebook is by far the most popular platform, with 27% of relevant businesses on board. By comparison, only one in ten business owners were using online social networking to market their businesses a year ago. 

So, this Saturday, November 26th. Remember the small local business down the road that employs your neighbor, friend, or the person who sits next to you at church. Join the Small Business Movement. Shop Local.

Fall Has Arrived, Time to Prepare for the Holidays

The Fall brings us a multitude of vibrant colors that define the season. With tree leaves of orange, red, and brown hues, the fallen leaves that cover the ground, the beauty of the fall season is something that only mother nature could produce. We can capture a little bit of that beauty and splendor that only fall brings by adorning our homes and living spaces with fall flower arrangements.

Fall and Thanksgiving Floral Decorating Ideas

Flower Holidays, Occasions & Parties - Thanksgiving Flowers

Accessorize a large table by placing a long, narrow centerpiece in the center of the table. Add a few smaller accent pieces or candles on each side of the arrangement for an added effect. Ask us to create a centerpiece in a treasured family vase or bowl, or in seasonal pieces such as a cornucopia or a utility vase surrounded by dry corn cobs. To create a lot of drama and variety, place a topiary at one end of the table leading to a cluster of small potted plants, then two smaller topiaries with candles leading to a tray of votive candles and flower petals, and so on... Ask us to use vegetables or fruits as accents in your floral arrangement. Garnish your serving trays with flowers and greens. Scatter colorful fall leaves, flowers and votive candles along the center of your dining table. Float flowers in crystal wine glasses. Place a single long-stem rose on each plate to welcome your guests to the table. Decorate small desserts with flowers or make an ice ring with flowers to chill champagne or wine. Ask your us to design the arrangements for your buffet table on several different levels to keep the eye flowing all along the table. Place a garland of fruit, flowers and fall foliage over your front door. Steve Huth Owner  Steve's Flowers and Gifts Source: www.aboutflowers.com

September: A Time to Remember, and a Time to Reflect

September 11th, 2011 and Grandparents Day

This year, a holiday to reflect, and a day to remember land on the same day. September 11th, 2011 marks the 32nd annual celebration of Grandparents Day. A look back at the history of Grandparents and the impact they have on our society. It also is marks the 10 year anniversary of the September 11th Terrorist Attacks.


In the years since Jimmy Carter first declared Grandparents Day a national holiday in 1978, we've been following his call to reflect on the impact Grandparents have on our own lives — and on society.  And when he signed the proclamation creating  National Grandparents Day, little did anyone know how it would grow. At the time, Carter said the holiday would recognize "the importance and worth of the 17 million grandparents in our nation."

Barely a generation later, there are now more than 70 million grandparents in the United States.

That's a lot of recognition.

And a lot of flowers, candy, and gifts too.

For those of you who are still blessed with Grandparents, take the time to show them how much you appreciate them. Set aside time to visit, converse, and help those who were always there for you during your needs as a child. Send Grandma a bouquet of her favorite flower, along with a box of Chocolates for Grandpa.

For those of you who have lost their Grandparents, reflect and hold on to the memories, and  never forget the impact they had on you. Take the time to visit their grave site. Leave an expression of your feelings by adding a silk cemetery arrangement, or leaving loose flowers.

And for those of you who are Grandparents, Thank you.

As we reflect and celebrate Grandparents Day, we also need to remember the tragic events of September 11th 2001. 

Remember those who lost their lives.

Remember the fallen heroes.

And Never Forget.

Steve Huth

Owner

Steve's Flowers and Gifts

 

What Can Roses Do For You?

3rd Annual Halfway to Valentine's Week is August 8th--14th

Our 3nd Annual "Halfway to Valentine's Week" kicks off today as August 14th is Halfway to Valentine's Day. This year's theme is "What can Roses Do For You?"  As always, there is no better time to surprise your loved one than when it is least expected. The week of August 8th through August 14th, Steve's Flowers is celebrating "Halfway to Valentine's Day" with 50-percent off our Dozen Long Stem Premium Roses vased for only $39.95, and a Dozen of our Medium Stemmed Roses vased for only $19.95.  Or how about WOWING her with 2 Dozen of our Long Stemmed  Premium Roses for only $79.95. Why wait until February? Show them your love with Roses in August and save.

Do you know who you are ordering your flowers from?

Don't Sacrifice the Professionalism, Personalized Service, and a Qualified finished product of a Local Florist for what you believe to be a significant savings!

Steve Huth

Owner

Steve's Flowers and Gifts

June, Summer Days to Remember

June is National Rose Month

When is the best time to buy roses? Believe it or not, June!

Since 1986 the Rose has been the official National Floral Emblem of the United States. It is the official state flower for North Dakota, New York, Iowa, Georgia, and the District of Columbia. They are ancient symbols of love and beauty.  Recently, Archaeologists discovered the fossilized remains of wild roses over 40 million years old. They have been featured since 1890 in the Rose Parade in Pasadena, California as part of a New Years Celebration. There are hundreds of species and colors of Roses, and approximately 1.2 Billion produced annually.

Here are some ideas to celebrate Rose Month:

Fight the recession blues by adding at least one new rose to your garden.

Show your children or grandchildren how to plant and care for roses.

Host a garden party for your fellow rosarians.

Set up a tour of your rose gardening club member’s gardens.

Visit a public rose garden near you.

Join a local rose gardening club.

Begin a garden blog to celebrate your rose garden.

Send photos of your roses to friends and family.

Post photos or videos of local rose gardens on Flickr or YouTube.

Gather your favorite rose photos and create a coffee table book to give as gifts.

Create your own special postage stamp or seal celebrating your own rose garden.

If you are a scrapbooker, create a special page or whole scrapbook devoted to your garden, especially your roses.

Take a shut-in to visit a public rose garden near you.

Give a rose plant to a nearby nursing home

Volunteer to help care for the roses at a local park

Purchase Roses for Yourself from a local florist

http://www.rosegardening101.com

Father's Day is Sunday, June 19th

Dad's like flowers too. Contrary to popular belief, men do enjoy receiving flowers for the same reason women do, to feel special and be recognized. Some floral design ideas might include a dad's favorite sports container filled with matching colors. A travel mug or coffee mug from his favorite coffee shop filled with flowers and a gift card attached. The Mini Weber Grill @ Steve's Flowers with bright, vivid colors of flowers and mini bottles of barbecue sauce for the Grill King in your life. Or, perhaps a contemporary design of tropical flowers with a box of golf balls and a gift card to his favorite club for the Dad that lives on the Golf Course. For more creative ideas for the father in your life, contact us today.

But before you do, here are a few suggestions for Card Messages you can add: 

Thank you for the unique combination of your tenderness and your strength. Your courage and vision are beacons to fulfill my own dreams. Thank you for being my Father and my friend. You're the best! Thanks for all you do. Your love and patience have not gone unnoticed. Thanks for always being there when I needed you. Take time to enjoy your favorite things - you deserve it. Posies for my pop! www.aboutflowers.com Summer officially begins June 21, 2011. Celebrate with Flowers. Steve Huth Owner Steve's Flowers and Gifts

End of May Celebrations and Events

As the end of May is near, we all rush in preparation for the Celebrations and Events that are bringing the season to a close.


There are many occasions throughout the year when gifts are traditionally given and received, but don't forget those special days that celebrate personal milestones. Anniversaries, birthdays and holidays are special occasions, but they're not the only times when giving a gift brightens the day. Don't let personal milestones go by uncelebrated. Be sure to note upcoming events like graduation, new baby, new home, new job, promotion or well-deserved retirement on your calendar. Be sure to add new occasions as they occur. Personal milestones such as a first recital, finishing an important work project, quitting smoking, losing weight or passing the bar exam deserve a gift of recognition. A personalized gift adds to the sense of accomplishment and increases the enjoyment of a job well done.

Memorial Day often marks the start of the summer vacation season, and is a day of reflection. Begun as a ritual of remembrance and reconciliation after the Civil War, by the early 20th century, Memorial Day was an occasion for more general expressions of memory. Formerly known Decoration Day,  people from all over visit and decorate graves with fresh or artificial flowers on their deceased relatives sites, whether they had served in the military or not. It also became a long weekend increasingly devoted to shopping, family get-togethers, and fireworks.  


Whether it is Graduation, Recital, Memorial Day, or any occasion, flowers have always been used to commemorate life's special occasions. Keep those in your life in mind. Reflect and Celebrate with the Gift of Flowers.


Steve Huth
Owner
Steve's Flowers and Gifts


Source- www.aboutflowers.com

Mother's Day is May 8th

Mother’s Day is less than a month away! Order soon and miss the rush!

Mother’s Day is the one day each year that we have the opportunity to tell Mom how special she is. Flowers are always a great way to send that message!  No matter where you are in your busy schedule; down the street, in another state or simply out of the country, flowers from Steve's Flowers & Gift's will send that special message to make Mother’s Day bright and cheery. 

May 8th is just around the corner so go ahead and give us a call today to schedule your order for your colorful bouquet.  As always, Steve's Flowers & Gift's has everything you could desire for that perfect gift and our professional staff can help you customize any arrangement to put your mom in awe! 

And remember, flowers are not just for your mom!  Don’t leave your mother-in-law, grandmother or the mother of your children off the list.  We can take care of everyone with one call and make you a hero this Mother’s Day!

A corsage is a great way to show off your love for your Mom also!

If you and your children are planning on a special occasion this Mother’s Day, a beautiful corsage is a great way for her to enhance her beautiful outfit.  Your local florist can match anything from her favorite flower, colors or even match the outfit she will be wearing on May 8th. This will definitely leave her speechless. 

Are you stumped for something for your Mother’s Day card? Try a quote that says everything:

• A mother is a person who seeing there are only four pieces of pie for five people, promptly announces she never did care for pie.  ~Tenneva Jordan
• Mothers hold their children's hands for a short while, but their hearts forever.  ~Author Unknown
• God could not be everywhere and therefore he made mothers.  ~Jewish Proverb
• A mother understands what a child does not say.  ~Author Unknown
• A man loves his sweetheart the most, his wife the best, but his mother the longest.  ~Irish Proverb
• Biology is the least of what makes someone a mother.  ~Oprah Winfrey

Do you know what your Birth Flower is?April is the Sweet PeaThis flower is in constant bloom, which is why it came to be associated with lasting pleasure. This flower has curling tendrils and vivid colors.

We hope to help make your Mother’s Day the most special ever! Thank you so much for your patronage!

Steve's Flowers & Gift's

Steve Huth

Owner

Steve's Flowers and Gifts