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34 Feature September | 2023 Brandy Ferrer, who owns Simply Beautiful Floral Company in Gilmer, Texas, likes to mix "natural elements with metallic" including adding "a metallic finish to evergreens in flower arrangements." "One of our favorite techniques is adding a touch of shimmer to evergreens," she says. "By delicately applying a metallic finish to the tips of evergreen branches, such as pine, fir or cedar, we create a stunning effect that combines natural beauty with an elegant touch." Ferrer also recommends doing this with pine cones and seedpods. "By using metallic spray paint or applying metallic leafing, we transform these elements into eye-catching pieces," she explains. Furthermore, adding gilded pine cones and seedpods throughout the arrangements adds a "touch of enchantment and visual allure." Ferrer also incorporates accents such as metallic ribbons; decorative wire; ornaments; and permanent berry and leaf picks. "Small metallic accessories, carefully placed among the flowers and foliage, add a dazzling touch of sparkle and texture," she adds. In addition, metallic-finish vases and other containers add a "modern and glamorous twist." Says Ferrer, " Vessels in gold, silver or rose-gold tones really enhance blooms and plants." Metallics are also timeless. O'Reilly notes, "ey take on a natural role and can be paired with any color palette. Blending materials and finishes that complement each other creates a cohesive statement. ey can bridge myriad decorative surfaces." CANDLES Companies have definitely upped their game in offerings of holiday-themed candles. MacKenzie-Childs, for example, has a fabulous selection that is worth the investment. e company's "Noel," "Holly," "Harlequin," and "Jester" collections of taper and pillar candles feature patterns and motifs in a bevy of color combinations from traditional red-and-green to contemporary black- and-white, all with touches of metallic gold. e "Check" collection of candles also introduces a modern fanciful holiday touch to virtually any décor. Display candles in your store for individual sales, and also add them to your designs, to create greater value and sales. It doesn't matter if they are tapers, pillars, balls, floating or scented container candles, these holiday must-haves increase creative opportunities to personalize each client's décor. ese are also wonderful options for business gift baskets. Consider all these trends as possibilities to light up and ignite your holiday sales. And, last but not least, make sure your storefront is full of holiday décor to entice customers to come in and avail themselves of your seasonal products and services. Offer hot cocoa or cider—which, of course, you also have available for sale, along with holiday mugs, in a "DIY " display from which customers can assemble small personalized gifts for co-workers, neighbors, hairdressers, postmen and other delivery people, teachers and school-bus drivers— you get the idea. According to the National Retail Federation (NRF), Americans planned to spend an average of $998 each on holiday gifts and decorations last year, and you want part of it to be in your store. But be prepared: 40 percent of that spending—especially gift purchases—occurs in a 10-day span, between Dec. 15 and 24, so be sure you are adequately staffed and stocked, to avoid disappointing and frustrating shoppers! Ford Flower Co.

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