We are so excited to be able to write about one of the most ROMANTIC & INDULGENT days of the year! We have put together some pretty vignettes for you in celebration of one of our favorite days! We hope you enjoy them! We have also included a little of the origin & history of valentines day for you & the special meaning behind the colors of our favorite flower "THE ROSE."

We often LOVE to decorate & arrange pretty table settings to celebrate this most romantic day of the year. We of course celebrate & decorate with GORGEOUS rose bouquets since this is absolutely the flower of choice for this special day. Some people stick to tradition & decorate with RED roses while others go with their favorite colors of pinks, yellows, peach or white. Whatever your color choice, rose bouquets will brighten & sweeten this special day! If no one buys some for you, treat yourself  & splurge on a pretty bouquet to brighten your day! Here are some of the meanings behind some of our favorite rose colors & hues.

Red roses are the traditional symbol for love and romance, and a time-honored way to say "I love you."  The red rose has long symbolized beauty and perfection. A bouquet of red roses is the perfect way to express your deep feelings for someone special.

As a symbol of grace and elegance, the pink rose is often given as an expression of admiration. Pink roses can also convey appreciation as well as joyfulness. Pink rose bouquets often impart a gentler meaning than their red counterparts.

The bright, sunny color of yellow roses evokes a feeling of warmth and happiness. The warm feelings associated with the yellow rose are often akin to those shared with a true friend. As such, the yellow rose is an ideal symbol for joy and friendship.

White roses represent innocence and purity and are traditionally associated with marriages and new beginnings. The white rose is also a symbol of honor and reverence, and white rose arrangements are often used as an expression of remembrance.

With their blazing energy, orange roses are the embodiment of desire and enthusiasm. Orange roses often symbolize passion and excitement and are an expression of fervent romance. A bouquet of orange roses will send a meaningful message.

The unique beauty of the lavender rose has captured many hearts and imaginations. With their fantastical appearance, lavender roses are a perfect symbol of enchantment. The lavender rose is also traditionally used to express feelings of love at first sight.

Valentine's Day gifts, however, are another matter — there, American men outspend women two to one. The most popular gifts(in descending order): candy/chocolate, dinner/a night out, open! We have put together some pretty vignettes to celebrate one of our favorite days of the year! Some of my favorite gifts have been included in these shots. These were so much fun to put together! As always, Roses are included in all of the shots!  Whether they are silks or a beautiful live bouque  no valentines day vignette would be complete without them. 

THE ORIGINS OF VALENTINES DAY

There are varying opinions as to the origin of Valentine's Day. Some experts state that it originated from St. Valentine, a Roman who was martyred for refusing to give up Christianity. He died on February 14, 269 A.D., the same day that had been devoted to love lotteries. Legend also says that St. Valentine  left a farewell note for the jailer's daughter, who had become his friend, and signed it "From Your Valentine". Other aspects of the story say that Saint Valentine served as a priest at the temple during the reign of Emperor Claudius.  Claudius then had Valentine jailed for defying him. In 496 A.D. Pope Gelasius set aside February 14 to honour St. Valentine.

Gradually, February 14 became the date for exchanging love messages and St. Valentine became the patron saint of lovers. The date was marked by sending poems and simple gifts such as flowers. There was often a social gathering or a ball.