Keep Your Host Happy With Flowers

It's that time of year again, when we travel over hill and dale to a family member or friend's home to enjoy Thanksgiving dinner. While we may be bringing something to contribute to the table already - pumpkin pie, green bean casserole, fruitcake - it's also customary to offer a host or hostess gift. At Al's Florist, it's our duty to remind you that, in the U.S. at least, s are one of the top traditional gifts in this respect. You'll want to offer them in a container, so there's nothing for the host to do other than to put them somewhere, admire their beauty and feel touched that you've thought of them. Read More about Keep Your Host Happy With Flowers »

Make a Veteran’s Day

There are plenty of ways to honor our veterans. We should know, we've been doing it in one form or another since 1919 when the celebration was known as 'Armistice Day.' The intent was to both honor our military and commemorate the end of World War I, which took place on the same day in 1918. Eventually, we got around to calling it "Veterans Day," which put the emphasis right back on the people who served. This is exactly what you should do, this Veterans Day, with the vets you know and love. At Al's Florist, we've got some ideas. Read More about Make a Veteran’s Day »

Decorating with Mums and Dahlias

You may think of mums as that bushel of yellow s you put on your front stoop come Fall, but think again. Mums make a glorious appearance in arrangements that belong inside the home too. And then there's dahlias, everyone's favorite these days, and another seasonal bloom that, when added to a floral design, contributes a rich textural element and complexity. Decorating with mums and dahlias from Al's Florist & Gifts is easy this season since we're offering designs that range from romantic and moody to upbeat and cheerful. Read More about Decorating with Mums and Dahlias »

Halloween Flowers & Scary Good Designs

Didn't think you could make Halloween any happier? Think again. Consider this holiday the perfect opportunity to send some Halloween s to friends and family who enjoy a good scare (in this case, a scary good design). Al's Florist & Gifts' classic spooky decor and fresh, autumnal blooms blend well together, creating a unique Halloween decoration that can serve as a focal point for a party or dinner. Read More about Halloween Flowers & Scary Good Designs »

Do Something Sweet on Sweetest Day

Originating in Cleveland in the early 1900's, Sweetest Day was in fact established to do something sweet - to pass out candy to orphans, shut-ins and the elderly. The movement was started by the candy companies, so many viewed their altruistic efforts as having an ulterior motive. Critics accused the candy executives of attempting to start a new holiday that would benefit their business. Still, many needy and down-and-out citizens did receive a sweet treat to cheer them up (it was estimated that 26,000 boxes of candy were passed out the first year). Despite the cynical feedback, Sweetest Day did maintain a following for more than a century now, especially in the Northeast and Midwest, but has grown to represent any act of kindness to someone who may be struggling. Flowers have been proven to uplift spirits and make people happier - and therefore are an excellent choice for a Sweetest Day gift for someone you love. Al's Florist has the cheerful floral arrangements guaranteed to make them smile. Read More about Do Something Sweet on Sweetest Day »

Pet Costume Contestants Welcome the Season

At Al's Florist, we love being a part of the Hollywood community. We have been privileged to be a part of your celebrations and your sadness, your triumphs and your promotions. We have sent birthday surprises, and Valentine's Day love notes. We have designed s to welcome new babies, and to say goodbye to loved ones. Through it all, we have gotten to know you, our customers, in a personal way. One of our particularly fun interactions takes place on Halloween when we have a contest celebrating the feline, canine, and reptile members of the family.  As we look forward to October and the Halloween season, we thought we might reminisce with some of our past pet costume contestants - as we look forward to this year's fun.   Read More about Pet Costume Contestants Welcome the Season »

Boss’s Day Gifts & Flowers

If you love where you work and have a great boss, you may want to put October 16 on your calendar, National Boss's Day is set aside to let our supervisors, employers and bosses know that we appreciate all they do. While some do not have the luxury of having a great boss, you do - so let Al's Florist help you to let them know that you think they are amazing. It all began in 1958, when Patricia Bays Haroski of Chicago petitioned the government to institute a day to enhance employee/employer relationships. In 1962, Illinois governor Otto Kerner signed a declaration making National Boss's Day official. If you have a boss that deserves some recognition, get together with your coworkers and plan a surprise for them.  Read More about Boss’s Day Gifts & Flowers »

Autumn Colors for the Harvest Season

They say that in Florida, we can only tell that fall has arrived because the green changes to a slightly different green. But we still love the spirit of the season, and many of us come from places which still generate memories of changing leaves, apple picking and hot cocoa. If you are looking for creative ways to spruce up your Hollywood home decor with autumn colors, Al's Florist has many beautiful options, from sophisticated to rustic. No matter your fall style, we've  got what you are looking for. Autumn colors reflect all of the deep burgundies and burnt oranges of fall foliage, but one of our favorite colors is rich gold. And one of our favorite fall floral arrangements features golden mokara orchids, with colors reminiscent of a glowing fall campfire. Named Orchid Embers, this arrangement will infuse your space with warmth and elegance and is sure to welcome fall in beautiful style. This floral design is perfect for home decor, or to send as an exotic gift.   Read More about Autumn Colors for the Harvest Season »

Floral Arrangements for Housewarming Gifts

In the days before electricity and central heating, people moving into a new home would receive gifts of firewood from their family and friends. The firewood was meant to give them enough fuel to last through their first winter in order to keep them warm. As amenities and utilities modernized, "housewarming" gatherings evolved into opportunities for family and friends to congratulate their loved ones on their new home - or for current residents to make a new family feel welcome in their midst. Al's Florist has floral arrangements, blooming baskets and green plants that are sure to warm the hearts of anyone who receives them. If someone you know is settling into a new place, make sure to send them s!  Read More about Floral Arrangements for Housewarming Gifts »

Corsages & Boutonnieres for the Homecoming Dance

Homecoming is approaching, and schools across Hollywood are preparing for the big weekend of festivities. Whether you are returning to visit your school, or are a student heading off to the homecoming dance, you can trust Al's Florist for your s. We have been providing beautifully corsages, boutonnieres and unique wearable s for decades, and we look forward to making sure that you stand out on your big night! Here are a few tips from the experts which we hope will ensure that homecoming is all that you hoped for. Read More about Corsages & Boutonnieres for the Homecoming Dance »