Gifting Floral Display Subscriptions: A Beautiful Christmas Surprise

"Discover why floral display subscriptions make a thoughtful, uplifting Christmas gift. Explore UK options, seasonal styles, and how to surprise loved ones with blooms that last all year."

Christmas gifting is all about delighting the people you love with something thoughtful, elegant, and, ideally, something that lasts beyond the festive season. 

If you’re searching for a present that feels personal, uplifting, and indulgent without being extravagant, a floral display subscription is a wonderful choice.

Whether it’s a monthly bouquet, seasonal arrangements, or curated letterbox flowers, this is a gift that keeps on giving long after the tree is packed away.

Why Choose a Floral Subscription as a Christmas Gift?

1. It Brightens Their Home All Year Long

A fresh arrangement arriving every few weeks is a guaranteed mood-booster. January and February in particular can feel rather grey, and a bouquet arriving on the doorstep brings instant cheer.

2. It Suits Just About Everyone

Friends, parents, grandparents, colleagues, or that one person who “has everything”—flowers are universally enjoyed. Many services also let you tailor the frequency, style, and even colour palette.

3. It’s Surprisingly Budget-Friendly

Subscriptions can start from under £20 per delivery, making it an affordable luxury. You can choose short-term (three-month) gifting plans if you want to keep to a particular budget.

4. It Supports UK Growers and Small Florists

More companies now champion seasonal, British-grown blooms. If you want to shop sustainably and support local businesses, this is a lovely way to do it.

Types of Floral Subscriptions to Consider

Monthly Bouquets

A classic option. Recipients receive beautifully arranged, hand-tied bouquets each month, often themed to the season—think frosty whites in winter or vibrant tulips in spring.

Letterbox Flowers

Convenient, fuss-free, and perfect if the recipient is often out during the day. These arrive flat-packed and are arranged at home—ideal for the creative types.

Seasonal Luxury Arrangements

Some florists send larger displays at key points in the year—Christmas, early spring, summer and autumn—perfect for those who love statement florals.

Dried Flower Subscriptions

Long-lasting and wonderfully stylish. A great choice for people who love modern décor or who prefer low-maintenance arrangements.

Top UK Services Offering Floral Subscriptions

Bloom & Wild

Famous for their letterbox flowers and excellent gifting options. They offer prepaid gift subscriptions perfect for Christmas wrapping. https://www.bloomandwild.com

Freddie’s Flowers

Ideal for those who enjoy bold arrangements and a touch of floristry flair. Each delivery comes with styling guidance. https://www.freddiesflowers.com

Arena Flowers

Ethical, sustainable, and certified Fairtrade. A thoughtful choice for environmentally minded recipients. https://www.arenaflowers.com

Appleyard London 

A premium service with luxurious bouquets—brilliant for big occasions or recipients who appreciate something more decadent. https://www.appleyardflowers.com

How to Present the Gift on Christmas Day

Even though the flowers arrive later, you’ll want something to wrap. A few ideas:

Print or write a lovely card explaining the subscription.

Include a small, festive bunch or a single rose with ribbon.

Add a decorative envelope or gift box with dried flowers inside.

Slip in a note telling them when to expect their first delivery.

It’s a beautiful reveal, and the anticipation makes it even more special.

The Perfect Gift for a Fresh Start

A floral display subscription is more than a bouquet—it’s an ongoing gesture of appreciation, joy, and colour. It’s the perfect way to brighten someone’s year, lift their spirits, and give them a reason to smile in the quieter months after Christmas.

For a present that lasts and brings happiness with every delivery, a floral subscription is truly a blooming marvellous choice.

Shop Local This Christmas: Direct2florist calls on the nation to back local businesses and boost community spirit

As Christmas rapidly approaches, Direct2florist is encouraging people across the UK to make their gifts go further this year by supporting the independent local businesses that help keep communities alive.

New research conducted by the family-owned firm shows four out of five shoppers plan to buy at least some of their festive gifts locally this year. 

More than half say they do so because they know how much their custom means to small businesses, while 43% say shopping locally makes them feel happier.

Almost half believe local businesses help their area by employing local people, and more than a third say they make their community a nicer, more vibrant place to live.

For many small businesses, that support can be the difference between surviving or not. Three in five shoppers remain worried that local independents will struggle to stay open without regular backing from their communities.

Simon Stirling, Founder and Managing Director of Direct2florist, told That's Christmas 365: "Where we choose to shop has a ripple effect. 

"When you place an order for delivery by a local florist, you’re not just sending flowers, you’re supporting the people who make our towns and villages what they are. Local florists employ local staff, buy from local suppliers, and know their customers by name. Choosing local at Christmas really does make a difference."

Simon added: "The benefits are obvious and  clear. Previous research has shown for every £10 spent with a local business, almost £4 stays in the area.

"That’s twice as much as when shopping through a chain store, helping to support jobs, services and local suppliers. Shopping locally has a lasting impact, strengthening communities and creating a sense of shared prosperity."

Direct2florist connects customers directly with independent florists across the UK, allowing people to send flowers quickly and easily no matter where the flowers are to be delivered, while ensuring every pound spent stays local. 

The company’s Shop Local This Christmas campaign will run throughout the festive period, spotlighting the stories of local florists and the important role they play in their communities.

This Christmas, every bouquet ordered via Direct2florist becomes more than a gift. It becomes a way to keep local businesses blooming.

Find your local florist at www.direct2florist.co.uk.

No-Bake Easter Cakes: Easy, Delicious & Festive Treats for the Easter Season

Spring is in the air, and Easter is just around the corner! 

Whether you're short on time or simply avoiding the oven, no-bake Easter cakes are a perfect way to celebrate with something sweet, seasonal, and stress-free. 

These delightful no-bake treats are ideal for busy mums, baking beginners, and anyone looking for quick and easy Easter dessert ideas.

In this post, we’re sharing a few fun and festive no-bake cake recipes for Easter that are perfect for kids, family gatherings, and springtime celebrations. 

Plus, we’ll touch on how to decorate them with Easter themes like mini eggs, pastel colours, and adorable bunnies.

Why No-Bake Cakes Are Perfect for Easter

When you're hosting an Easter lunch or juggling egg hunts and crafts, the last thing you need is to be glued to the oven. That’s where no-bake desserts come in!

Benefits of no-bake Easter cakes:

Quick and fuss-free

Ideal for warm spring days (no heating up the kitchen)

Kid-friendly—perfect for getting the little ones involved

Easily customisable with seasonal flavours and decorations

These recipes also use simple ingredients that you likely already have at home, making them budget-friendly Easter bakes too!

Three Easy No-Bake Easter Cake Ideas

1. Mini Egg Cheesecake

This is a showstopper dessert that’s as pretty as it is indulgent. Made with a buttery biscuit base and a creamy filling, it’s topped with colourful crushed mini eggs for a festive flair.

Ingredients:

200g digestive biscuits

100g unsalted butter (melted)

400g cream cheese

100ml double cream

75g icing sugar

150g mini eggs (crushed for topping)

Instructions:

Blitz the biscuits and mix with melted butter. Press into a tin and chill.

Beat cream cheese, cream, and icing sugar until smooth.

Pour onto the base and chill for 4+ hours.

Top with crushed mini eggs before serving.

Perfect for: family lunch, afternoon tea, or a centrepiece dessert.

2. Easter Nest Cakes (No-Bake Chocolate Crispy Cakes)

This classic childhood favourite is always a winner at Easter. Simple, sweet, and nostalgic!

Ingredients:

200g milk chocolate

75g cornflakes or shredded wheat

Mini eggs (for decorating)

Instructions:

Melt the chocolate gently.

Stir in the cereal until fully coated.

Spoon into cupcake cases and shape into nests.

Add 2-3 mini eggs to each.

Top tip: Try white chocolate and pastel-coloured sprinkles for a modern twist.

3. Carrot Cake Energy Bites

For a healthier take, these no-bake carrot cake bites are packed with flavour and a hint of spice—no sugar crash in sight.

Ingredients:

1 cup grated carrot

1 cup oats

1/2 cup dates (soaked & blended)

1/4 cup desiccated coconut

1 tsp cinnamon

Optional: chopped walnuts or raisins

Instructions:

Mix all ingredients in a bowl.

Roll into small balls and chill for 1 hour.

Store in the fridge for up to a week.

These are great for Easter picnic snacks or lunchbox treats!

Decorating Ideas for Easter No-Bake Cakes

Make your no-bake desserts picture-perfect with these easy Easter decorating tips:

Use pastel sprinkles or edible glitter for a spring vibe

Add edible flowers for a fresh, seasonal touch

Top cheesecakes with chocolate bunnies or fondant chicks

Pipe coloured whipped cream or add a drizzle of white chocolate

Don’t forget to snap a photo—these treats are Instagram-worthy and perfect for sharing on social media!

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re looking for a last-minute dessert or a fun Easter activity with the kids, these no-bake Easter cake ideas are easy, festive, and guaranteed to impress. Try one (or all three!) and bring a bit of sweet springtime joy to your table.

How to Fill Your Home with Festive Blooms This Christmas

There’s something magical about a home filled with the scent and colour of fresh flowers during the festive season. 

While twinkling lights and sparkling ornaments are Christmas staples, festive blooms add a natural elegance and warmth to your décor. 

Whether you’re hosting guests or simply creating a cosy atmosphere for yourself, here’s how to bring the beauty of seasonal flowers into your home this Christmas.

Why Choose Festive Blooms?

Flowers and plants can transform your space during the holidays:

Add natural beauty: Bright, fresh blooms complement traditional Christmas decorations.

Create a festive scent: Fragrant flowers and greenery enhance the holiday atmosphere.

Bring a personal touch: Arranging flowers allows you to showcase your creativity and style.

Top Festive Blooms for Christmas

1. Amaryllis

Known for their large, trumpet-shaped flowers, Amaryllis come in red, white, pink, and striped varieties. They’re perfect for creating a bold statement in centrepieces or standing tall in a corner.

2. Poinsettias

With their iconic red and green foliage, Poinsettias are synonymous with Christmas. They’re ideal for decorating mantels, side tables, or doorways.

3. Paperwhite Narcissus

These delicate white flowers have a lovely fragrance and are easy to grow indoors, making them a popular choice for Christmas displays.

4. Christmas Cactus

This flowering succulent produces vibrant blooms in shades of red, pink, and white. It’s a low-maintenance option that adds a pop of festive colour.

5. Holly and Ivy

Traditional and timeless, holly berries and ivy leaves can be used in wreaths, garlands, or as accents in floral arrangements.

6. Roses and Carnations

Red and white roses or carnations are classic choices for creating festive bouquets. Pair them with greenery for a traditional holiday look.

Creative Ways to Display Festive Flowers

1. Table Centrepieces

Create stunning centrepieces using a mix of flowers, greenery, and candles. Use a long, shallow tray or a festive vase to keep everything in place.

2. Wreaths

Incorporate fresh blooms into your Christmas wreath. Add flowers like roses or carnations alongside traditional foliage for a modern twist.

3. Hanging Arrangements

Suspend floral arrangements from the ceiling or above your dining table for a dramatic effect. Use lightweight blooms like amaryllis or paperwhites for best results.

4. Windowsill Displays

Line your windowsills with pots of poinsettias, amaryllis, or paperwhites to brighten up your space and create a welcoming exterior view.

5. Miniature Bouquets

Place small vases of festive flowers around your home—in the bathroom, bedroom, or on bookshelves—for a subtle yet elegant touch.

Tips for Keeping Your Festive Blooms Fresh

Water regularly: Check soil moisture for potted plants and refresh water in vases every couple of days.

Keep away from heat sources: Avoid placing flowers near radiators or fireplaces, as the heat can dry them out.

Use flower food: Add flower food to vases to extend the life of your cut flowers.

Trim stems: Cut the stems of flowers at an angle every few days to improve water absorption.

Combine Flowers with Festive Greenery

Pair your blooms with seasonal greenery like pine, eucalyptus, or mistletoe for a natural, Christmassy feel. The mix of textures and colours will elevate your arrangements and fill your home with a fresh, woodland scent.

A Blooming Christmas Tradition

Filling your home with festive flowers isn’t just about decoration—it’s a way to embrace the joy and beauty of the season. Whether you’re arranging a single bouquet or transforming every room, these blooms will bring life, colour, and a sense of celebration to your Christmas festivities.

So, grab your favourite flowers, get creative, and let your home blossom with festive cheer this holiday season!

Why You Should Fill Your Home with Beautiful Flowers at Christmastime

The festive season is a magical time filled with the warmth of family gatherings, the aroma of holiday cooking, and the sparkle of twinkling lights. 

But there’s one often-overlooked way to enhance your home's festive spirit: beautiful, fresh flowers. 

Whether it's an arrangement of classic Christmas blooms or an eclectic mix to suit your unique style, flowers can transform your home into a vibrant, welcoming space that truly embodies the joy of the season.

Here are some compelling reasons why you should consider filling your home with flowers this Christmas.

1. Create a Festive Atmosphere

Nothing brings a touch of elegance and warmth to a room quite like a well-chosen floral arrangement. While Christmas trees and fairy lights do wonders to set the mood, adding fresh flowers can elevate that festive atmosphere even further. Imagine a stunning centrepiece of ruby-red roses and deep green holly leaves gracing your dining table or a delicate bouquet of white lilies and eucalyptus on your mantle. These little touches bring nature indoors, adding to the enchantment of the season.

2. Add a Touch of Tradition

Incorporating flowers into your holiday decor is not just a modern trend; it’s a practice rooted in tradition. During the Victorian era, families would adorn their homes with holly, ivy, and mistletoe to celebrate the festive season. Today, flowers like poinsettias, amaryllis, and Christmas roses have become iconic symbols of Christmas cheer. By decorating with these classic blooms, you not only honour timeless traditions but also bring a sense of nostalgia to your home.

3. Boost Your Wellbeing

The festive season, while joyful, can also be hectic and stressful. The good news is that flowers are known to have a positive impact on mental wellbeing. Studies have shown that being around fresh flowers can reduce stress, uplift your mood, and even improve air quality. As the days get shorter and the weather colder, filling your space with vibrant, fragrant blooms can be a simple way to create a calming and peaceful environment, helping you unwind amidst the holiday hustle.

4. Perfect for Hosting and Entertaining

Christmas is a time for gathering with loved ones, and nothing sets the tone for a festive celebration quite like a beautifully decorated home. A fresh floral arrangement can act as a stunning centrepiece for your Christmas dinner or as a welcoming display in your hallway to greet guests. Opt for festive hues like deep reds, snowy whites, and lush greens to create arrangements that echo the season’s colour palette. The rich textures and scents will enhance the sensory experience of your guests, making your home feel even more inviting.

5. Embrace Nature’s Beauty

Christmas is often associated with evergreens and snowy scenes, but incorporating fresh flowers is a lovely way to celebrate the natural world. This time of year, many florists offer winter-themed bouquets that incorporate seasonal blooms like amaryllis, anemones, and hellebores, along with festive greenery such as pine, holly, and fir branches. By embracing these seasonal elements, you can create a harmonious blend of nature's beauty right inside your home, even as winter rages outside.

6. A Unique, Personal Touch

Flowers are a versatile decoration that can be tailored to your personal style and the theme of your home. Whether you prefer traditional poinsettias and red roses or something more unconventional like frosty blue thistles and creamy white orchids, there’s a floral arrangement to match your taste. You can also get creative by combining flowers with seasonal elements like cinnamon sticks, pine cones, or even fairy lights to craft a truly unique centrepiece.

7. Perfect Gift for Loved Ones

As much as we love decking out our homes, Christmas is also about spreading joy to others. Flowers make for an exquisite and thoughtful gift that can brighten someone’s day instantly. Whether it’s a cheerful bouquet to cheer up a friend or a luxurious arrangement sent to family you can’t visit, flowers are a heartfelt way to express love and gratitude during the festive season.

8. Long-Lasting Beauty

Many winter flowers, such as amaryllis and lilies, are not only beautiful but also long-lasting when cared for properly. With just a little attention, you can enjoy their blooms well into the new year, allowing you to extend that festive feeling for a few extra weeks. By adding water regularly, trimming the stems, and keeping arrangements away from direct heat, you can ensure they last throughout the Christmas season.

Conclusion

Filling your home with beautiful flowers at Christmastime is more than just a decorative choice; it’s a way to celebrate the season with nature’s own artwork. Flowers bring elegance, joy, and a sense of tranquillity into our spaces, making them the perfect addition to your holiday celebrations. Whether you’re hosting a grand Christmas feast, enjoying a cosy evening by the fireplace, or simply wanting to brighten your space during these dark winter months, fresh flowers can bring an extra touch of festive magic to your home.

So this Christmas, consider embracing the beauty of nature and the timeless elegance of fresh flowers. After all, it’s the little details that make the season truly special.

Colombian flowers make love go round the world 8 times!

 

If love makes the world go round then Colombian flowers are on track to make it spin this Valentine’s Day!

More than 500,000,000 Colombian flowers are being shipped to countries around the world to meet the February 14th deadline including over 5 million roses into the UK. That’s enough flowers to go round the world at least 8 times.

And not only will Colombian flowers be saying ‘I love you’ in a truly international language but helping provide safe and financially rewarding work for over 200,000 workers in Colombia who work directly or indirectly for the country’s second biggest export business.

Speaking today in Bogotá, capital of Colombia, Augusto Solano, President of Asocolflores, the Association of Colombian Flower Exporters, said: “We are on the threshold of the most important season for our industry. Colombian growers are renowned for their quality roses which are sold in high end stores like Marks & Spencer, Waitrose and quality independent florists. 

"With larger heads and strong stems they have become the rose of choice for customers wanting something extra special to express their love and friendship.”

Due to the near perfect growing conditions in the Sabana de Bogotá, just outside the capital city, Colombia produces amazing flowers with larger heads, stronger stems and more vibrant colours.

More importantly the country is acknowledged as one of the leaders in terms of social and environmental achievements with an independently audited certification programme, Florverde, which has Global Gap approval and is respected by some of the most demanding flower buyers in the UK.

Solano continued: “In 2011 over USD 5 million was spent by the Colombian flower industry on local social programmes that directly benefitted more than 90,000 workers and their families. Be it low-cost housing, schools, university programmes or medical services, the money spent on flowers throughout the world is directly fed back to the people who grow and look after them.”

For more information visit www.colombianflowers.co.uk

Flowers still top Valentine lists

The latest user survey conducted by dedicated money-saving website DiscountVouchers.co.uk has this week revealed that the majority of Britons still rate the top Valentine’s Day gift to be flowers.

DiscountVouchers.co.uk regularly surveys its site users and this week reveals that the leading Valentine's Day gift is flowers, with 40% of respondents picking this. Next in the poll results was jewellery with 34% while the poll also showed that 9% of people prefer not to give any gift at all Valentine's Day.

The top ten Valentine’s Day presents uncovered by the voucher codes website poll were: 1. Flowers. 2. Jewellery. 3. Nothing. 4. Chocolates. 5. Champagne. 6. Lingerie. 7. Teddy bear. 8. Simple card. 9. Perfume. 10. CD.

For more information visit www.discountvouchers.co.uk

The Salvation Army’s work is set to bloom this Christmas

A special charity bouquet has been created by internet retailer Flying Flowers to help fund the International organisation’s projects to support the homeless, families struggling to cope, the elderly or lonely and individuals who want to overcome addictions.

Major Ray Irving, Territorial Social Services Secretary said: “The Salvation Army has a long history of offering practical support to people who are vulnerable or in need and we are needed this Christmas more than ever.

“We rely on the generosity of others and are so grateful to Flying Flowers for creating a special charity Christmas bouquet. This means that people can buy festive flowers for that special someone whilst helping us help others.”

Two pounds from the sale of each Salvation Army Charity Bouquet, priced at £25.99 will go directly to the charity. The stunning display features scented red Freesia, red Roses, Ming Fern and festive Gold Beargrass.

Last year the flower company – which celebrated 30 years in business earlier this year – raised over £7,000 on behalf of charity from sales of its Christmas bouquet.

Tom Barker, Flying Flowers’ Brand Manager, added: “We love this time of year, when we can really spoil our loved ones. But it’s even better when you know you’re doing your bit for charity, too. That’s why our experts have created the stunning Salvation Army Charity Bouquet, as it’s a charity that’s close to our – and our customers’ – hearts. Hopefully we can raise just as much, if not more, than we did last year for such a worthy cause.”

To buy the Salvation Army Charity Bouquet go to: http://www.flyingflowers.co.uk/on/demandware.store/Sites-ff-...