Olivier Guigni’s recently released,  inspiring book, Living Art (Scribners) is refreshing….  He shows how flowers can and should just fit in our every day lives and not just reserved for extravagant occasions.  One of my all time favorites (see below) has been the way Olivier uses huge tropical (and pliable) philodendron leaves to wrap flowers.  Makes me imagine this is what a ‘flower-burrito’ would look like.

It is fitting that the forward is by Cathernine Deneuve because like her, Olivier’s soul and artistry exude a relevant,  quiet elegance.  Congratulations Olivier!  Your tasteful and talent-filled book will surely find its rightful place, nestled in the shelves right next to other floral innovators –   icons like Madderlake, Ronaldo Maia, Tage Anderson and  Daniel Ost.

Member Compositions shared some lovely pictures of downtown Portland.  Seems the locals have definitely gotten into the Holiday mood with beautiful trees and hanging lights.  Scroll down a little further in their blog for festive Holiday beverage recipes.  Yum!!

Hanukkah- the festival of lights, starts on the Hebrew calendar date of 25 Kislev, and lasts for eight days. The secular dates this year are  December 1 – 9.

Hanukkah  is celebrated by the Jewish community for eight days in late November or early December. It is celebrated in remembrance of Maccabeus’s victory against Antiochus of Syria. Hanukkah flowers symbolize the honor and pride of that victory. It is a celebration of thanks giving and devotion to God. Traditionally,  Hanukkah flower arrangements are made up of blue and white flowers. Blue represents tranquility and peace, while white symbolizes purity and truth.

These days flowers in other colors are included.  So, if you’re not very particular about the traditional flowers, then you can opt for floral arrangements of one dozen long stem white roses.  To symbolize the festival of lights, you can also set up a couple of candles in these floral bouquets.

To make this beautiful festival even more memorable, you can present your guests with beautiful Hanukkah flowers when they leave.