Marilyn and Phyllis flew to Paris Feb. 1st to check out the Parisian flower scene to stay au courant…we saw how some of the finest hotels in the world are decorating their lobbies, and what the top flower shops are doing for bouquets, displays and window dressings. Here’s a few examples of what we enjoyed…..

Here’s a few examples of what we enjoyed…..

Never are we disappointed with the Four Season’s George V.  Under master designer Jeff Leatham’s leadership, his team created displays of luscious spray roses, orchids, cherry blossom branches and calla lilies…all in pink and purple tones. His displays are a feast for the eyes and always worth a look-see if you are in Paris.

Four Season’s George V

At the Hotel du Crillon the standing order for arrangements is roses, roses, roses! Beautiful quality and timelessly elegant, just like the palace hotel itself!

Hotel du Crillon

Overall, pink and white roses were #1 flower on show. At the famous Lachaume florist shop on Rue Royale and René Veyrat on Blvd. Haussmann, roses, ranunculus and orchids were plentiful in beautiful containers on tables, the marble floors, in their windows…such delicious sights on a chilly winter’s day!

Another favourite is the window of Le Bourgeon, 3 Rue du Pyramide, which was filled with exquisite small vases of orchid blooms, gnarly grape branches, radiant Amaryllis blooms in tall crackled turquoise vases…great combination of “chic rustique!”

The big difference in Paris (which we love) is that all the flower shops keep their flowers out on display – not hibernating in big coolers like we see and come to expect inToronto. InParisyou can walk amongst the roses, orchids, tulips, hydrangeas, peonies and luscious ranunculus…and it seems they pick you, not the other way around!!

A bientot!

Catherine Lash did a great job discussing weddings for 2012 and introducing Lilium, Cake Opera Co., Rue Pigalle, etc.  The Banquet table is becoming a more popular way of seating guests for a most enjoyable wedding dinner. We added touches of fruits and nuts to the table to make it feel more communal and almost Elizabethan!

CTV’s Marcie Ien had lots of questions for Catherine about planning today’s weddings. And she introduced The Wedding Co. inaugural magazine which is beautiful, and informative.

 The Cake Opera Co.

The Wedding Co. Show was a big success (January 13-15) despite the arctic cold front that swept through Toronto!

We had a “Marie Antoinette” theme this year and many brides stopped by to see our display and chat about their pending weddings. Many had questions about the various types of flowers we used in our arrangements (mainly beautiful garden roses) and what season can they use peonies!  Our arrangement of foliage with a cheery touch of heart-warming lilac got lots of comments –  “where do you get lilac in January?!” Spring hopes eternal!

Congratulations to Catherine Lash, Lindsay, Fiona and their team for a great job on the show!

Lilium’s booth was designed by Jordana Leventhal of Ethel Design

Lilium also provided arrangements for the The Wedding Co. booths.

 Hazlitt Vintage Rentals

The editors at SweetSpot.ca asked us to share with their readers step-by-step instructions on how to create a winter flower arrangement.  Our bouquet included white, silver and green flowers and foliage, and proves that making a professional-looking bouquet is easier than you think.  Click here to view our feature on the SweetSpot homepage.

Create a beautiful winter holiday wreath or arrangement with us at the Lilium boutique in one of our upcoming workships.  Details on our seasonal workshops can be found on our website at http://lilium.ca/seasonal-workshops.html

Let the Christmas season begin…

In The Oprah Magazine’s annual Favourite Things issue on stands now -

She’s handpicked Carrière Frères Candles as one of her favourite gifts this year… which are exclusively available in Toronto at Lilium!

We have a wide range of their beautiful scents available.  Stop by the shop or call us to select one for the favourite person on your list.

"I don't like a candle that overpowers, and these scents are so delicate. The botanical design is a pretty way to bring some nature indoors."—Oprah

This week a Lilium bouquet was profiled on The Wedding Co. blog.

‘I love flowers but don’t pretend for a minute to know all the names of them,’ wrote Catherine Lash, founder, editorial and creative director of The Wedding Co. ‘so when this picture of this beautiful bouquet ended up in my inbox the other day I had the designer Marilyn Lill of Lilium educate me a bit by describing what kind of bouquet it is and the flowers they used.’

Click here to read the entire blog posting.

We are excited to be exhibiting again The Wedding Co. Show January 13-15th.  Click here for details on the show.

This past weekend, Lilium was asked to participate in the first annual ‘Table Tops For All Occasions’ event presented by The May Court Club of Oakville. With the inspiration of Fresh & Fancy- Wedding Planning and Catered Events, a beautiful garden inspired bridal shower table was created! We worked with various textures and metals to create a lavish garden luncheon table, perfect for any bridal shower, ladies’ luncheon or tea party. This floral look can also be used to create a gorgeous Marie Antoinette themed wedding. The arrangements were in slate gray pedestal urns and overflowing with richly coloured shades of stunning pink Garden Roses, white Anemones, blue Hydrangeas, Bupleurum, soft yellow Parrot Tulips, blush pink Astilbe and petite Wine Grapes. We complimented the two larger arrangements with small mercury vases of petite arrangements of blown open Garden Roses. The colours of the arrangement were complimented by the delicious Parisian macaroons and miniature cakes created by Shelby Flynn of Fresh & Fancy. The event was a huge success and we thank everyone who came out!

Stop by the boutique and check out our new books!!

A beautiful and practical guide to flower arranging from acclaimed NY floral designer Grayson Handy. Perfect for anyone interested in flowers, decorating and entertaining.

This is the perfect book complete with over a decade’s worth of full color bouquets and other floral designs which will inspire beginner and novice alike.

Paula Pryke is one of the world’s leading floral designers and an inspiration to novices and experts alike. Packed with original ideas and invaluable techniques! Perfect for flower arrangers of any level.

This beautiful book will be a source of inspiration and instruction to anyone who loves flowers and wants to discover new ways to arrange them.

Elle Decor editor at large Carlos Mota shows how unexpected elements can make a style statement. A perfect gift!

At Lilium we love creating summertime centerpieces with flowers, fruits and even the occasional veggies! Great for al fresco dining, country theme parties, a touch of organic elegance, and definitely floral flare à la français!

Here are  a couple of ideas of centerpieces with roses, hydrangeas, peonies, waxflower, key limes, apricots and green grapes.  Created in a base of green oasis, greenery is added first then flowers, and finally the fruit.

This arrangement has a wonderful French flavour to it using a base of asparagus spears tied on with raffia (or interesting twine) then on a base of greenery, dahlias, peonies, roses, wild raspberries, key limes and grapes (on a taped pick) are added.

Add low bowls full of strawberries, key limes, grapes, kumquats, and cherries down your table centre to add colour and interest to the table design et voilà! This is one time your family and guests can sample the centrepiece!!