Product Feature: The Christmas Pickle

We are very happy to have gotten in our Christmas pickles from Kitras, handcrafted glass pieces that tell a story.  Here's the story of the Christmas pickle.

If you want to start a fun, quirky tradition with your family,  consider picking up a Kitras Christmas pickle.

5 Poinsettia Facts!

We were excited to get our first shipment of Poinsettias this week, so in honor of the winter season officially beginning, here are some facts about Poinsettias plants!

1. Poinsettias are native to Mexico.

A wild type poinsettia

It may be hard to picture them in the hot, dry, snow-less setting of South America, but Poinsettias were cultivated in Mexico.

2.  They have no flowers.

If you look closely at a Poinsettia's foliage, you may notice that the red 'petals' of the plant are actually just leaves!  This happens when the plant receives at least five consecutive nights with 12 hours of darkness, as well as lots of daytime sun.

3.  They have a long history.

Poinsettias were used as far back as the time of the Aztecs, where they were used to create red dye as well as a fever-reducing drug.  In the early 1900's, a man named Albert Ecke developed growing techniques that allowed the plants to thrive.  By the late 1990's Albert's family had created an empire around the Poinsettia, and its' popularity had spread to America.

4. There are several varieties.

We may think of the classic red leaves when we think about poinsettias, but several varieties have been bred, from a light pink to white to a variegated 'Jingle Bells' variety.

A Jingle Bells plant

5. They aren't as toxic as you've heard.

Claims of Poinsettias being highly toxic have spread over the years, but in actuality they cause very little damage if ingested.  Still, care should be taken so pets or small children don't accidentally eat any part of the plant.

Fall Fun Event Alert!!!

If you're looking for a festive way to finish off fall and get in the mood for the holidays, consider spending the day touring beautifully decorated homes and shopping in a pop-up boutique for winter trends, all for a good cause!

The Children's Hospital Association North Oaks Guild I is happy to announce its 2017 Home for the Holidays Home Tour and Boutique, and Hummingbird Floral and Gifts is pleased to once again take part in decorating a home for the tour.

With your tax-deductible donation of $35 you will receive a ticket for this event offered on both the 17th and 18th of November from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM.  Several homes throughout North Oaks will have received makeovers.  Our theme this year is 'Dr. Seuss meets the gnomes', so expect unusual, creative, and colorful designs to take over an already beautiful house.  Besides being incredible to look at, we have decorated with the season's hottest trends so you can get ideas for your own home makeover!

A gnome you might find at our home!

After the home tour, participants will be able to browse a pop-up boutique, where Hummingbird Floral and Gifts will be offering some of the pieces used to decorate the home and lots more!

There will be an optional buffet luncheon at the North Oaks Golf Club for $25, and reservations should be made to the club at 651-484-8585

All proceeds from the ticket sales for this event will benefit the Children's Hospital of Minnesota, an incredible organization benefiting children and families.

If you'd like to get involved with this charity, tour dazzling homes, and find some wonderful boutique items, you can buy tickets online at northoakshometour.org or stop by the shop to pick them up.

So mark your calendars for Friday, November 17 or Saturday, November 18 for a fun filled day!