What a Year It Has Been!

As I reflect upon 2018, I’m proud of all the endeavors that came together in 12 short months, and thankful that so many of my hopes for the shop have been realized.

As we move into 2019, I want to take a moment to commemorate some of the milestones we reached this past year.

provence tour

When my good friend Sharon Santoni, creator of the blog 'My French Country Home,' suggested that we put together a Provence tour, I jumped at the chance. To my joy, 13 wonderful clients from our area joined me on this carefully curated trip with local expert Sharon as our guide. It truly was a trip that I will cherish for a lifetime.

Floral workshop in france

It had always been a goal of mine to teach what is so near and dear to me in the place I once called home. 25 years later, I had the pleasure of teaching my own floral workshop in the South of France. By returning to France as an experienced floral artist and teaching during the tour last May, I fulfilled a dream, which I hope to continue on future trips.

book signing

It was only a few years ago when I met Sharon in France, while shopping at one of my favorite antique fairs. Fast forward a few years and trips to France, a wonderful friendship formed. We bonded on all things French – especially antiques, florals and gardens.

When Sharon had finished her second book on entertaining, we were fortunate to welcome her to Les Fleurs during her book tour. It was our first book signing and thankfully, the response from all of you was overwhelming! Sharon signed more than 100 books and chatted with captivated fans while we went through 22 flatbread pizzas from Yella restaurant! As always, I’m so very thankful for your support.

newport flower show

Although last June was the 23rd year of the Newport Flower Show, it was the first for Les Fleurs. Every year, the historic Rosecliff Mansion in Newport, Rhode Island hosts a 3-day event that is dedicated to all things floral and we were incredibly excited to exhibit at this renowned event. The show featured an opening-night cocktail hour with live walking tree ladies, beautiful floral exhibits throughout the mansion, and a lecture by Martha Stewart.

It was a fun weekend and a great opportunity to show our work. I’m proud that our exhibit was so well received. I encourage you to attend next year and if you do, please look for us near the event tent! Dates to follow ...promise:)

new puppy

This past July we added a new puppy to our family. My husband decided (without my consent:) that it would be a good idea to have a “shop pup” around to keep the Fleurettes company and greet our customers with his adorable furry face. Our “Obie” has become the official mascot of the shop and a complete joy to be around. I’m officially an adoring mom.

a wedding & A new baby

This past summer, during the month of August, a few new members were added to our “Fleurettes family.”
We are blessed to have so much love around the shop!

Our plants expert, Danielle, got married to her love, Blair, in a beautiful outdoor ceremony and reception.

That bouquet!

pretty in pink!

A few weeks later, our General Manager, Cate, gave birth to a beautiful baby girl, Savannah Rye.

FLORAL WORKSHOPS

Teaching others who are eager to learn about flowers brings back memories of when my mother would show me the techniques of flower design. I’m honored to be able to share these lessons with those who love flowers as much as I do. It’s truly rewarding to inspire others to do something outside of their comfort zone and then see them with happy faces at the end of the workshop as they admire their beautiful creations.

Stay tuned for new workshops in 2019!

WHAT’S NEW ON THE HORIZON

As I sit here and reflect back on the last 12 months, I feel grateful for all the new connections I have made with so many people. I love hearing the stories about how our little French flower shop has inspired you and I hope you will continue to share them by commenting on our blog or when visiting our shop.

I am excited for the big, beautiful things coming in the year ahead, in our lives and in yours; I can’t wait to see how it all unfolds. As always, we are so very thankful for your support in 2018. May your New Year be filled with love and joy.

Bonne Année - Happy New Year.

XOXO,
Sandra