SPRINGTIME FLORALS

I've sneezed about sixteen times since working on this story, but you know what? I wouldn't take the seasonal allergies back if it meant giving up days touched by sunlight and the truly mood-altering blooms covering the city. Spring is officially here, and with it the promise of the longest days and the sweetest bouquets.

Florals are sort of our thing at LES, so when a new season arrives, we're eager to explore its bounty. Spring's, in particular, is plentiful. The only time of the year to get cherry blossom and magnolia branches, not to mention tulips galore, cheery daffodils, and the sweetest peonies waiting to unfurl.

Our BLOOM launch has certainly elevated the already abundant mood for us, and - sneezes aside - we're trying to make the most of the always-fleeting season. As always, bringing the outdoors in is one of our favorite finishing touches on a room. In addition to the flowers above, we're filling our vases with gardenias, freesia, sweet peas, and roses.

"FOR A HOMEMADE BOUQUET, WE RECOMMEND USING A STATEMENT VESSEL, GROUPING DIFFERENT VARIETALS OF THE SAME OR SIMILAR HUE, CREATING DEPTH WITH VARYING HEIGHTS, AND A SCULPTURAL MOMENT ALWAYS"

Tulips, true artists of their own, are typically readily available and relatively low maintenance. We love to pull back their petals, revealing an Alice In Wonderland exaggerated shape and colors perfect for a springtime setting. Foraging your own branches - whether bloom-filled or still bare - is fun and adds height, depth, and ambiance to any setting. And really, what is a spring afternoon without a few freshly cut roses swimming beside you, their smell delicately filling the room and your mind. A chic and simple Ikebana-style arrangement is another easy and impactful way to go. Grab a flower frog, a few stems, a beautiful vessel, and get creative. Et voilà! You're a florist and a sculptor. Happy spring!