Bouquets for the Online Shop

Spent Saturday morning making these gorgeous bouquets which will be featured in our new online store. Of course, making them is one thing. But having to think of a reference for them, i.e. a name for each bouquet or even a reference number requires thought. Besides, the terms and conditions are vital too. Modes of payment have also to be considered. So much to think about... Meanwhile, enjoy them and let me know your favourites!

The White Orchid Living Store

I am so proud to share with you a few photos of the new store, which is just behind our current shop at 10 York Road. This building used to be a car repair workshop, then a fruit and vegetables store, before finally being used by a joiner who made staircases, doors and door frames, windows and anything which could be fashioned out of wood. But now, it is becoming a destination outlet for the local community and hopefully in the future for people further afield. We have already had a photoshoot done for a cake designer in combination with some of our furniture and gifts. I hope to see the images in some magazines soon. Many visitors have asked if the venue is available for meetings, conferences and networking groups. We are open to any proposal and if you would like to come for a viewing, please drop by anytime between 10.00am and 5.00pm. We will be delighted to discuss your requirements. But here are a few photos to entice you and set your imagination alight!

The White Orchid Living

The last few weeks have been packed with decisions to make, plans on how our new venture is going to look, how to market the products and services we will provide and all the little details that will make the place a destination worth everyone's while.

The first of three chandeliers going up... took our breath away!

The place where many of our heart-warming and mouth-watering meals will be made... with love, of course! 

We have done our research on the local shopping experience and have, with most of our customers, friends and associates, come to the conclusion that there really isn't a shop that is all encompassing.  The experience of going into a store which not only enthuses you but inspires you, is so important these days. Most of the big stores tend not to deliver in those areas mainly through their lack of differentiation in terms of merchandise and service.
Everything is homogenised and there is not much to make you smile, think or even decide to feel you wish to part with your cash, for the sake of possessing that object which should ultimately bring days, months, and years of enjoyment.

Here's a taster of what is to come at The White Orchid Living store.  Let us know what you think!

 Beautiful floral arrangements and our usual inimitable bouquets,

 wall art and ornaments,

 repainted, vintage furniture - mainly French,

 a very exclusive collection of well-chosen  pieces of beautifully made occasion dresses,

 ideas for wedding or dining celebrations,

 delicious and pretty cakes to tempt you to tea,

 two main new ranges of room sprays and candles with the most mesmerising scents by Christian Tortu - celebrated florist of Paris and Ines de la Fressange, the all time-face of France and muse of Karl Lagerfeld of Chanel,

 interiors to make you go change a whole room scheme,

 various shades of candles to add to the splendour of Autumn and Christmas,

 new glass and ceramic vases for all your floral dreams and inclinations,

and altogether a different new approach to living the dream of a beautiful life...

Time to think of a learning experience.

The Summer is nearly over -  I have done quite a bit this summer, namely taking part in the Hampton Court Palace Flower Show, which was a real learning experience.  I met many people who have shown an interest in floristry and the beauty of nature. From bloggers, horticulturalists, hobbyists, specialist growers of plants, landscape designers to food enthusiasts,  I enjoyed talking to all of them.

Of course, being a shopkeeper means you are usually tied to the shop, hence, taking part in something like a flower show does smack of country mouse going to town!

I was requested to do two demonstrations at the theatre and the number of people who sat in absolute silence and paying a  hundred percent attention was very, very flattering.  Therefore,  the necessity of a beautiful execution done in the best possible style is not to be dismissed.

I love the interaction, the inquisitive-ness (if there is such a word) and the sheer congratulatory smiles and nods which made me feel really warm and fuzzy.  I have been creating for ten years and this year marks our tenth anniversary wwhich means a whole series of celebrations and new experiences.

One of our latest offerings at The White Orchid are classes which, hopefully will inspire you to pick up those secateurs and start harvesting from your walks in the woods or simply learn how to transform those flowers your friends bring you into stunning arrangements.

Autumn sees us with a different palette and basket of seeds, fruit and berries.  Nearer Christmas, our wreath or garland workshops will make your front door the talk of the street.  So do join in and book your learning experience with us.  They are are filling up fast so do not leave it too late as after all,  September is the month to think of acquiring new skills.

Coming up next -  'Healthy Eating' food classes?  Game?

My Fantasy Cafe...

Whenever the lunch hour arrives, I begin to think of what I could have to eat.  Alas, the street where I work simply does not provide the kind of food I so crave and like to eat on a daily basis.  Sandwiches can be predictable in their fillings, the same goes for paninis and being allergic to dairy products, my range of consumables are lessened. Asian food which are simple and ready to go are lacking - it's always the full-blown three course lunch and frankly, who has the time these days?

All I ask is for something to be seasonal, fresh and tasty, it could be a beautiful salad made of ripe tomatoes drizzled with olive oil, seasoned with fresh basil and sprinkled with lemon zest!  Or a pack of hot gyozas (vegetarian or meat dumplings pan fried and steamed) with a great dipping sauce or simply a hot slurpy potato and leek soup garnished with a few shreds of crispy bacon or pan fried chorizo cubes served with a chunky seeded roll.

Therefore, I have come up with my idea of a cafe with all those yummy food to be served in my fantasy cafe.  Would you visit and have lunch here?

Appetisers.

                                                         Prawn Toasts.

                                                         Bean and mushroom soup.

                                                        Breakfast Tart.

                                                        Cucumber salad

                                                        Chicken in wonton skin cup.

                                         Red onion and feta cheese tart.

                                                         Spinach and carrot samosas.

                                                       Delectable and popular maki rolls.



Some interesting and mouthwatering mains...

                                                          Vietnamese Beef Salad.

                                       Rice Soup with chicken shreds - warming and nutritious.

                                                    Chicken in sweet stick sauce served with rice.

Japanese Curry

                                                        
                                                            Pan fried vegetarian or meat gyozas.
                                                       

                                                        Baked salmon and asparagus and onion.

                                                      Rice topped with pork, onion and black bean stir fry.

Turkey meat balls served with quinoa or couscous.

What do we have for drinks?

                                                      Iced coffee jelly with almond milk.

                                                         Pink lemonade.

                                        Mint and lime mojito served with crushed ice.

Of course, there will be sparking and still mineral water, organic fruit juices, iced green tea, and other thirst quenching cold, cold refreshing sweet and smooth beverages... mmm.

As if that is not enough, we will also have some scrumptious desserts like fruit tarts, chocolate delights, soft airy cakes that melt in your mouth, meringues with seasonal berries or caramel sauce... slurp, slurp...

                                                        Gingerbread doughnuts with caramel.

                                                     Berry and pistachio nougat.

                                                   Fresh fruit ice cubes.

                         Japanese sweets made from rice flour- usually with a sweet aduki bean filling.

                              Beautiful handmade cakes to eat in or take away for a special occasion.

                                                             Strawberry cup cake.

                                                     Ice-cold porridge with fresh summer fruit.

                                                   Meringue with nutella.

Of course, if you do not have the time to sit and enjoy your food here in our welcoming and comfortable cafe, you can always have them to take away - in lovely decorated boxes which say, fresh, nutritious, soul energising and feeling good....

Who is coming?

All images are from pinterest.