The bright yellow leaves carpeting the lawn of the old Victorian house intensifies the crispness of the fall air. The rooms are lit with bright sunlight, filtering through antique stained glass, and a soft fragrance invites visitors to soak in the elegant coziness permeating the boutique.
Eclectically trendy clothing, brilliant children's frocks, sparkling vintage-turned-chic jewelry and the vividly-colored blossoms of the Flower Basket Boutique combine to welcome clientele and add a bit of cheerful European air to Utah.
"I love beautiful things," said Meta Coleman, designer and buyer for the Flower Basket Boutique. "I love a lot of different cultures and experiencing that culture, and I love color. The vision for the store is for people to have unique things ... something unique that you can appreciate, something to beautify yourself, to beautify your home and to give as gifts."
While regarded as solely a flower shop, the Flower Basket Boutique offers a selection of uniquely stylish clothing and home accessories as well as events and activities for customers to indulge in, such as the Black and White Event tonight at 6.
Urging guests to dress up in elegant black and white apparel, Coleman described the event as a warm and cozy party: "It's really fun. People really do enjoy it. It's sort of Marie Antoinette inspired. It's an excuse to dress up."
The event features guest artist Andy Martin, guitarist and singer, a fashion show highlighting the boutique's fall and winter lines and a contest with prizes for guests' attire. Luminous candles, sweet hors d'oeuvres and sparkling, non-alcoholic drinks add to the elegant cocktail-party feel of the event.
"We are really excited about this. It's going to be so fun," said Bonnie Whitaker, boutique owner. "We'd love to have everyone dress up in their very best black and white and you can be as outrageous as you like and really have fun with it. I know that Halloween is over, but we're looking for some really fun, unique outfits."
While flowering blooms dazzle the eye, the boutique is hoping that newly-offered classes bloom as well.
The boutique offers a monthly book club every last Wednesday of the month where any interested member of the community can join in a stimulating discussion. The Nov. 29 book club group, meeting from 7 to 9 p.m., will discuss "Tender at the Bone," a book written by the editor-in-chief of "Gourmet" magazine, Ruth Reichl. She has also served as the "New York Times" food critic and as a writer for "Food" magazine, so this discussion should be deliciously tantalizing .
"Knitting in November" classes will take place Nov. 8, 15 and 22 for beginning knitters. Participants should bring their own needles and choice of yarn. The first article will be something simple, like a scarf, Coleman said.
More classes are in the works for December with "Creative Pick" craft nights where Coleman explained that different approaches to quilting on cards or painting with scissors will be introduced.
Besides the color of blossoming plants and the community feel of its new classes, the boutique offers distinct style with home furnishings. Large Thomas Paul pillows, Scandinavian-designed bedding and brightly colored dishes line the shelves as the scent of Voluspa candles create a warm fragrance throughout the store.
"I love the atmosphere and design," said Libbie Gardner, a boutique florist. "It's just really unique and has its own style."
To be included in the monthly newsletter, detailing classes and other store information, stop in at 409 N. University to sign up on the mailing list.
Info Box
What:The Black & White Event
Where:The Flower Basket Boutique
409 N University Ave, Provo
When:Thursday, 6 p.m.
Admission: Free
Copyright Brigham Young University 1 Nov 2006
