It’s time again to enjoy the orchids

The world’s most beautiful orchids are on display through Sunday

at the 23rd annual Fascination of Orchids International Show & Sale,

hosted by South Coast Plaza. Enthusiasts know that its one of the

most esteemed and largest orchid shows in the country. About 60 of

the most prestigious orchid vendors, more than 100 stunning orchid

displays and 30,000 of the finest orchids are here. This year’s

theme, “Orchids and Wine,” ties in perfectly with the Newport’s only

winery, Newport Beach Vineyards and Winery, whose label is an orchid.

An impressive display will feature the new label.

www.southcoastplaza.com.

YET MORE ORCHIDS

Also, Green Systems International will be selling thousands of

beautiful blooming orchids priced from $5 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Saturday. They make great Valentine’s Day gifts. The wholesale

nursery is at 20362 S W. Birch St., Newport Beach. (949) 756-1211.

FURNITURE FOR CHEAP

Von Hemert Interiors is having its 83rd anniversary sale through

March 2. Great bargains on furniture and home accessories -- prices

are reduced up to 50%. Included in the sale are high-quality brand

names: Baker, Century, Hickory White, Maitland-Smith and exclusive

European imports. Von Hemerts also offers design consulting, custom

drapery and furniture and flooring. 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday to

Saturday; 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. Von Hemert’s Costa Mesa Showroom

is at 1595 Newport Blvd., Costa Mesa. (949) 642-2050.

HOP ABOARD A LOVE BOAT

Balboa Boat Rentals is offering a “sweetheart deal” that’s perfect

for sunset cruises on Valentine’s Day. Rent an electric boat for an

hour and receive a half-hour free. All boats are equipped with a full

canopy, table and radio. Balboa Boat Rentals is adjacent to the Auto

Ferry on the Balboa Peninsula. (949) 673-7200.

THINK JEWELRY FOR VALENTINE’S

Blackman Ltd. Jewelers is having a New Year sale that’s also ideal

for Valentine’s gifts. Many items are reduced 40%. Included in the

sale are globes, Christmas collectibles, china and jewelry from

Michael Good and Carrera. Assorted yellow and white gold rings,

pendants and earrings. Open from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Tuesday

through Saturday, and by appointment Monday. 3408 Via Oporto, Newport

Beach. (949) 673-9334.

CRUISE INTO THE AMERICAN

CANCER DISCOVERY SHOP

The American Cancer Discovery Shop is having a “cruising into

spring high tea” trunk show on Friday. The show will feature cruise

wear and designer accessories. Gently used designer apparel includes

Halston, Jaeger, St. John Knits, Escada, Nina Ricci, Ralph Lauren,

TAGA, Todd Oldham, Oleg Cassini, Christian Dior and Sonia Rykell.

Scones, teas, entertainment and a silent auction are part of the

festivities. Open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday.

2600 E. Coast Highway, Corona del Mar. (949) 640-4777.

PLENTY OF GIFT IDEAS

FROM FASHION ISLAND

Fashion Island has some great Valentine’s gift ideas. For high-end

gifts, there’s Traditional Jewelers. Find beautiful selections of

diamond necklaces, platinum and diamond rings or diamond stud

earrings for her, or a classic timepiece for him. One of my favorite

stores, Anthropologie, has candles, pajamas, scented soaps and

lotions. Teuscher chocolates are considered by many to be the finest

in the world. Flown in fresh from Switzerland, Teuscher chocolates

have the best, natural ingredients. The house specialty -- a

champagne truffle with a cream center of Dom Perignon -- is a perfect

gift. For bookworms, pick up the latest best seller at Barnes &

Noble. The Greenhouse Spa offers treatments for men and women, as

well as gift certificates. It also makes gift baskets of products to

create the spa environment at home. The Greenhouse Spa has a complete

line of skincare products, candles and more. For the perfect

Valentine’s Day celebration at home, pick up a bottle of fine wine or

champagne at Beverage & more. It’s known to have California’s largest

selection of fine wine, beer, champagne and spirits. Build-a-Bear

Workshop also has numerous Valentine’s Day gift ideas that are

perfect for personalized gifts. New offerings include a white

Valentine bear with red heart accents on its paws, and Valentine

Pawlette and Bearemy, dressed in their finest attire for Valentine’s

Day.

GET SOME BONUS COOKIES

At Bloomingdale’s, spend $75 in the intimate apparel department

through Saturday and receive a red heart-shaped tin filled with

cookies from Mrs. Field’s. Bloomingdale’s is at Fashion Island in

Newport Beach. (949) 729-6775.

* BEST BUYS appears Mondays and Fridays. Send information to

Greer Wylder at greerwylder@yahoo.com; at 330 W. Bay St., Costa Mesa,

CA 92627; or by fax at (949) 646-4170.