Faded blooms

This bunch of carnations was given to me on Thursday 31st January by some friends who came over for a meal and they are still going strong, if a little faded...(the flowers that is, the friends are not fading in the slightest!)
I have kept them on the hearth, (the fire never goes on!) instead of the traditional windowsill spot, and I wonder if this is the answer, or if they were just particularly hardy blooms! Anyway, whatever, I have enjoyed them very much!