Interflora Articles
Selecting the Right Bouquet
Deciding to send flowers and remembering the date of the occasion is only half of the battle; now you must select the perfect bouquet that will convey the perfect message.
Consider the Budget
Thinking about how much to spend on a bouquet does not simply mean thinking about how much you can afford to spend. Although you should definitely set a maximum budget that is comfortable for you, you must also think about the amount of money that is appropriate.
Consider it this way - you are going to purchase three bouquets: one for an acquaintance who has just had a baby, one for your grandmother, and one for your partner with whom you're celebrating your 10 year anniversary. Are you going to spend the same amount on each? Didn't think so.
For very special occasions and those who are closest to you, it is appropriate to make a grand gesture and spend the maximum that your budget will allow. This sort of extravagance will be appreciated and make the recipient feel very special.
For "Just Because . . . " bouquets and ones for your family, consider prioritizing beauty and sentiment over price. In these situations extravagance could make the person feel uncomfortable and the gesture can come across as being insincere. Instead, stay within your budget, but do not feel that you need to spend it all.
For friends and occasions where many bouquets are likely to be sent, such as a birthday or new addition to the family, you should focus on making your gesture stand out. Consider your budget as the range in which you are able to spend, and then choose an interesting or unique arrangement from within that range. A great idea on these occasions is to send potted flowers, bouquets with small gifts such as teddy bears or vases, or even forgo flowers all together and send balloons.
Consider Personal Taste and Circumstance
Remember that the flowers you are sending are meant to make the recipient feel special, so consider their unique taste in your selection. Have you visited the recipient's home lately? What colours were most prominent? If they tend towards earthy tones and minimal clutter, consider a beautiful Asian inspired bouquet with orchids or a single Lilly. If they are eccentric and a little freer in their expression, why not send a bouquet with outrageous blooms such as a Bird of Paradise?
Also consider what will make the person say "Wow!" A young lady, on her 12th birthday may be amazed to receive such a grown up gift as a formal bouquet of roses. A new mother would likely appreciate a bouquet that is easy to care for and requires no special attention.
Consider Sentiment
If you are sending a bouquet to someone who you know well, then it can be very personal and thoughtful to send one that sparks a memory. Did your mother used to grow a particular flower in her garden? Does your partner favour the scent of a particular floral perfume?
The sentiment need not be directly connected with the flower itself, but can be linked to the colour of the bloom. For example, on an anniversary, send flowers that reflect the wedding colours.
The main point is this: selecting the perfect bouquet means more than selecting one that is beautiful. All bouquets are beautiful in their own right; it's a matter of choosing the one that will be most beautiful to the recipient - and that will take some deep thinking on your part.
Non-Poisonous and Edible Flowers
There are many messages that bouquets can convey to the receiver. They can tell someone that you love them, that you are sorry, that you are proud of them, or just that you care.
Receiving a gorgeous bouquet will be the highlight of anyone's day - particularly when the sender takes the time to think about the recipient's unique needs. For those homes with small children and animals, it is very important to have flowers that are not harmful or poisonous.
Luckily, there are many safe flowers and plants that are non-toxic. Yet, why stop there? Why not consider sending a bouquet that is edible! In addition to enjoying the way the flowers look, your special person will also be able to enhance their food and beverages with your thoughtful gift.
A Bouquet Of Flavours Await
- Citrus Plants: Although it is unlikely that your bouquet will go to fruit, the foliage from citrus plants is very exotic to look at and tangy to the taste.
- English Daisy: This flower tastes tangy and leafy.
- Hibiscus: This flower tastes slightly acidic, and if boiled, can make a nice beverage.
- Marigold: A spicy and bitter plant, with a beautiful bloom.
- Chives: Chives that have flowered can make for a very beautiful and simple bouquet.
- Chamomile: Pretty and simple flowers, that can be boiled for tea.
- Pansy: These flowers are very mild and sweet, with a hint of tart flavour.
Other Flowers to Consider
For those gardeners looking for a more adventurous gardening experience, considering trying all these different types of edible flowers:
- Sunflowers: The more common usage for sunflowers are their seeds, however, their leafs are slightly bitter. If you lightly steam the petals, the bitterness will go away.
- Coriander: This flower is pungent and is a prime ingredient in salsa. It tastes soapy and adds flavour to your ethnic dish.
- Honeysuckle: The petals are very tasty, but be sure that the bouquet does not contain any berries which are toxic.
- Jasmine: This plant has a delicate, sweet flavour and can be used for teas.
- Borage: This plant tastes like a cucumber
More Common Than You May Think
There are many common flowers that are completely edible and you may not even know it:
- Carnation: These common flowers may add spicy, peppery, clove-like flavours to your meal.
- Rose: A rose petal may produce sweet aromatic flavours. Be sure to remove the bitter white portion of the petals.
- Thyme: Added to any meal, thyme tastes like lemon and adds a nice light scent.
Not only will this selection of edible flowers and foliage allow you to create interesting and unexpected bouquets, they will also ensure that your gift can be safely enjoyed by the
whole family.
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