How to Take Flowers to Your Host

Your host will appreciate the brilliance of fresh flowers after a long day of party planning. The scent and hue may fade with time, but the gesture will be remembered.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Curling Ribbons
• Gift Ribbons
• Tissue Paper
• Gift Cards
• Amethyst Flowers
• Bellflower Plants
• Cape Fuchsia Plants
• Cellophane Gift Wrap
• Flower Bouquets
• Gift Bags
• Gift Bows
• Planting Containers
• Sunflowers
• Tulips
• Wrapping Paper
• Tissue paper

1. Buy flowers a few hours prior to the party to ensure maximum freshness and pertness.

2. Select medium-sized flowers. Avoid buying gargantuan displays of petals and stalks simply to impress your host.

3. Choose two or three different types of blooms, all in complementary colors.

4. Consider a small, potted flower plant that your host can eventually replant. Potted flowers will last much longer than freshly cut bouquets.

5. Envelop the bouquet or potted plant in tissue or colored cellophane paper, and wrap with a color-coordinated ribbon.

Tips & Warnings

• Consider sending the flowers ahead the day of the party. This will give your host an opportunity to find a vase and arrange the flowers before the guests arrive.
• Adding a touch of sugar to the flower water inside the vase will help to preserve the freshness of the bouquet.
• Keep in mind that the beautiful calla lily is traditionally a condolence flower, but these days it's becoming a multipurpose flower.

on 11/22/2005 Keep in mind that your host/hostess may too busy greeting guests and serving appetizers or drinks to find a vase and arrange flowers. Depending on the crowd size and party type, pre-potted or pre-arranged flowers may be more appropriate.