Beyond Flowers - Thoughtful gifts for valentine's Day
We get it. Flowers can be so...cliché (we're looking at you, red roses). But they don't have to be. Paired with a thoughtfully chosen gift, flowers tell a story.
Looking Past The Roses: Thoughtful Gifting on Valentine's Day
Valentine's Day: the frenemy of florists everywhere. One of the biggest holidays of the year but also fraught with concerns: Prices skyrocket. Maintaining our high standards for quality while balancing volume. Will it snow?! Most importantly, in a sea of red roses, heart shaped boxes of chocolate, and cheesy greeting cards how do we stand out? How do we help our clients find the perfect gift to express a sincere sentiment of love?
The truth is despite all of the concerns from a business perspective I love it. My creative energy comes alive on holidays.
I love the prep - selecting this year's products and putting together new packages. Putting together our floral order and designing new florals. This year I've brought in some beautiful metal tins filled with delicious shortbread from Paris. I've added to our fine chocolate selection with boxes of Lady Merveilles organic candied orange peels dipped in dark chocolate beautifully presented in deep red boxes. Specialty teas, new spa products, watercolor books, and more all thoughtfully chosen to fill our shop shelves and our gift baskets.
Once the prep is done, the answer to it all is really very simple: Connect with the client. Take the time to listen. Ask questions about their Valentine. What is their favorite flower? Color? Scent? Do they like to cook? Have hobbies? Drink wine?
I love to chat with our walk in clients and learn more from every encounter - become better . The husband who came in pushing a baby stroller with his adorable 4 month old son nestled inside. While we cooed over his baby, he picked up one of our signature wooden baskets and walked around the shop delightedly filling it with treats for his wife. A specialty salt because she likes to cook, some spa products because she was a new mom who needed some time for self-care, some chocolate and a bottle of wine to share. He took the time to find things that would connect with her - that told a story of their life together. As a floral designer, that story helps guide and inspire me to create a complementary floral arrangement - one that conveys the thought and care put into selecting the perfect gift.
Whether you're struggling to settle on the perfect gift or know exactly what you're looking for, we're here to help you bring that vision to life and advise you along the way. Give us a call, stop by the shop in Magnolia, or shop online. Most of all, have a Happy Valentine's Day!
With Love & Gratitude,
Melissa