The holiday season is here, which means parties, family, friends, and, you guessed it, more parties.
If you’re one of the unlucky few, this may also mean meeting the in-laws or “possible future in-laws” for the first time…all at once. Yikes.
Either way, you’re going to want to make a good impression.
How do you do this? Well, with flowers and a smile, of course.
Let’s break it down:
Whether you’re meeting the in-laws for the first time (or the hundredth time), seeing family from out of town, visiting family that lives down the road, or want to send a thoughtful gift to those you’ll be missing this year, a host/hostess gift is always appropriate—especially during the holidays.
Ok, this is where it can get a little tricky.
You want to leave a good impression but don’t want to be over-the-top.
For example, you may want to avoid gifting super specific items like china, dishware, home goods—you get the picture. Unless, of course, you’re sure these items are something they’ll love.
With flowers, you can never go wrong.
Flowers are the perfect ‘thank you’ gift for hosting.
Hosting a Party is Stressful
When having guests over, many of us go into overdrive. You might feel like everything has to be perfect—decor, aesthetic, the food, the drinks, and of course, your home cleaner than a whistle.
It’s natural to want guests to feel relaxed and at home as soon as they arrive. This is why we like to light candles before guests arrive. It’s all about the ambiance, especially during the holidays.
Flowers have a similar effect.
Whether it’s a festive centerpiece for the dining room table that everyone will enjoy & complement throughout the evening or a lighthearted centerpiece for the kitchen island – your host will love you…and the flowers, too.
But why stop there!?
Let’s talk about what kind of arrangement is best for you:
Flowers come in all shapes and sizes, and each have their own unique meaning. Different arrangement styles also have different meanings and can better suit different people for different reasons.
Let’s take a wedding bouquet, for example. You probably wouldn’t bring a wedding bouquet to a holiday dinner party.
Hand Tied Bouquets:
A hand-tied bouquet isn’t the most practical for a holiday party (even though they’re beautiful).
Keep these in your back pocket for a first date situation, or a smaller gathering, and save your host or hostess the trouble of searching for a vase while they’re trying to get dinner on the table.
Single Stem
Modern, simple, and elegant.
Single stem arrangements are no fluff, but so stunning.
In terms of a holiday party, stick with the following:
- Carnations: stand for women and love
- Chrysanthemums: symbolize love and truth
- Dahlias: represent good taste
- Geraniums: true friendship
- Calla Lilies: beauty
- Snapdragons: graciousness
Really any flower will do, but look into the meaning of the flower beforehand for an extra thoughtful touch.
Oriental
Oriental arrangements bring a unique and funky touch to homes with a bit of an artistic flare.
This is perfect if you know a bit more about your host’s style and how they like to decorate their home.
Traditional
Probably one of our favs. Traditional arrangements keep it simple but are never boring.
There are so many different styles, color-schemes, and shapes to choose from, and our local florist Partners never fail to create something stunning and unique.
These arrangements are definitely a go-to for a first meeting or a regular ol’ family party.
Oval
We love oval arrangements simply because they’re basket friendly. Plus, who doesn’t love flowers in a basket?
These beauties are available in multiple sizes, which makes them perfect for the dining table, entryway table, or kitchen counter!
Pro Tip: These arrangements pair beautifully with a nice bottle of wine, too!
Vertical
Verticals are for the dramatic, (maybe a bit over-the-top, but we love them just the same), flower lover.
These arrangements are also perfect for the fern or green lovers in your life, as they are often used in vertical pieces for added height.
Horizontal / Centerpiece
Ideal for dinner parties, centerpieces tend to sit low on the table so no one is blocked by a big bundle of flowers while trying to catch up with Grandma about her latest adventures.
Bonus: They’re easy! Your host won’t have to think about where to put it—and everyone will get a nice long look at it all through dinner.
Plants
We could never forget about plants.
Maybe you’re host/hostess doesn’t care too much for flowers or maybe you want to give them something a bit more long-lasting.
Plants are perfect for any season, holiday, or occasion.
Check out 5 Houseplants for the Brown Thumb for some easy-to-care-for houseplants or 5 Houseplants for the Green Thumb for more advanced greens.
You can never go wrong with flowers, especially during the holidays. Your host will love you, your fellow guests will wish they thought of it first, and, if you aren’t able to see your friends and family this year, they’re the best way to show them you care even though you can’t be there.
Shows us your holiday arrangements by tagging us on Instagram: @givelovingly!
