Saving Money #1: Flowers and vases

Due to underwhelming demand and overwhelming ideas...I've decided to begin a series on saving money in these trying times while still being able to enjoy yourself and maintain a lifestyle that allows for happiness and exploration. I hope you enjoy!

Saving Money #1: Flowers and vases
Even in these trying times, there are still birthdays, holidays, Mother's Day, dinners and about a million other occassions where the gift of flowers is still the social requirement. That being said, paying a florist to arrange for me a bouquet, mixed or single flower, has always galled me unless the issue is distance and I'm sending it from afar. Unless we are talking the highest of the high-end where the florists really are artists, I feel like there is not so much that the layperson florist can do that I can't. Research a little on the internet, visit their cooler and see what's interesting and happy at the moment, then work a little magic and voila! Save beaucoup bucks and end up with something more personalized and special. Martha Stewart has done countless articles on traditional hand-tied bouquets as well as the practice of creating it in the hand (completely useless for giant arrangements, but for your average small-medium one that you normally see and give, perfect!) to keep symmetry.

The flowers you choose also determine the cost to a great degree. Flowers, like all natural items have seasons and when in-season, are often infinitely more expensive than when they can only be hothouse grown. Do you just HAVE to have those lilacs in September? Expect to pay more and get lower-quality. Flowers are shipped from all over the world it's true, and actually getting somethign which is locally grown is only going to be possible at your farmer's market, and that even rarely. The only exemption to the relative cost difference is roses. They often are fairly statically priced except for around the traditional rose-giving holidays like Valentine's and Mother's Day, when they spike up exponentially. Instead of long-stemmed sweetheart red roses that she's seen over and again, why not try gorgeous spray roses in a myriad of colors, mix them with some alstromera for a backdrop and happiness is. Both pretty inexpensive but jubillant. Are orchids the thing, or callas? Again, while they are both breathtaking, often the expense is a bit prohibitive. Try either an orchid plant, it'll last longer, or taking a couple stems and mixing a dark or vibrantly colored orchid/calla set within an arrangement of small all-white flowers to off-set their unique beauty.

Saving money on the vase for presentation is also easy. It takes a little but more patience and forethought, but can be done. If you buy the vase at the florist or a craft store, you are often paying a premium for mass-produced items. Why not stock up whenever you find someone having a sale? Or when you find a bargain at a discount department store like Marshall's or TJMaxx? They often have high-end vases that maybe they only had one left of, or it's an odd color, or whatever that you can get for a song. A couple bucks and you have a stunning foundation on which to build your fanciful creation. Just pick them up whenever you see them and have a stable to choose from when it's time. Your recipient will appreciate not having to disturb the arrangement to place it in water, as well as the thoughtful augmentation of the beauty.

Another thing to pick up when you find them cheap in antique stores, second-hand stores or craft stores (becoming more scarce) are floral frogs. Simple to use and vital with heavier arrangements for keeping things in place, they are also a reminder of gentler times gone by.

More tips and tricks to come, but just remember: You were invited to someone's house for dinner they are especially preparing for you, why would you show your gratitude and affection by bringing a bottle of wine you'll drink half (at least!) of anyway?