'Tis the Season, I Think

The holiday season is often very busy for most florists, in fact a lot of the traditional bread and butter days start with Thanksgiving and roll on into Christmas, then Valentines Day, and everything finishes up with Mother's Day and Memorial Day.

Traditionally, that's true. Now, things are still in the process of changing and have been for the last 8-10 years in a drastic way. This year was no exception, and we had the added bonus of a Presidential election year (typically drives sales down), and the now supposedly official recession. All I can say is good thing for the wedding and sympathy sales this summer, which have been up every year for us.

I just wanted to hit on a few of the things that I've been involved with this fall and now winter. In October I attended and helped to produce the Utah Chapter of the Romance Writer's of America's annual conference. It was held at the Canyons Resort in Park City Utah. So beautiful!!! I know, this is about the flower bizz, and while we did of course have floral centerpieces at all the dinners, I mention this conference because I want to showcase part of our marketing efforts. Meet Maggie:

Maggie showed up at every room where an URWA session was to be held. She showed every one at the resort whether a participant of our conference or one of the four or so others, that the "Romance Writer's are Here!"

Maggie generated a tremendous amount of publicity for our Utah chapter, and for the Romance Writers of America. Everyone needs a Maggie for their business, of course it doesn't have to be a life sized doll, but something that will make people stop and say 'what's this all about?' This goes for flower shops, and tax service providers a like. Admit it, you have to look at the kid being paid to dance in front of the national pizza chain with the promotional sign.

On to December. Our business offers seasonal gift baskets to corporate accounts. Here are some photos of a recent large order that had to be done all in one night, as the product inside was more perishable than usual. Everyone got in on the act.

The video was just too cute not to share. I own and run a flower shop, but gift baskets are another niche for me. I really enjoy doing them, and I know how to design things, and to order and inventory perishable products, so its another source of income as well as a creative outlet.

I'll be honest, times are tough right now. I could sit down and cry because things are scary. Some might feel justified in doing this. Instead, I'm finding other ways to make a living, going down different avenues if you will. I might have to work harder for it, but business is out there!

Until next time, Annie

I love technology

I just spent two hours trying to load a video that I shot with a camera that was given to me. I still haven't figured out how to upload it. Too bad, because it was a great flower arranging video. I managed to get one uploaded to YouTube a couple of months ago, but since then something has happened. It just won't work!

Of course the hours that I spend trying to learn the things I can do with all the wonderful technology in the world are spent after work or if they are during work, it's in place of doing other equally or most likely, more important things. The frustrating thing is that I know what the potential is for using these amazing tools for my business, and myself, but I feel as if I'm looking in through the window at the food on the plates in the restaurant and I just can't figure out how to get in. The only thing that separates me and the people at the table only a foot away is a thin yet impenetrable sheet of quarter inch glass.

People in the flower business are pretty good at being "jacks of all trades," and to be so close yet so far away, to use an overused phrase, is quite close to maddening. I'm so used to being able to just pick things up. I've learned a bit of Spanish because I've needed to, I've learned several programs on the computer because I've needed to. I've learned some things about marketing, sales, finances etc., all from the need or desire to do so. All except video on the computer. It still continues to elude me. THESE PRETZELS ARE MAKING ME THIRSTY!

June Flowers

The month of June is national rose month. It also happens that Father's Day occurs in June.

Yes, Dad's do like to receive flower deliveries. There are many masculine ways to design roses, and they would be perfect for a Dad who appreciates gardening or art.



Well for those of you who still don't think Dad would appreciate the flowers. How about plants?Your local florist can deliver the perfect houseplant or blooming plant to your deserving Dad.



For those of you who really still don't think living things are the right thing for a Father's Day gift, I've included this article with some ideas for Father's Day gifts. Hopefully, these ideas can get your creative juices flowing.



Gift Basket Ideas for MenBy: Lisa DeClue
I'm always on the look out for great Gift Basket Ideas & have come up with a few especially for men. I'm using Home & Garden Party products, but you can easily adapt them to your line or what you have on hand. For the wannabe chef: Fill our Bean Pot with Carr's crackers, smoke flavoring, packetsof chili seasoning & hot sauce. Wrap with cello and a plaid (or coordinating) bow with a masculine tag. He can make great chili with very little work! For the shower: Take a citrus or clean-smelling set of shower gel & lotion, a small wooden handled scrub brush and a rolled wash cloth or two, put in a wire basket from the dollar store and wrap in cello... I suggest our Orange Blossom, Coconut Lime or Spearmint Eucalyptus scents. Coffee Hound: Fill a wire basket with shred, add packets of gourmet coffee/cocoa and our "Life is Good" latte cup. Maybe add a mugwarmer and wrap in a coordinating napkin. Time for our Date: We have some beautiful clocks with dark stain. Wrap one, like our Hideaway Box Clock, in a delicate silk or chiffon scarf with a note inside saying, "Meet me at __________ (place)." Set the time on the clock to the time of your rendezvous!
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Lisa is a WAHM and decorating consultant in the central Illinois area. Get deco ideas and home décor at Decorating with HGPgal. Submit an article and sign up for our monthly newsletter and contest and check out the DecoForum for tips and answers to your questions. http://www.hgpgal.com/
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