friday field trip

Today’s field trip is to the local Stop ‘n Shop to visit the floral department.  I want to show you how easy it is to utilize the florist at your local grocery store.  Why spend a lot at a traditional florist when you can buy flowers for giving at the grocery store for a more reasonable price.  An added perk is that many grocery stores, like Stop ‘n Shop, are open 24 hours!  You can pretty much buy a gift at any time of the day or night that fits into your schedule.

Use these five tips to make grocery store flowers work for you.

1.  STICK WITH THE SAME COLOR OR VARIETY OF FLOWER.  Instead of buying a bouquet that contains a mixture of colors and varieties of flowers, pick one color or one type of flower and stick with it.  You will get much better visual impact for your budget.

2.  CONSIDER A POTTED PLANT.  Very often, potted plants in season are less expensive than cut flowers and look much better/healthier.  Plus, the recipient has the added benefit of enjoying a permanent plant rather than a fleeting bouquet.  Some grocery stores even sell potted herbs – a nice departure from a traditional flower if the recipient happens to be a foodie!  Containers sold in the floral section are very reasonably priced and can be a great alternative to wrapping.

A potted plant is paired with a cute container that was priced at onlyl $4 in the Stop ‘n Shop floral department.

3.  USE YOUR OWN FLOURISHES.  I always use my own ribbon and tissue when preparing grocery store flowers for giving, rather than relying on the limited selection available at the grocery store.  The gift not only looks prettier, but using your own touches helps give your gift a personal flair.

I used two potted plants and a basket from the floral department for a cost of less than $20 (and less than the price of a dozen roses). I added my own tissue paper and ribbon to complete the look and add my own personal touch.

4.  MAKE THE MOST OF SPECIALS.  If roses are $25 and  a special on tulips makes them a quarter of the price…how much nicer to make a combined bouquet of four bunches of tulips!  A potted orchid on sale may be less than a bouquet and more appropriate for the recipient.  Be sure to check all the specials.

Shopping for cut flowers, two bunches of sunflowers on special were less than an assorted bouquet and provide much better visual appeal.

5.  SHOP FOR ADD-ONS.  With all the items available at the grocery store, there are many options available to you to add a little something to your gift, should the occasion or budget warrant it. What a great added feature of doing your flower shopping at the grocery store!   A gift of engagement flowers can include a wedding magazine or some chocolates…flowers to welcome a new baby can include a bib or pacifier…just hop over to the appropriate aisle.  At this time of year, a trip to the produce aisle can mean the purchase of a pumpkin to serve as a great seasonal container for your flowers.  Perfect to house Halloween or Thanksgiving flowers for giving. (I love the white ones!)  Grocery stores also sell gift certificates, so you can also easily tuck in a certificate for a cup of coffee or the latest music.

Whether you are shopping for yourself, or for a gift, remember these five tips when shopping for flowers in the grocery store.

Hope you enjoyed these tips for making the grocery store florist work for you.  Why not pick out some flowers for your own home?

All the photos in this post were taken in the floral department at Stop ‘n Shop.  Thanks for visiting, Jackie