This party season, fresh flowers make the perfect hostess gift: they're  easy for you to take with you, easy for the hostess to deal with at the party, and personalized for the recipient. So consider these points when choosing your hostess gift:

1. If you insist on giving cut flowers, send them to the hostess the day BEFORE the party. Then she has time to choose her vase and do her arranging in a more relaxed fashion.  

2. Choose a plant only if you know s/he likes them, and has the time to take care of them.

3. Be a sport! Choose an inexpensive vase so that the hostess doesn't have to drop everything else she's doing to take proper care of your flowers in the middle of the party.

The actual choosing of the flowers should take into consideration the hostess' personal style, the type of party, and your budget. Choose your flowers based on what you think the hostess would like-- this is about thanking her, rather than what YOU prefer. If you know she loves iris, send them-- even if you think they're ugly. The only time you should choose what you like over what the hostess likes is if you are only so slightly acquainted that you have no idea of her tastes. In that case, lean towards the seasonal. At Christmas time, send red, white and green if you don't know your hostess well. Evergreens smell divine, and there is a broad selection of fresh product available in red and white. If your budget allows, take stalks of red or white amaryllis in a clear vase with cedar. Or white hydrangeas in a red vase. Red and white gerbera daisies also make a bold splash of color, and are moderately priced. If budget is a big issue, choose less expensive flowers like Alstromeria, Carnations, or white Spider mums, and get as many of just one kind as you can afford, for impact.

A fresh gift is always charming, and with a little thought, you will soon get the reputation of being the perfect party guest-- if you also work on your manners :) 

(flowers only covered in these posts, see Miss Manners or Emily Post for party behavior).

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