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Introducing The Hip Giver\u2019s Guide<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
SAF and Cole created The Hip Giver\u2019s Guide<\/a>, a month-by-month resource to flowers that are in style, a library of flower and plant varieties, holiday tips and advice, fresh floral research and much, much more. The Hip Giver\u2019s Guide is ideal for those who want tips on how to choose a local florist, read up on popular varieties of flowers, get design ideas and more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Michael Cohen Group research reveals just how much people love to give and receive flowers. Ninety-two percent of women can remember the last time they received flowers, and 97 percent of men and women recall the last time they gave a floral gift.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The hundreds of women and men surveyed described a gift of flowers as unlike any other because flowers create lasting memories and make people \u2013 both givers and receivers \u2013 feel cared about and special. The fleeting nature of flowers also encourages people to appreciate flowers when they are beautiful and vibrant.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cWith a gift of flowers, you know that someone is thinking of you right now, this very minute,\u201d Cole said. \u201cIt\u2019s the memory of the gift and the emotions that last forever.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n While the majority of floral gifts are purchased from a local florist shop, the top five things gift givers don\u2019t know about their neighborhood florist include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cLet your florist be your personal gift consultant,\u201d Cole said. \u201cTap into their knowledge to learn more about flowers, or let them simply make you look good. It\u2019s up to you.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Prioritize special dates on your calendar. Stay on top of your gifting needs by checking your calendar at the beginning of every month. Better yet, solicit the help of your local florist. All you have to do is tell your florist the important dates you would like to be reminded of. He or she will contact you ahead of time with gift suggestions for the upcoming occasion, and can even make suggestions or remind you what kind of flowers you sent last time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Take the time to find something that is perfectly suited to your recipient\u2019s interests, personality and style. These tips can get your thinking on the right track:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Remember Special Days All Year Round<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n There are many occasions throughout the year when gifts are traditionally given and received, but don\u2019t forget those special days that celebrate personal milestones.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Anniversaries, birthdays and holidays are special occasions, but they\u2019re not the only times when giving a gift brightens the day. Celebrating a long friendship or shared accomplishment can renew and strengthen relationships with friends and family.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Don\u2019t let personal milestones go by uncelebrated. Be sure to note upcoming events like graduation, new baby, new home, new job, promotion or well-deserved retirement on your calendar. Be sure to add new occasions as they occur. Personal milestones such as a first recital, finishing an important work project, quitting smoking, losing weight or passing the bar exam deserve a gift of recognition. A personalized gift adds to the sense of accomplishment and increases the enjoyment of a job well done.<\/p>\n\n\n\n When it comes to floral gifts, consumers rely most frequently on their local florists, according to recent research conducted by The Michael Cohen Group (January 2005). The reasons abound, including the scope of florists\u2018 professional experience, product quality and convenience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Rebecca Cole, professional floral designer and co-host of Discovery Channel\u2019s Surprise by Design, recommends thinking F.R.E.S.H. whether you\u2019re sending flowers across the country or around the corner.<\/p>\n\n\n\n F<\/strong>ind your florist,<\/strong> one that you connect with and who will be your florist for every occasion. If you don\u2019t already have a florist, ask a friend or family for names of florists they know and trust. Visit the Florist Directory.<\/p>\n\n\n\n R<\/strong>esearch the different kinds of flowers available.<\/strong> Knowing the names of flowers is easier than you think and is a lot like learning about fine wines or gemstones. Click here for a floral library.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n E<\/strong>voke emotion. <\/strong>While 88 percent of people agree that a gift of flowers changes your mood for the better, evoke an even stronger emotion by sending your friend\u2019s favorite flowers or colors. Your florist will be able to help you achieve your desired feeling. And, make the gift extraordinary by crafting a card message that has special meaning.<\/p>\n\n\n\n S<\/strong>end a surprise! <\/strong>Most people say \u201cjust because\u201d is the best reason to receive flowers. Gifts have the biggest impact when they are unexpected.<\/p>\n\n\n\n H<\/strong>ave confidence knowing you sent a great gift. <\/strong>Flowers fit everyone. Ninety-two percent of women can remember the last time they got flowers and 97 percent of women and men can remember the last time they gave someone flowers. And, those surveyed describe flower givers as \u201cthoughtful and sophisticated\u201d people.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For most Americans, it is harder to say, \u201cThank you\u201d than \u201cI\u2019m sorry.\u201d According to a February 2006 poll by International Communications Research, nearly two-thirds of respondents (65%) believe that saying \u201cI\u2019m sorry\u201d is easy, while about the same number (67%) of Americans can remember a time when they were not properly thanked for a favor or act of kindness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n With the word \u201cetiquette\u201d defined as socially accepted behavior, Rebecca Cole, co-host of Discovery Channel\u2019s Surprise by Design and author of Flower Power, believes that expressing all kinds of emotions should be easy, especially for those who can\u2019t find the words.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cIn the 21st century, with so many different ways to communicate without even using words \u2013 email, voicemail, text messaging \u2013 it\u2019s amazing that people don\u2019t routinely acknowledge the kindness of others in one way or another,\u201d said Cole. \u201cA simple \u2018thank you\u2019 or \u2018I\u2019m sorry\u2019 can go a long way. Better yet, sending flowers helps you convey any message with added sincerity.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n According to the Society of American Florists, the national trade association for the floral industry, five of the most common reasons people send flowers are to say thank you, I\u2019m sorry, congratulations, get well and express sympathy. Cole shares her secrets for sending these sentiments.<\/p>\n\n\n\n According to Cole, ask your florist for an arrangement conveying a casual, hand-picked feeling, to say thank you with a very personal touch. In addition to a beautiful statement of thanks, the accompanying note card can say everything that is too hard to say in person.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Flowers are the traditional gift to get out of the doghouse because they easily make the statement, \u201cI was wrong.\u201d To apologize with sincerity, ask your florist for a nostalgic arrangement, using a blend of delicate warm and cool lavenders and pinks. Having opened the door to forgiveness, follow the delivery up with a phone call.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A bouquet of bold, contrasting colors is a fun-loving, playful way to say \u201cCongratulations,\u201d \u201cWelcome home,\u201d or \u201cGreat job.\u201d You can even get creative with the container. For example, if a friend just got a new job, ask your florist<\/a> to put the bouquet in a fun pencil holder or something that represents the occasion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It\u2019s never easy comforting someone who has lost a loved one, but flowers can say what is often difficult to ex press in words. Flowers are usually sent to the funeral home to provide warmth and beauty to the service. If a service is not planned, grief experts recommend sending condolences to the bereaved person\u2019s home.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Choose a serene color scheme of light shades of green, misty blues and other cool hues to provide a moment of calm and let someone who is ill know you\u2019re thinking of them. When sending flowers to a hospital, it\u2019s helpful to have the name of the hospital, the patient\u2019s name and room number ready for your florist. It\u2019s also good to know the hospital\u2019s flower policy. Your florist<\/a> will know about the hospitals in your area.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Studies show the power of flowers on our happiness and well-being and that people who give flowers are considered to be thoughtful and sophisticated. Here are quick tips from Rebecca Cole on showing your sophisticated side:<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/balanceandblooms.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/09\/3695-1024x687.jpg\")
What Hip Givers Know<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
What Hip Givers Said<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
What Hip Givers Don\u2019t Know<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
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<\/figure>\n\n\n\nTrack Important Dates to Give Flowers<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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<\/figure>\n\n\n\nWhen You Send Flowers, Think F.R.E.S.H.<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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<\/figure>\n\n\n\nAmericans Weigh In on Saying \u201cI\u2019m Sorry\u201d and \u201cThank You\u201d<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Deciphering the Etiquette Dilemma<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Thank You<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
I\u2019m Sorry<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Congratulations<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Sympathy<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Get Well<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
More Floral Savvy<\/h3>\n\n\n\n