Whether you’re looking to reach out to a friend in need, celebrate a special date or simply say thank you, there are very few occasions that don’t call for flowers.
As well as having the power to brighten up any home, receiving a beautiful bouquet is also a lovely reminder that someone has thought of you. And in these uncertain times, it’s the little things that can make a big difference.
To help you select the perfect bouquet for any occasion we’ve teamed up with Head of Horticulture at M&S, Emma Coupe, to find out her top tips for getting it right, every time.
To say thank you
Not sure if your colleague likes red or white wine? Worried about sending chocolates to your mother-in-law in case she’s ditched dairy? Whether you want to thank someone for their hard work or show your appreciation for helping you through a difficult time, you can’t go wrong with a beautiful bunch of blooms.
“For a thank you gift, choose a bouquet you would love to receive,” says Emma. If you want to make them feel extra-special, this M&S Collection Luxury Orchid Bouquet should do the trick. Boasting orchids, lisianthus, spray roses and stocks, this elegant showstopper will arrive giftwrapped and finished with a silky ribbon. “All M&S bouquets are guaranteed for five days if you place them in fresh water and use the flower food,” says Emma. “To prolong their life, recut the stems before placing into a vase.”
For a birthday
Who doesn’t love receiving flowers on their birthday? It’s the one present that will never be returned and it’s the perfect last minute-gift idea if it’s the day before your sister’s birthday and you’ve definitely forgotten to post that card – thanks to M&S Flowers’ free next-day delivery service, you can place your order the day before, sit back and relax.
If you know the recipient well, choose a bouquet bursting with their favourite colours. And if you don’t? “There’s something special about picking a flower that blooms in that person’s birthday month – think carnations in January, daffodils in April and roses in June,” says Emma. To really help them get the party started, add a bottle of prosecco or a box of Marc de Champagne truffles to your M&S Flowers order.
M&S Bouquet of The Season, £30
To express sympathy
When words fail you, sending flowers can be a touching way to show a loved one that they’re in your thoughts. “Traditionally, white flowers and lilies have been synonymous with expressing sympathy,” says Emma. “However, just as families might ask mourners to wear bright colours to a funeral to celebrate a life, sending a bouquet featuring a favourite flower of the person who has passed away can also be a fitting way to remember them.”
Whether you opt for an all-white arrangement or something a little more colourful, consider having them delivered a few weeks after the funeral – that way, your recipient will have something lovely to look at once the first blooms have wilted.
To say ‘get well soon’
With hugs firmly off the cards for many of us right now, sending gorgeous statement stems is a great way of giving someone a much-needed pick-me-up. In fact, a study from Rutgers University in the USA shows that having freshly cut flowers around the home can boost feelings of happiness and help reduce feelings of anxiety, so when it comes to aiding a speedy recovery, they make the perfect gift.
Emma’s top tip? Make things easy. “A flower gift bag is an ideal choice,” she says. “These are delivered in water, so the recipient can simply lift them out of the delivery box and start enjoying them. I would also avoid strongly scented bouquets featuring flowers like lilies and peonies, as while some people love them, others can find them overpowering.”
M&S Pink Blush Flower Gift Bag, £30
At Christmas
This Christmas, many of us are gifting more mindfully, which means buying less but buying better, and only shopping for presents that will truly spark joy. What’s great about gifting flowers is that your recipient’s festive foliage can also double up as a striking table centrepiece just in time for hosting season.
Birch twigs, berries and pine cones will bring a festive touch to any bouquet. And when it comes to colour? “Traditional reds, golds and crisp whites all work beautifully when it comes to Christmas bouquets,” says Emma. “But this year, I’ll be bringing some glamour to my own home with a rich jewel-toned arrangement.”
Celebrate life’s special moments and take advantage of free next-day delivery with M&S Flowers
