Besides a smiling baby, there is nothing else that can light up a room as much as fresh flowers. When my husband splurges and buys me some, my room seems to take on a more sophisticated and tranquil tone. Even when the colorful flowers seem to grow out of the dirty mess that is left cluttering the dining table, the room still somehow looks much more pleasant.
The downside to having fresh flowers in your home is, of course, the cost of buying them from a florist. Fortunately, there are other places that you can get flowers to brighten up your home even when there is no special occasion.
Buy potted flowers. Potted flowers are often cheaper than a bouquet of flowers anyway, and they can last forever.
Get flowers for free. Of course, if you have a large flower garden in your yard this is a no-brainer. If you don’t, then think of other places that you could legally and ethically pick some free fresh flowers. Maybe there is a field nearby that grows some pretty wildflowers.
Try a grocery store. A grocery store is not generally the place to buy the best-quality flowers. Still, you can get some simple ones for as little as a few dollars. My husband picked up some lovely alstroemerias for me when he was at the store a couple of weeks ago. They lasted nearly a week and a half, and when I snuck a peek at the receipt, I saw that they were only $6.50. Maybe some wives would frown upon buying inexpensive flowers, but I thought, “Way to go.” He got me flowers, and I didn’t have to feel guilty about the money he’d spent.
Think outside the box. Think of some creative substitutes for the traditional flower arrangement. Depending on where you live, this might be a great time of year to get a few blossoming branches to decorate your table. Even some knotty sticks or fern branches could look elegant on your table in the right vase.
Opt for silk. Check out any of the trendy home decorating stores like Pier One or Pottery Barn to see just how stylish silk flowers can be these days. Compare prices between these stores and others before you buy.