“Flower arrangements can be a total rip-off,” Johansson says. Instead, buy one kind of flower, in one color, in bulk. “Make your own multiple arrangements,” she says.
Wow...coming from a three generation family of Professional, schooled Italian and Irish chef's and dedicated "foodies" along with the rest of the family being Professional Florists with over 40 years of experience creating party flowers, event designs, wedding flowers, sympathy tributes and everyday celebration florals, it amazes me that Ms Johansson must take a "negative stance" towards another industry to present the merits of her ideas as a "party expert". And to quote another blog, "we must appreciate Ms Johansson for her strategically placing the word “can” in front of “rip off”, as it makes her statement impossible to prove wrong. Any merchandise or service “can” be a rip-off for sure." Even party planners.
In her article she implies that you can create arrangements of the same value as a florist just by going to Costco, buying flowers in bulk, and arranging them by yourself. After seeing her use "marshmallows in one of her "creations", I wonder what Chef Ramsy would say...I can see her picture in flames now as she runs from Hell's Kitchen. Although don't marshmallows go with flames..something to do with campfires I recall.
Everyone thinks they can create magnificent floral arrangements but the dedicated hands of a professional florist with years of experience can create a "moment" to remember long after the "marshmallows" have disappeared. Using a professional to design even one dramatic entrance floral or several smaller creations for a buffet table sets the tone for your whole event....and every Real Florist knows how to create "spectacular" within a budget. Can you save money buy using the services of a florist...of course...you can save money by bringing your own containers to your florist or avoiding the more expensive out of season blooms, or talking to your Real Professional Florist about the "mood" you want for your party and then letting them create exactly what you need to set that mood. Truthfully, if you really are doing the "chefing" at your own event, do you really want to add floral arranging to your list of "to do's"?
We believe that Ms Johansson could have made her point across without insulting other profession she apparently knows nothing about but then again, I am still having a problem seeing the use of marshmallows at a party in New York.....
Also check out “Real Holiday Flower Tips for Linnea Johansson” written by Cathy at Avante Gardens (Anaheim, CA)
or
http://flowers-insolita.com/blog/2007/11/13/flower-arrangements-total-rip-off-according-to-linnea-johansson/