February 1, 2012

For the Beau: Sending Flowers

http://www.flickr.com/photos/aidanmorgan/5714729771/sizes/z/in/photostream/

Valentine’s Day is approaching and I’m sure many of the beaus (and aspiring beaus) out there have flowers on their minds. Yes, we gals love flowers. I’m not sure why we love them so much, but maybe it’s just one of those 
inexplicable truths. 

Here is a bit of advice for the gentleman who desires to show his affections with a floral gift, courtesy of that grand dame of propriety herself, Amy Vanderbilt. Her advice may be over 50 years old, but I think it still rings true. 

“A man who is laying siege to a girl’s heart does well not to systematize his flower-sending. I knew one man who 
could be counted on to send two dozen long-stemmed red roses every Saturday, rain or shine. And another who 
might send a gay red geranium in a simple clay pot or turn up with a single gardenia in a twist of green waxed paper 
or a new recording or some fresh catnip for the kitten one never knew. Any woman could tell in a minute which was the more interesting man.” 

While I’ve never been one to stick my nose in the air over a gift of roses, I get Ms. V’s point that variety is the spice of life. Gents, maybe mix things up with something unexpected this year to truly win the affections of the belle after whom you’ve set your cap. 

Are you expecting to give or receive any flowers this year for St. Valentine’s?  If so, are you hoping/planning for the traditional or something with a twist? 

{quote via Amy Vanderbilt’s Complete Book of Etiquette}