Half a dozen florists have contacted SAF about the Nov. 11 issue of USA WEEKEND, which featured two articles that, amidst gift-giving and décor advice, made negative statements about flowers. As the voice of the industry, SAF has responded.

In “10 quick tips for easy, excellent holiday entertaining,” party-planning expert Linnea Johansson is quoted: “Flower arrangements can be a total rip-off.”

The other article, “5 things you need to know about gifts for the host,” states: “Make gifts host-friendly. ‘Don’t give something to the busy host that’s going to distract them,’ says Peggy Post, etiquette expert and USA WEEKEND contributor. A big bouquet of flowers will force your host to search for a vase and a spot to put the arrangement.”

SAF faxed a letter to USA WEEKEND and sent letters to Johansson and Post.

“While SAF understands and appreciates the need to provide readers with decorating options, the negative statement seems unfair and unnecessary, as the advice following the comment can stand on its own,” SAF writes in letters to USA WEEKEND and Johansson. “You may want to consider that some readers enjoy the convenience and appeal of professionally designed floral arrangements, especially during the busy time of party preparation.”

In letters to USA WEEKEND and Peggy Post, SAF provided floral gift-giving tips: “Ask your florist to deliver a cheerful arrangement or holiday plant earlier in the day to the host. The host then has an opportunity to display it properly, and the floral gift expresses your best wishes and thanks for the invitation. Send flowers the day after the party as a thank-you gift.”

Click here to read the full text of SAF’s response.

Cathy Hillen-Rulloda, AAF, AIFD, PFCI, of Avante Gardens-Florals Unique in Anaheim, Calif., saw the article and used it as a springboard for some proactive floral décor advice she offers on her blog. Hillen-Rulloda said to one frustrated florist, who had read the article, "The best thing any of us can do is to get out there — especially online where information gets picked up quickly ... [and] offer good, honest advice to consumers on how they can get great flower values."

SAF is the voice of the industry and responds to harmful floral publicity. Forward negative floral statements to jstromann@safnow.org or fax 703-836-8705.

--Vanessa Machir
vmachir@safnow.org

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