Fresh Flowers on a Budget

Fresh Flowers Don't Always Have to Be an Indulgence

Trader Joe's to the Rescue!
 

Ever hear those stories about divas who demand hotel rooms full of fresh flowers to greet them when they travel? Glorious! But realistically, that's just a teensy bit over the edge. On the other hand, I love fresh flowers! Especially in the late winter, when it seems like spring will never find its way to New England. I always saw fresh flowers as a bit of an indulgence, and I would really only get them when we were hosting a party, and then, I would usually go to the florist. But anyone who does that knows it can quickly add up, and because of that, keeping professional-quality fresh flowers in the house on a regular basis isn't realistic for my budget.

Enter Trader Joe's. A few months ago, I went on my weekly TJ's run, and I spotted bunches of fresh daffodils for $1.50! Perfection! I immediately scooped up two of them. Fresh flowers at last! And to my delight, they continued to have them week after week. How could I resist? Yes, $3 is still $3, but to me, to have those fresh flowers greeting me when I come in, it was worth those $3. And sometimes I'll switch it up, too. A bunch of tulips for $5, hydrangeas for $6... there are tons of options! Now I'm not saying I do this each and every week, but I love that it's an affordable option that's there when I want it.

I don't have a green thumb, hense, even in the summer, there is no garden in my yard blooming with fresh flowers for the picking. I am fortunate that the previous owners of my house planted beautiful hydrangea bushes, so I can snip those on occasion, but in a pinch, I love that TJ's has all of these beautiful options. Throw them in a cute vase or container, and you can't go wrong! Now, I know that not everyone is lucky enough to have a Trader Joe's nearby, but a regular grocery store is also a good option. I tend to forget about the floral departments there sometimes. They always have good affordable choices, too. In my experience, TJ's is typically a few dollars cheaper, but they have pretty good deals at my Stop & Shop, too.

With all that being said, I firmly believe that you really can't beat the look of arrangements from a professional florist. Before we moved, we lived in Dutchess County, NY, and I used to be obsessed with the amazing things my favorite florist, Kamilla, would come up with. We used to host a lot of parties, and I would buy from her whenever budget permitted. Although I'm a major budget-hunter, I try to shop locally whenever possible. And those guys are called professionals for a reason!

Bottom line for me: nothing beats professional floral arrangements, and for special occasions, I love shopping local. A trip to the florist is an awesome treat! But when you're looking for fresh flowers on a regular ol' day for a regular ol' budget, Trader Joe's is a great place to have around.

I actually used only Trader Joe's flowers at our last party (the one with the vinyl tablecloths)!