While hotel guests or restaurant-goers might not point to floral décor as the primary thing they notice when they visit your establishment, fresh flowers do make a positive impression on everyone who comes in the door. Natural elements like flowers show that you are attentive to your clients’ environment, and they make your space warm, relaxing, and inviting. You can use fresh flowers to tie into the theme of your décor—such as English garden-inspired choices for a tea room—or vary the selection by the seasons to vary the interest for your regular customers.
If you’re unsure where flowers will have the most impact, start by adding arrangements in the areas they will be enjoyed by most people. For hotels, begin with the lobby, the reception desk, and other public lounges where guests congregate. In a restaurant, you’d want to have flowers at the entrance and throughout your dining area, perhaps placed on the dividers between booths or on pedestals strategically placed so that several tables can enjoy the view.
Beyond spaces that see the most foot traffic, use flowers to give a personal touch to let your customers know that you value their business. In a hotel, VIP rooms and suites should include fresh floral arrangements for added elegance. In a restaurant, a simple, low arrangement on each table lends an air of hospitality and grace. Check out also “How to Spruce Up Your Hotel with Flowers“.
In general, you’ll want to select flowers known for longevity (such as roses, chrysanthemums, zinnias, and others) in order to get the best value in your arrangements. You can also keep costs manageable by incorporating seasonal flowers and those that are locally available. You’ll want to select flowers that have a mild scent or no scent, as customers who are sensitive to fragrance may have trouble with powerfully perfumed blooms. Consider incorporating plants into your overall design as well as cut arrangements—orchids, succulents, and other plants can extend the natural touch in your space without requiring updating as frequently.
Your floral arrangements will last longer and look better with a little ongoing TLC. Make sure you add water daily and remove wilting flowers immediately to keep the overall look of the arrangement fresh. In a restaurant, you may want to store flowers in the refrigerator overnight to help extend their life. Update your arrangements on a regular schedule so that they always look their best.
A knowledgeable florist can help you take design, maintenance, and budget considerations into account when you’re considering the best way to enhance your business with flowers. At Rachel Cho Floral Design, we work closely with our clients to develop designs that reflect their vision, and we provide ongoing design and delivery service that makes it easy to keep their flowers and their business looking top-notch. To schedule an individual consultation about your hotel or restaurant’s needs, contact us today.
