As a rule of thumb I always bring a gift for the hostess of the party. It could be my (slight) obsession with flowers or my love of entertaining, but I believe nothing is more perfect and easy than a simple floral arrangement. Whether you scour your local farmer’s market for the perfect blooms or purchase them at the nearest grocery store, here are a few tips to make any store-bought florals look “giftable.”

1: Keep it seasonal. If you aren’t familiar with what flowers are in season you can always use the simple “color rule” for your blooms. Spring and summer florals have bright and vibrant hues (pink, purple and yellow) while fall and winter florals tend to have more muted tones (orange, red and burgundy). Stick to these color palates and wow the hostess with your seasonal taste.

Tip 2: Keep it simple. If you feel overwhelmed by the number of floral options, I recommend playing it safe and selecting one variety in a single color. My personal favorites are peonies, ranunculus, anemones and tulips. If you feel a little more daring, try adding herbs (e.g., lavender or rosemary) or other foliage to give your arrangement extra texture.

Tip 3: Keep it clean. Even the most beautiful flowers need some love. First, remove any dead (or dying) leaves and petals. Next, trim the ends (tip: always cut stems on the diagonal for optimal hydration) and place them in the refrigerator or in cold water until you are ready to arrange.

Tip 4: Keep it chic. Finish off your arrangement by wrapping it in butchers paper found at any local craft store or beautifully printed wrapping sheets (some of my favorite designs are from Rifle Paper Company). Tie it off with ribbon or twine and add a handwritten tag. Voila! The perfect gift for any hostess.

After beginning her career as an intern at Vogue Magazine, Colleen Kennedy Cohen went on to manage events in-house for renowned brands such as Donna Karan, Yves Saint Laurent, Valentino and Cartier. She has been planning luxury events throughout the U.S. and Europe for major fashion houses since 2006.  After the birth of her daughter, Colleen launched Colleen Kennedy Events to bring her luxury brand experience to private clients. Currently, she lives in New York City and works as an event planner and certified health coach. With a love for all things beautiful, coupled with an eye for design, Colleen brings a versatile and fresh approach to each project she takes on. Follow her: Instagram: CKCohen; Pinterest: Colleen Kennedy Events.

Imagery: Colleen Kennedy Cohen