Ellen PhillipsIn February, the traditional month for sweethearts, Americans spend, on average, $116 each for a collective total of $13.19 billion. Because money flows fast and furiously, I decided to play Cupid for savings-driven lovers.
This week's column centers on roses, that favorite of all Valentine's Day flowers, as well as the accompanying dinner -- but dining in rather than out. Let's begin with the flowers.
We've all seen hawkers on the side of the road with their buckets of flowers. While it's tempting to stop for a quick (and much cheaper) buy, keep on driving. Roadside vendors generally don't purchase the best products for resale, and their flowers likely won't last more than a day or two.
While buying online is easier than going in person, resist the temptation. Call a local florist and purchase from them. After all, they deliver in a refrigerated van. When was the last time any of us saw a refrigerated FedEx or UPS truck?
Check grocery stores for flower purchases. First, make sure the store keeps their flowers refrigerated before they put them out for purchase. Assuming this is the case, they normally last just as long as those from a florist.
Tight buds mean freshness. They may not look as pretty, but they'll last much longer before and after they blossom. On the other hand, if the buds are already open, the flowers generally wilt in a couple of days.
The plant food that comes with the flowers really works. Use it.
Florists and other experienced flower sellers realize that their products are sometimes duds. If you've taken these hints and the flowers die early, then return them and ask for a replacement. (Speak with the manager or owner rather than an employee, who may not have the authority to make the exchange.)
Party BluPrint, an event planning company, subscribes to the theory that a dinner at home -- if done up right -- is far a more meaningful and romantic experience than a restaurant meal. "Doing it up right" includes:
* Making your own cozy spot. Spread a blanket and dine picnic style; light a fire in the fireplace if weather permits. (Your love burns, doesn't it?) Otherwise, light lots of candles for a soft romantic glow.
* Buying one or two roses to strip of their petals. Strew these all over the blanket and/or area where dining.
* Forget the champagne and go for Prosecco. At about $15, this sparking white Italian wine runs a fraction of champagne's price.
* Avoid heavy cakes or pastries for dessert (particularly if planning other "activities" after dinner). Instead, buy several flavors of inexpensive and refreshing sorbet and serve a scoop of each in your prettiest crystal.
Roses and dinner (and candy) are traditional Valentine favorites. However, when we pop on our thinking caps, other ideas come to mind that are less expensive or, better, cost nothing to give. Come up with your own original ideas by next week's column and see if (our) fine minds think alike.
Contact Ellen Phillips at consumerwatch@timesfreepress.com.