It’s always exciting to move into a new home, whether that’s a house, an apartment, a dorm room or another arrangement.
When people have just moved, they love to get housewarming gifts that allow them to personalize their space. And plants make the perfect gift.
However, plants can also be tricky. Do you buy a real plant or a fake one? Are artificial plants even considered an acceptable housewarming gift?
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Can Giving an Artificial Plant or Flower Arrangement Be Considered Tacky?
Is it tacky to give an artificial plant for a housewarming gift? Many people would like to give an artificial plant or flower arrangement, but they worry that this could be a tacky gift next to giving them a real plant.
Well, if the artificial plant or flowers are cheap and of poor quality, it can indeed be a tacky gift.
However, there’s no reason that the gift has to be a low-quality one. When you invest in artificial plants that are of high quality, they will look natural and will be a welcome addition to any home.
Today’s high-quality plants are generally made from silk or polyester as well as poly-blends, and they come in highly realistic colors and textures that are durable as well as beautiful. As long as the artificial plants get dusted occasionally, they will look great for years to come.
Interior decorators often use realistic-looking artificial plants and flowers to decorate upscale homes because they look just like the real thing but require little care and will last far longer.
While it once may have been tacky to give any type of artificial plant or flowers as a gift, the fake plants available today often look great and are a thoughtful gift.
Tips for Giving an Artificial Plant or Flower Arrangement as a Housewarming Gift
When you’ve made the decision to give a lovely artificial plant or flower arrangement as a housewarming gift, there are several things to consider.
- Know your recipient’s tastes.
- Buy from a good source.
- Understand the recipient’s space.
Know the Tastes of the Gift Recipient
If someone has a green thumb and loves to take care of plants, giving them an artificial plant may not be a good idea. However, artificial plants are perfect for a wide range of people.
If they travel a lot, work long hours, or simply don’t have a green thumb, an artificial plant or flower arrangement could be perfect for their new space.
Other people who appreciate artificial plants are people who are allergic to plants or flowers. With an artificial plant, they get the beauty of plants without the risk of allergies.
Find the Right Source for Real Looking Artificial Flowers
When you’re in the market for an arrangement of artificial flowers, there are a number of sources that offer high-quality arrangements.
When you source the plants, pay attention to the materials they are made from. Many modern artificial flowers and plants are made from a highly realistic plastic that is made with all the right textures and colors.
Silk has its own advantages, but it gets worn and bleached by the sun more easily. If you want the best realism, plastic may be better.
Don’t overlook good sources for these flowers. You can get some great flowers at home retailers like World Market and Wayfair, but they can also be found at retailers like Walmart and Amazon.
Retailers often have different quality levels to choose from, so pick one that looks as real as possible.
If You Can, Try to Match Their New Décor
If you have been inside the recipient’s new place before, you will know the colors that are used and the general style of the décor.
If you haven’t, it can be a good idea to look through the recipient’s social media posts to see if there are any pictures posted of it. Many people love posting new-home pics, so this can give you a wealth of information about their style and décor.
Choosing the right plant for the place often comes down to seeing its lighting and paint colors. If you see a lot of burnt orange or purple in the recipient’s home, this goes well with plenty of bright green foliage.
Foliage of any color looks good with bright white walls. If you’re shopping for an artificial flower arrangement, pay attention to whether the colors are bold or soft in the home, and match that intensity with the flowers.
Lighting can also play a big role, with bright lights looking great with glossy leaves. The overall goal is to make sure that the plant or flowers go well with the overall look of the home instead of standing out and clashing with its colors and lighting.
Be Respectful of Any Limitations Their Space Might Have
The size of the place should play into the size of the plant you choose, but there are other considerations as well.
If the recipient has moved into a dorm or an apartment, they may not be able to hang up a hanging plant.
If they have a small space like a cozy apartment or dorm room, a small plant like an artificial succulent can be perfect for the space. If they are living in a larger space, they may have floor space available and could display a larger plant in a pot on the floor.
When you’re looking for an artificial plant or flowers as a housewarming gift, make sure that you take the décor, the space, the taste of the recipient, and the source that it comes from.
Have you given or received an artificial plant as a housewarming gift? Share any tips you have for giving an artificial plant or flowers as a housewarming gift in the comments.
