The flowers are the easy part.

My sister just had her first baby

The flowers: Freesias and ranunculus in soft pinks, creams and whites — bright and new, and nothing so heavily scented it overwhelms a house already running on no sleep. Have them delivered arranged in a jar or box, not a wrap, so nobody’s hunting for a vase one-handed.

The card: “Welcome, little one — you’ve landed in the right family. And to the new mum: sleep when the baby sleeps, take every offered cuppa and every offered arm, and we’ll be round with more flowers before the first bunch has dropped.”

We write the card too. Tell us what’s happened.

How it works

1. Tell us what’s happened.

In your own words — “my sister’s had a baby,” “my neighbour’s husband died,” “I forgot our anniversary.”

2. See what fits.

We match flowers to the situation: what they mean, what they cost, what to avoid.

3. Get the words.

The card is the hard part. We give you something to write that doesn’t sound like a greetings card.

4. Send with confidence.

Order from a florist you trust — we’ll point you to good ones.

See it work

My boss who’s retiring

The flowers: Something structural and lasting — an orchid or a planted arrangement rather than a cut bouquet. It says “we thought about this” and survives the week of leaving drinks.

The card: “Thirty years of showing the rest of us how it’s done. The place won’t be the same — enjoy every unscheduled Monday.”

My neighbour whose husband died

The flowers: White lilies or white roses — quiet, traditional, and right. Avoid anything bright or scented-showy; this is not a bouquet that should announce itself.

The card: “I’m so sorry about John. No need to reply to this — just know we’re next door, and the offer of anything at all is a standing one.”

I forgot our anniversary

The flowers: Not red roses — that’s the panic buy and she’ll know it. Her actual favourites if you know them; peonies or ranunculus if you don’t. The effort of specificity is the apology.

The card: “I got the date wrong and I know it. This isn’t the make-up gift — dinner on Friday is. This is just because you deserved flowers on the day.”