Let’s Make Thanksgiving Great Again: A Florist’s Guide to Standing Out This Fall

Episode 3

Ah, Thanksgiving... The time of pumpkin spice, awkward family debates, and for florists in the US, a pretty big floral opportunity. Sure, it's not Christmas, but Americans go all out.

Canadians? Not so much. In Canada, our Thanksgiving isn't tied to a beloved national sport nor is it close to Christmas either, so there you have it. But if you are looking south, there's a chance to make Thanksgiving a profitable and memorable season for your shop.

Here's how to make Thanksgiving matter without being pushy or spammy.

1. Florists: Think Beyond the Thanksgiving Table

Thanksgiving isn't just about the centrepiece. Guests bring gifts, hosts need easy decor, and people want thoughtful, low-fuss options. Offer ready-to-go options that make life easier:

• Something in a pumpkin. People love a pumpkin. It's perfect as a centrepiece or a hostess gift.

• Sunflowers. A cluster, a handtied, loose cut stems. Any which way you choose to bring them, they're bright, cheerful, and a fall favourite.

• Shop Special Handtied Bouquet. Already arranged, easy to pop in a vase without slowing down dinner prep. AND easy to sell!

Pro Tip: Offer three tiers (Basic, Standard, Premium). Customers like choice and usually they choose the middle tier. Use this strategy wisely.

Florist Thanksgiving

2. Add Seasonal Upgrades

Little extras make your shop memorable:

• Gift wrapping or a special locally made card for host gifts

• Stuffed animals, chocolates, or small sweets (like maple fudge) alongside arrangements or plants

• Limited-edition seasonal containers, or use fresh mini pumpkins or festive vases. (Make sure to look in your storage to see if you have any forgotten buried treasures you can use - two birds, one stone and all)

These upgrades make your offering feel thoughtful and festive. They can also bump your average order value especially if you have your phone warriors offering them up.

3. Offer Decor Services

Go beyond flowers in a vase! Some hosts want their whole table, mantle, or home decorated for Thanksgiving dinner.

• Offer packages: 'Centrepiece + Mantle + Entry Arrangement' or 'Table + Buffet + Living Room Touches'

• Make it stress free: You deliver, set up, and remove after the holiday if desired.

• Get creative and cost effective by forraging foliage, branches or seasonal greenery (just make sure you shake off the critters) from your garden, local parks, or even the woods. Branches with turning leaves, berries, or interesting textures make beautiful, natural arrangements taht are all the rage right now, without breaking the bank.

• Market these as luxury, time-saving options for busy hosts.

Decor services can transform your shop into a full-service holiday destination, not just a bouquet stop. Using natural, seasonal materials adds not just a sustainable factor but also a wow factor your clients will love.

4. Be the Helpful Florist, Not the Hard Sell

People don't respond to endless 'Buy Now' posts. They want value, entertainment, or a quick lesson.

• Share tips on displaying flowers with minimal fuss for Thanksgiving

• Post a video of Thankgiving decor or arrangement being assembled

• Post a quick DIY centrepiece ideas

• Show a short video demonstrating how a sunflower bouquet or pumpkin arrangement can instantly elevate a table (Are there any local restaurants you can partner with? 👀)

Content that educates or entertains will naturally lead to sales without feeling pushy.

5. Host Classes or Workshops

Thanksgiving is a great excuse to teach:

• Wreath-making classes

Centrepiece workshops

Private or public events can bring in new customers, boost revenue, and strengthen your local presence.

Bonus: Attendees often buy supplies or bouquets after class!

6. Know Your Customers Before They Ask

With modernized systems, you can:

• Pull up last year's orders instantly

• Remind customers about Thanksgiving via personalized emails or text messages. A little nudge goes a long way.

Offer customized recommendations that feel thoughful, not pushy, based on their past preferences.

Pro Tip: If you don't already have a Thanksgiving reminder in your newsletter or CRM, add one now. Personal outreach shows your clients you care and keeps your shop top-of-mind when. they're planning their holiday tables.

7. Make It Easy for the Host

The host has enough on their plate... turkey, sides, and managing relatives. Flowers should be a wonderful, stress-free gift:

• Recommend arrangements that don't require immediate watering

• Handtied bouquets or prearranged centrepieces are perfect for quick placement

• Fall swags or wreaths? Great if you know the host, but keep it simple for acquaintances.

The easier you make it, the more likely they'll buy something from you and come back next year.

8. Systems Save Your Sanity

Nothing kills a sale faster than scrambling for past orders or customer info. Modern systems let you:

• Access order history in seconds

• Track preferences, sizes, and styles

• Spend less time digging through file boxes and more time selling, creating, and delighting.

Final Thoughts

Thanksgiving in the US may not be your biggest holiday yet, but it's a big opportunity to show your expertise, build goodwill, and make a few extra sales.

🌸 Offer ready-to-go arrangements that simplify life.

🌸 Add thoughtful seasonal upgrades like cards, wrapping, or treats.

🌸 Provide decor services for tables, mantles, and homes.

🌸 Host workshops for wreaths or centrepieces.

🌸 Educate and entertain on social media instead of selling nonstop.

🌸 Use your systems to work smarter, not harder.

With these tips, you can make Thanksgiving not just a holiday, but a small floral triumph, and maybe even earn gratitude from. more than just the turkey eaters.

🌻 Before You Go…

Want to make these Thanksgiving ideas happen without the stress?

📧 Email me: contact@clippervirtualmgmt.com

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