Are you kidding? I love flowers. However, the realities of life throw me out of control. And the thought of preparing for the guests pushes me over the edge.

Silk flower arrangements have simply made life easier. No last minute rush to the florist on my rush home after an already too busy day. No grooming and fuss, watering and trimming, fluffing and pampering. I simply say no to the effort, time, and money of “fresh” and simply walk to my closet.

My closet is divided into sections and loosely organized by color and type; I don’t get tired of these things. They are ready to go in no time. Life made a step easier.

I use them to liven up the home with the changing of the seasons, catapult my table setting from drab to divine, make it look like I really went to great lengths to decorate for an occasion, and to burst smiles and joy throughout my home.

During the last decades, new materials have been used in the production of artificial flowers and true artists have been involved in the reproduction of flowers, small green plants and trees. Remarkable beauty continues to enter stores on a daily basis. Each piece is a work of art.

These aren’t your grandmother’s plastic arrangements; These are so real looking plant replicas that guests never know the difference. And the guest with allergies? No problem. Beautiful full bouquets fill the room and there is not a single allergen afloat.

When a particular flower seems perfect for an occasion, there’s no need to worry if it’s in season and call different stores to check availability. It’s in the closet, ready, in full bloom, and arranged to amazing perfection. Two minutes tops and I’m smiling, relaxed, ready.

Buying new flowers is a pleasure. They can be purchased individually or in pre-arranged silk flower arrangements. All colors can be found in happy bouquets online. Some of the high-end stores have plants that not only look real, but feel real too.

The variety abounds. Many types of popular flowers can be found in a multitude of arrangements. Some of the most popular include roses of all colors from buds to full bloom, extensive assemblages of orchids, hyacinths including the prized blue, tulips, bluebells, peonies, delphiniums, dogwoods, a variety of lilies and many more.

So go ahead, prepare ahead of time, kick back and relax, be kind to yourself, take the easy way out, give it a try and hand pick a silk flower arrangement for your next occasion.