There’s nothing like hearing an unexpected knock at the door—only to discover a beautiful floral arrangement addressed to you. Even better? The bespoke arrangement also brags indulgent sweets and fancy booze. “For me, the best part of the job is seeing the customers’ reactions,” says Maria Kária, founder and owner of Tasteful Arrangements in Fort Lauderdale.
Centered around the art of surprise and delight, Kária specializes in over-the-top luxury boxes and arrangements that exceed typical floral gifts. Sourcing an assortment of fresh flowers including roses, orchids, hydrangeas, ranunculus and more from Pompano and Miami, the self-taught florist transforms the flowers into covetable arrangements that intermingle with decadent sweets as well as Champagne, wine, or spirits. “I wanted to be different, not just a florist,” she says. “I’m always coming up with something new and unique, and I’m often inspired by European designers.”
Kária offers 15 box sizes in various shades, as well as decorative vases and seasonal vessels—and many of the arrangements are splashed in feminine hues of soft pink and white. A top favorite is the Surprise Box where flowers explode from the top of the box and a secret drawer reveals tucked-away sweets like macarons, truffles, or locally made chocolate-covered strawberries. Another best-loved box: the Champagne Box featuring a bottle of premium bubbly, like Veuve Clicquot or Dom Pérignon, nestled next to flowers and a pair of branded Champagne flutes. Kária and her husband live in Victoria Park where they own Primo Liquors, and the couple has access to any libation a customer prefers. Every box is customizable and can even include a client’s favorite perfume or beauty product.
With a new shop in the Sistrunk neighborhood, where floral swings dangle from the ceiling and the sweet smell of flowers wafts through the air, locals can pop in to grab flowers or a present in a pinch. Bundle a fresh bouquet from the flower trolley, and scoop up giftable Apotheke candles, chocolate-covered strawberries, playful pillows swathed with Champagne labels, Florida-made jewelry, and boxes of chocolates by Flair Chocolatier New York. Kária also hosts monthly master classes where guests learn the art of arranging from creating centerpieces to wreaths. tastefularrangements.com
By Angela Caraway-Carlton.
