Showing up with a bouquet of fresh cut flowers is certainly one way to go, but there are other great choices too. Try picturing yourself standing there smiling, potted plant in hand. It has appeal. Think about it.

For one thing, if you’re going to give cut flowers, be sure she’s ready to receive (has a vase, knows what to do, etc.).

A potted plant will take all the guesswork out of things. All she needs is a table to put it on, and a plate to put under it so it doesn’t leak all over the place when she waters it.

Of course if it truly has to be cut flowers (and some occasions just cry out for them) then relax. You just need to be prepared.

STEP 1. BRING HER FLOWERS
Even if you’re bringing the wine, bring flowers too. Research conducted by the deparment of psychology and the department of genetics at Rutgers University shows that a gift of flowers not only makes women smile, it makes them happy. It's hard-wired into their brains. This is a good thing.
The sweet thing about offering a gift of potted flowers is that they’re ready to roll right after the hand-off. Potted bulb flowers (which, BTW, are usually a lot cheaper than cut flowers) are already alive and growing. The only thing your recipient needs to do is not kill them. Unless you leave them in the driveway for her to back over with the car, you’re pretty safe there. Basically, they just need a drink of water now and then. (Click here for buying and care tips.)

Also, a potted plant keep on growing for weeks without hassle and leaves a bit of you behind, blooming there on the table. It’s a colorful invitation to think of you and how darn sweet you are. Cut flowers, OTOH, will fade after several days unless you give them a little TLC such as changing the dirty water, etc., etc.

It’s a fact, cut flowers make a certain statement. There’s just something about them. If you know she’s the type to have a vase around, no problem. But if not, then you’re going to need to memorize the tips from situation one and be prepared to improvise.

Unfortunately, you cannot bring her a vase. Why? Because bringing her a vase would show her that you didn’t think she’d have one. Even if she doesn’t have one, the fact that you thought she was the kind of girl who wouldn’t have a vase would get you in trouble. Makes no sense? That’s why you need Savedbythebud.com.

Here’s the exception that makes it a rule. You can bring a vase if it’s a really cool vase, something you got especially to go with the flowers. Want to look really suave? Take your very nifty vase to the florist and say, “fill ‘er up.” That’s right, your friendly florist will be happy to oblige, filling your vase with the perfect flowers and adding a few special touches to make an awesome gift. Note: if you do this, you better really like this girl. Not only will this approach call for a significant cash outlay, it’s a particularly thoughtful gift. That’s right. A gift this cool is sending a very positive signal. Make sure you’re ready before you hit the transmit button.

Basically, if you bring the flowers, let her fuss over them. You don’t really need to be involved unless you see her visibly floundering. Open the wine. That’s a good guy thing to do.

STEP 2. DON'T OFFER DECORATING TIPS
If you’ve been digging around this site, you’re no doubt brimming with fun decorating ideas. (Oh, face it. It got you thinking!) So, how’s her place feel to you? No matter what you really think: it’s great!

Key words & phrases are: comfortable, homey, great colors, creative. Whether her humble domicile makes you want to beat a quick retreat, or move your widescreen TV into the living room, your smartest course is to be approvingly non-committal. For a short stay or a long-term commitment, keep your decorating ideas to yourself. For now.

STEP 3. BE ALERT.
The fact that she invited you over to her place is significant. Forget the flowers for a minute. Why are you here? There are plenty of neutral places to meet. If she has you over to her place, it means something. So you have to decide. Like the famous Dirty Harry line, “Do you feel lucky, punk?” Well, do you? Spending an evening at her place is your chance to find out. Look around; check out the little touches. We’re assuming she knew you were coming. Scope out the place. It’s wearing its Sunday best just for you. See what you think. And no matter what you decide, treat the effort with respect.