Your IOF Guide to Surviving (and Thriving!) This Christmas Season
Christmas hits the floristry world like a snowstorm — beautiful, chaotic and absolutely full-on. Whether you’re running a bustling shop, creating magic from a studio, or filling hotels and venues with festive glamour, December demands organisation, clarity and a good sense of humour.
Here’s a brand-new IOF guide to help you stay ahead of the rush, protect your margins, and keep things running smoothly from now until New Year’s Eve.
1. Get Seen, Get Booked, Get Ready
Launch your Christmas collection early.
Don’t wait for December — your customers are already shopping. Make your range visible on your website, socials and Google profile.
Warm up your email list.
Send a short, friendly “Christmas is open!” email and clearly outline delivery dates, studio hours and last order deadlines.
Use storytelling, not selling.
Show the craft: a bow being tied, wreaths in production, the morning flower delivery. People buy into the process.
Encourage pre-orders.
It gives you guaranteed revenue and lets you plan stock, especially for wreaths, table centres and gift bouquets.
Create a simple gift guide.
Bundles, “most loved”, budget-friendly options, add-ons… make shopping easy.
Stand out locally.
Team up with other small businesses for cross-promotions, in-store events or giveaways. A rising tide lifts all boats.
Don’t forget remembrance pieces.
Memorial designs matter deeply at Christmas. Even a few ready-to-go options can be a comfort to customers.
2. Make Your Online Presence Work Overtime
Give your website a Christmas tune-up.
Fresh images, updated descriptions, festive keywords, clear delivery information.
Refresh your Google Business Profile.
Add seasonal photos, update Christmas hours and post weekly reminders.
Batch-create your visuals.
Shoot product photos and quick videos now. Future You will be very grateful.
Schedule your socials in advance.
This stops your page going silent when the madness kicks in.
Show your workspace.
Irish customers love behind-the-scenes content, wreath tables, prep days, buckets of foliage, and the team in action.
3. Set Your Team Up for Success
Have clear roles.
Decide who’s on production, who’s packing, who’s dealing with customers and who’s managing delivery.
Create recipe cards.
Your Christmas range should have clear instructions so everything looks consistent.
Rotate tasks.
Avoid burnout by mixing production, prep and customer service.
Prep before the chaos begins.
Fold wrap, bundle foliage, prep ribbons, organise vases, build wreath bases, all the boring jobs you’ll thank yourself for later.
Bring in extra hands.
Even someone on the phones or packing can free up skilled florists for designing.
4. Deliver Like a Pro
Get vans serviced and sparkling.
A clean, reliable van says everything about your brand.
Plan your delivery zones.
Stick to clear areas, prices and time slots.
Prepare driver kits.
Spare ribbon, delivery notes, cable ties, flower food, cards — and maybe a biscuit or two.
Have backup options.
Local taxis, couriers or an on-call freelancer can save the day.
5. Keep Calm Behind the Counter
Stay on top of the money.
Cash, card rolls, receipts, deposits, check them daily.
Track stock.
Keep an eye on candles, chocolates, vases, wrap and care cards. These disappear faster than you’d think.
Daily reset.
A 10-minute tidy at closing time makes the next day far easier.
Look after everyone.
Snacks, quick breaks, silly moments, Christmas playlists, morale matters.
6. When the Last Delivery Is Done…
Record what worked.
Which products flew out? What did you run out of? What would you change?
These five minutes of notes will save you hours next year.
Celebrate yourself.
You’ve created beauty under pressure — that’s no small thing.
A Note from the IOF
To every florist heading into the busiest season of the year: we’re with you.
The creativity, graft, and resilience you show in December is extraordinary. Whether you’re elbow-deep in wreaths, setting up hotel installs, or running a packed shop floor — you’re representing the heart of Irish floristry.
We’re cheering you on.
You’ve got this. 💜🎄
