I hate flower arraignments. I think they are pretentious and stiff and better suited to a restaurant or hotel. When people send them I say thank you and give them away. If you know me at all I love flowers from a corner store or flower cart. Just bring by a bouquet in paper( if your invited) of roses, sunflowers, gladiolus and yes even carnations.
One of my favorite books is " The Botany of Desire". I have beautiful heavy crystal vases I have collected over the years. My favorite is an Hermes bud vase perfect for one rose or orchid and the simplicity is elegant. So don't send me flowers, send a vase.