Tips for Christmas Flower Giving and Decorating

People are often surprised to learn that the Winter holidays are the number 1 floral buying time of the year. This has become especially true as we have entered into the 21st century and as more people are staying home and hosting parties in their homes. Also, as families disperse and are often great distances from one another it becomes increasingly important to send your good wishes for the happiest of holidays and very often that is in the form of a floral bouquet.

Nothing conjures up the feelings of Christmas like the fragrance of evergreens. The colors found in most evergreens are from the Nurturing Palette; nourishing the soul and touching the heart with warmth. Great holiday arrangements begin with traditional greenery, the long lasting foundation.

Tips for making the most of holiday greenery

• Incorporate a scented pine or other greens into a centerpiece or table arrangement. Accent the greens with flowers that complement the home's décor.
• Your florist will be helpful in providing additional greens to use throughout your home. ie. the mantle, over the doorway or in the center of tablescapes.
• Use small evergreen topiaries or Christmas Trees decorated with ribbon and/or flowers
• Poinsettias in traditional red or the more advant garde plum, pink and yellows are long lasting and will extend your decorating budget.

Gifts of Abundance

• According to research conducted by Rutgers University, people remember receiving flowers. There is no better time to show your caring sentiments than at Christmas.
• Wreaths, centerpieces, miniature Christmas Trees and gourmet food or fruit baskets all make great Christmas gifts.
• Amaryllis and Narcissus are great gifts to give around Thanksgiving! They will last throught the holidays and can be planted out doors later.
• Candles added to an arrangement create a sense of warmth and romance.
• If sending flowers to native Arroyo Grandens, Floridians, Hawaiians or other coastal or southern areas, remember that a white Christmas is a foreing idea.
• Decorate the buffett or brunch table with evergreens with splashes of warm colors which compliment food such as oranges, yellows and reds. Remember, a florist is an expert at making magic happen!
• A small ornament tied with a handwritten card with the guest's name will make a lovely place card holder and gift
• If you are attending a holiday gathering, ask your florist to deliver a cheerful arrangement or holiday plant before you arrive. When you show up, you'll be the talk of the evening.