Decorating with Flowers During the Holidays

Using fresh flowers for your Holiday tables can be a truly inspiring accent. A few tips and suggestions to let your blooms last longer and their fragrance permeate your home and hearth. If an arrangement will be made in advance, select compact blossoms that will open to full beauty by the day of your party. Sprigs of pine, spruce, and evergreen, also juniper, are appropriate accents. Canella berries, decorative pods, pepper berries, pinecones, feathers, and eucalyptus are very festive. Cut rose stems diagonally under water at least 2" from the end using a very sharp knife. Wehn stems are not cut underwater, air bubbles form and prevent proper water absorption. Snap the stems for mums. Remove all leaves that will be under water or in floral foam. This will lengthen the life of your flowers. Mist blossoms gently to keep them fresh longer. Flowers in three sizes make beautiful and symmetrical arrangements. Adding greenery, berries, twigs, etc. add beauty and delight. Space flowers evenly inserting the largest variety first. Keep balance on all sides. Fill bare areas with small flowers. If using floral foam, soak foam in water containing flower food for 30 mins. Secure the foam with floral tape. Ribbons add flair and distinction. A colorful ribbon with flowing tails can give character to your arrangement and using holiday colos ir an added visual beauty. Using candlesticks on either side of your arrangement is also a Holiday decorating idea. Mums last about 10 days if properly cared for, and carnations from 7-10 days. Roses stay fresh and beautiful for 5-7 days and lilies 7-10 days. In selecting your choice of flowers, think color, fragrance, and visual appeal. Use your creativity and imagination and bouquets and centerpieces can be made that will add appeal and color to your dining table. Keep cut flowers out of direct sunlight and add fresh water daily. If some blossoms begin to lose their vitality, remove and insert others if you have them. If not, use greenery, berries, feathers, and pinecones to fill in the gaps. Decorating your home with flowers and greenery brings life into each room and to your table. A true decorating delight and a wonderful enhancement to your enjoyment of the Holiday Season. ENJOY!