Poinsettias say “holidays!”  Use these beautiful live plants to decorate your home dramatically – but easily.  Readily available at big box stores, florists, discount stores, grocery stores, drug stores and tree lots, the variety of colors and sizes means there’s a beautiful plant that’s perfect for any home and budget.

I’ve surfed the web (so you wouldn’t have to) in search of  ways to use these wonderful plants  in your home this holiday season.  I also found a video I think you’ll enjoy that introduces you to some of the lovely types of poinsettias on the market and how to care for them. 

Poinsettia Decorating Ideas

Insert single poinsettia blooms into florist vials filled with water and tuck the vials into a garland strewn across the fireplace.  Or, if you prefer, leave the garland plain and fill the hearth with lush potted poinsettia plants.

Use large single blossoms inserted into florist vials to highlight a fresh wreath.

Create this look by tucking florist vials containing a single poinsettia into dense foliage of an evergreen like a spruce or balsam.

Rings of florist foam on 3 stacked cake stands create the form for building this stunning poinsettia tree. Use a bamboo skewer to poke a hole in the foam – don’t try to use the stem to poke the hole or you’ll damage it and the flower will die.

In the top photo two stacked cake plates hold small cups filled with poinsettias.  In the bottom photo two stacked bowls filled with florist foam hold the poinsettias in place.

Run blocks of florist foam the length of the table center and insert poinsettia blooms and candles.  Then place a single bloom at each place  for a show stopping holiday table.

Insert large white poinsettias into a vase filled with cranberries and water.

Mini-star poinsettias are single blooms growing in a very tiny pot – perfect for decorating a place setting and providing a table favor for guests to take when they leave.

A trio of glass containers showcase gorgeous blooms in a simple but attractive display.

A single bloom and greens tucked into a silver sugar bowl defines winter beauty.

A trio of vases or pots filled with poinsettias brightens any place they stand.

Searing the Stem

If you’re using single poinsettia blooms, you need to sear the stem immediately after you cut it from the plant.

In the photo above the poinsettia stem is being seared by the candle flame.  Simply putting the stem in the flame sears it – if you don’t sear the stem of a cut blossom all of the milky fluid flows out and the flower will wilt.  Searing seals the end of the stem so the milky fluid remains in the flower – yet the stem is porous enough to still soak up water.

Selecting Holiday Poinsettias

Flower Power

Decocrate with poinsettias during the holidays this year.  Use the ideas above to create displays that suit your home and decor.  If you’re short on time just place potted poinsettias on an entry table, set one on each tread of a stairway, scatter minis across the shelves of a bookcase, place a pot in the powder room or place them on end tables or sofa tables.  Buy, place, enjoy – it’s easy to fill the house with holiday cheer when you use the power of poinsettias.

Make it merry!