30s Magazine

It’s almost December, and therefore time to start decorating the house for Christmas. A simple way to instantly add some holiday cheer to your decor is by buying the iconic Christmas plant: the Poinsettia (kerst-ster in Dutch). Now I have to say that I’m not a huge fan of the red ones, but the peachy pink and white ones can definitely get my approval. I feel that the red ones exude a classic holiday vibe, while the white and peach variations add a soft and winter ambiance to your decor.

How to care for the Poinsettia

The Poinsettia is super easy to nurture and care for. Poinsettias need warmth and light, and must be kept away from droughts. They need little watering, and are best placed somewhere that attracts daylight like a windowsill. When buying them make sure that they didn’t sit next to a set of automatic doors that open every 30 seconds, because it will have been damaged by the drought already and won’t live long. Also check your poinsettia‘s soil before buying. It should be neither dripping wet nor totally dry, and if it is, it’s probably not been given proper care. Finally, when you’ve chosen your poinsettia, make sure to wrap it up warm for the journey home.

Preparing them for decorations

If you’re like me, a person who just can’t keep plants alive, why not use a poinsettia for decking the halls or setting the table? First you chop it up and boil it alive. Cut the bracts off your plant, dip the cut ends in boiling water for 20 seconds and then immediately in cold water, and your leaves should stay vibrant and red for up to a week. Then, you are ready to use them in a floral arrangement, or any of the other tips that follow below:

TIP 1: Poinsettia in your Christmas Tree

Once you have boiled them, the Poinsettia makes a great Christmas tree ornament. Put them in paper cones and hang them on your branches. Youu can also use miniature Poinsettias still in their pot, and put that directly in the cone. The cones are easily made by using a nice patterned thick paper, and gold wire.

TIP 2: Poinsettia in your Christmas Cards Garland

Spruce up your Christmas cards garland with Nordmann tree branches, paper snow flakes, and tiny vases with miniature poinsettias.

TIP 3: Poinsettia as gift wrapping adornment

Add a pop of color and some floral flair to your gifts by attaching a Poinsettia on top of the presents.

TIP 4: Poinsettia as your table decoration

Whether you use them as a centerpiece, or tucked in your napkin rings, the Poinsettia is the ultimate table setting accessory for a chic Christmas table.

TIP 5: Combining them with cacti

Did you know that the Poinsettia is originally from Mexico? So why not play on that heritage by combining them with cacti? What I love about this combo is that it creates a robust and edgy feel to the otherwise classic flower. The combo makes it much more modern.

TIP 6: Combined with fresh flowers

Arrange them with other fresh flowers in individual bottles and vases on a tray and you have the perfect elegant centerpiece!

TIP 7: Miniature Poinsettias as table decoration

Create a miniature winter scape with white miniature Poinsettias and pine cones. A great alternative if you don’t like color or like to keep it pared down and harmonious.