The Traditional Meaning of Greenery

Great holiday arrangements begin with greenery. In ancient cultures, people believed that bringing foliage into the home during the season was lucky and guaranteed the return of vegetation in the spring. Even today, green remains a staple in holiday décor.

Tips for Sprucing Up Your

Home:

• Incorporate a scented pine or other greens into a centerpiece or table arrangement. Accent the greens with flowers that complement the home's décor.

• Ask your florist for a bunch of evergreen, cypress or mistletoe to place throughout your home - over the threshold, in the foyer or on the mantel.

• Line a mantel or dining table with small evergreen topiaries or "baby" Christmas trees decorated with bows or flowers.

• Florists carry a wide selection of poinsettias in pink, peach, white, plum and speckled or marbled varieties, in addition to the traditional red.

Whether it's a gift or for home décor, 'colorful greenery' is a thoughtful and long-lasting way to send holiday cheer.

Gifts of Abundance

It is well known that people remember receiving flowers. According to a recent study by SAF and The Michael Cohen Group, 92 percent of women remember the last time they received flowers. Because they are a time when memories are made, there is no better time than the holidays for sending a sentiment of caring.

Sending flowers for the holidays is the gift of emotion. The season has a way of conjuring up feelings of nostalgia. We think about grandma's house, the cozy fireplace, the great feast and good times with family and friends. Flowers and plants are the finishing touch that make the holidays complete.

• Amaryllis and Paper White Narcissus are examples of bulb plants that if given after Thanksgiving or in early December, will bloom just in time for Christmas. Cyclamen, kalanchoe and Christmas cactus are other great flowering plant options.

• Ask your florist to design an arrangement incorporating fruits and vegetables to create a winter harvest feeling.

• Candles added to a centerpiece create a sense of warmth and glow to the holiday table. Shiny decorative balls incorporated into a centerpiece will reflect the light for an even more festive feel.

Information supplied by The Greenery and aboutflowers.com