Month: November 2010

Alternatively known as the Flame Leaf or the Flower of the Holy Night, poinsettias are popular adornments in churches, homes and offices all through the Christmas season. The star-shaped leaves of the flowering plant are symbolic of the Star of Bethlehem and the color red represents the blood sacrifice through Jesus’ crucifixion.

Legend has it that the poinsettia is a virtual Christmas miracle. Two poor children from a village in Mexico were distressed as they could afford no offering to baby Jesus. So, they plucked some weeds to make a soft bed for the Lord. While decorating the manger, the two were mocked and teased, when suddenly, the weeds burst into bright, star-like petals, thus proving that love was the most precious of gifts.

Indigenous to Mexico and Central America, the poinsettia was included in Christmas decorations by the Mexican Franciscan friars from the seventeenth century. It was first brought to America by Dr Joel Poinsett, whom it is christened after.

Today, poinsettias are ubiquitous throughout the world during Christmas. Although traditionally red, the star-shaped leaves are now available in pink, white and yellow. Multipurpose embellishments, they double up as centerpieces, desk or wall decorations. This very versatility makes poinsettias the perfect holiday gift, and with proper care, they can last long beyond the Christmas season to brighten up your living or work spaces all year long.

As the days shorten and grow dark, I crave a little brightness in my life. Vivid balls of orange – pin cushion Protea – fill the need. Everyone benefits from a little floral sunshine brightening the darker days of autumn. Pin cushion Protea tucked into a vase with golden Vanda orchids combine in an arrangement that radiates bright sunny warmth. A creative wrap of leaves from a croton plant finish the look with unique style. I know, you are wondering, “How long will the leaves last?” Not to worry, croton leaves are long lasting. They’ll last for weeks wrapped around the vase. It is amazing just how long they will hold up and look fabulous.

This Thanksgiving I am thinking simple and fun for my table décor. I’ve gathered up a collection of brown and ivory serving pieces. This wonderful assortment of dishes with nothing matching makes it easy to add an extra guest or two. No need to worry about having enough of the same plates. Whew! Now that I have that issue solved, on to choosing flowers… Gorgeous ivory Vendela roses it is. Add ivory candles and a few autumn leaves – beautiful! Now, I just have to figure out how to cook a turkey…

Once Halloween is over, I hate to throw away the beautiful pumpkins and gourds. They are just too lovely. Time to re-use and re-purpose – yes, this centerpiece is just the ticket for the recycler. Have your pumpkins gilded – gold, copper or silver – they are all lovely. Then, add them into your centerpiece for the Thanksgiving table. You’ll love them so much that they stay around through Christmas and New Years, too. Of course, come February you could paint them red and be ready for Valentine’s Day. Oh, no! That may be taking re-use just a little too far. I don’t think I can get used to the idea of Valentine pumpkin.

Summer may be over but you do not need to give up the vivid colors of summer blooms quite yet. The fabulous dahlias will be here to enjoy until first frost. Add the kicky zest of fresh limes (yes, they are real!) and you have an eye catching floral design. Even better, this arrangement overflows with the creative addition of Hanging Amaranthus.

Vivid ideas with pragmatic solutions. Blazing enthusiasm with unswerving determination. Also, naïve optimism with piercing insight. These are the paradoxical qualities of the Sagittarius. And the S. American carnations.

Originally cultivated in Egypt for over 2,000 years, these delicate albeit durable blooms have crowned the emperors of Rome and Greece. Today, they continue to be coveted for their frilly, ruffled appearance and long-lasting, clove-like fragrance. These posies personify indomitable spirit of the Sagittarius with light pastel shades of peach, pink and flesh tones, with an occasional detour to white, yellow, green, red and deep shades of purple and burgundy.

Discover this season myriad expressions of love and romance accentuated by the fiery and fearless persona of the Centaur.

When I think of autumn, I think of yellow, red and orange – all the fiery hues of the season. Oh, how I love these! But, there is so much more to choose from. The dusty rose of sedum and muted hue of slate blue hydrangea combines with the antiqued ivory of Queen Anne’s lace to create a romantic autumn basket. This fall, you can choose… what color is your autumn season?