How to Use Fresh Greens to Decorate for the Holidays

There is nothing quite like the smell of fresh pine, and nothing says the holidays quite like a home filled with fresh greenery. If you are planning on using fresh greenery in your holiday decorating, there are a few things you should keep in mind. To get the most from your greenery, it is important to pick the best greens for your location and understand how to care for them. Here are some tips for decorating your home with fresh greenery this holiday season.

What Type of Greenery Should I Use?

One of the first things to consider is if your evergreens will be going in an indoor or outdoor arrangement. It is important to pick the type of greenery suited for the space to make sure it lasts as long as possible. The most popular choices for greenery include pine and juniper and evergreens such as cedar, magnolias, and cypress greens. Spruce trees, such as Blue spruce, are popular choices for holiday decorating. Cedar is a great choice for outdoor wreaths, given its ability to withstand the cold and snow, but its aromatic citrus notes make it less desirable indoors. Rosemary makes a wonderful indoor topiary but will turn brown quickly when exposed to freezing temperatures.

How to Keep Your Greenery Fresh

Starting with the freshest greenery will help improve the longevity of your arrangements. Look at local farmers’ markets, and cut your own Christmas tree farms. Condition your greens before working with them by cutting small slits in the stems and crushing the end to increase water absorption. Soak the greenery in a large container of water for several hours before you begin your project. Adding an anti-desiccant to the water can help your greens retain moisture and last longer. Fresh greenery lasts longer outside in cold weather. For arrangements indoors, avoid placing them in direct sunlight and keep them away from heating vents. Make sure to mist greenery daily to help it last longer. Misting evergreens such as cedar and balsam fir and greenery like eucalyptus will help keep your aromatic arrangements smelling like the holidays. You can expect your fresh indoor greenery to last approximately two weeks with the proper care.

Decorating With Fresh Greenery

There are so many ways to use fresh greenery in your holiday decorating. Garlands can adorn mantles and outdoor posts. Use it to dress up a banister or adorn a doorway. Wreaths belong everywhere! On doors, on windows, on mantles, on chairs! Fresh greens tied together to decorate chairs and swags on mirrors, table centerpieces, and buffet arrangements can have ribbons, fruit, and ornaments added to reflect your style.

This Holiday Season, Go Green!

During Ladies Week, Sunday, November 15 to Saturday, November 21, all Flowers Works preordered evergreen wreaths are 10% off! Trust our expert designers to create the perfect evergreen wreath to complement the décor of your home. Contact Flower Works today to order your wreath online. Do you need to have a wreath delivered to a special someone? We offer same-day delivery in Marquette, MI!