10 Festive Ways to Use Poinsettias in Christmas Decor

Poinsettias are one of the traditional flowering plants of the winter season and they add beautiful color and a natural touch to your holiday decor. While they should be used with caution around animals and children, as they are poisonous, there are many great ways to use them in holiday decor. Check out the ten festive ways to use poinsettias in your Christmas decor below and start decorating.

• With Garland

  By interweaving some poinsettias, live or fake, into a strand of garland on the railing or banister, you add color and visual interest to the space. If your Christmas color palette is anything other than the traditional red, burgundy or cream, you may need to resort to artificial poinsettias to find a complimentary color. You can also use pre-made artificial poinsettia garland instead of trying to make your own.

• Centerpieces

  Add some color and life to your dining and living room centerpieces, by incorporating poinsettias into the design. Their bold, vibrant colors and big, leafy flowers make them ideal for use in arrangements. Be sure to keep them out of the reach of children and animals if you use them this way.

• Mantel Decor

  No fireplace is complete without mantel decorations at Christmas time. Use small poinsettias on either end of the mantel, or create a bold poinsettia floral arrangement for the center of the mantel. The beautiful colors and design will be an instant focal point in the room.

• Wreaths

  Whether you use them inside or outside, no Christmas wreath is complete without a poinsettia flower. Use durable, weather resistant artificial poinsettias if the wreath will be hung on an exterior door. For inside use, silks and velvets are ideal for a wreath with poinsettia flowers.

• Table Linens

  There are many different ways to dress a holiday table and poinsettias can help. Use a formal, white tablecloth on top of which you place a long, poinsettia patterned table runner. The table runner can be pre-made or you can make it yourself. Simply choose some poinsettia fabric, cut it to the length and width you need, hem the edges and you have an instant table runner. If you would like the poinsettias to take center stage, use a floral poinsettia tablecloth and a plain, solid colored table runner instead.

• In the Bathroom

  Replace those everyday shower curtain hooks with festive poinsettia ones. A holiday poinsettia shower curtain and some hand towels would complete the festive look. If you can find small poinsettia shaped guest soaps, put a few of them in a soap dish when company comes to call.

• Candles

  Poinsettia floating candles are another option for adding this festive plant to holiday decor. Place them in a glass candle dish and light them during holiday dinners and parties. They lend an instantly Christmas-like appeal with their shape and design.

• Kitchen and Table Accessories

  Pot holders, kitchen towels and napkin rings can all make an important statement with their poinsettia patterns. Trivets and other kitchen accessories are available in many different patterns, including poinsettias. Even one or two poinsettia inspired pieces will help carry the theme throughout the room.

• Potted Plants

  It sounds simple enough, but displaying poinsettias in their pots is another great way to use them in decor. The pots are usually covered in shiny, festive foil and create an instantly cheerful feel. Place them next to a fireplace, outside the front door or line small pots up on a windowsill.

• Curtains

  If you really want to include the look of poinsettias in your holiday decor, create poinsettia curtains. Use holiday theme fabric and sew simple pocket curtains that you can hang over the windows you want to highlight. If you prefer a more traditional look, use tie backs with a poinsettia theme.

Veronica Smith, writes for AmericanArtisanArt.com and has many ideas for bringing the beauty of unique large wall art and contemporary aluminum wall art to your interiors.