How to Create Holiday Decorations
Three Inexpensive DIY Ideas Using Supermarket Flowers and Supplies
Nov 27, 2008
Traditional as well as unique fresh flowers fill up supermarket coolers and display areas in the run-up to December holidays. (Photo #1) According to Phil Lempert, a consumer trend-watcher and food-marketing expert known as the Supermarket Market Guru, "More flowers are now sold in supermarkets than through flower stores -- and for a lot less money. Usually the flowers are fresher, and you can save almost 30 percent."
Because supermarket floral departments stock products from many distributors, shoppers may want to ask for specific regional ideas from floral department associates. These local employees can help combine items found not only in the floral department, but also throughout the supermarket and local craft stores. They can also help shoppers incorporate items like baskets and vases they may have at home.
Here are three long-lasting, simple and inexpensive ideas from Sue Brocker, florist at the Ridgeway Farms Kroger Store in Salem, VA:
- Red or white amaryllis as cut flowers make simple, but dramatic holiday compositions. (Photos #2 & #3) The large trumpet-shaped blossoms arranged with greenery in a clear glass vase about 10 inches high look sophisticated, but uncluttered. Foliage like leatherleaf fern, seeded eucalyptus, myrtle or sprigs of local evergreens draw attention to the flowers. About one inch of colored marbles or stones at the bottom of the vase not only look good, but also are essential as a counterweight to amaryllis' heavy stems and flowers. Amaryllis stems usually sell in three-stem packages. Consider sharing one package with others. Purchase greens by the stem or cut them locally. Purchase marbles or stones by the bag or pound. Replace water in vases and recut stems at frequent intervals to ensure arrangements that will last for several weeks.
- Three 4" to 6" diameter pots of poinsettias or holiday cacti arranged in holiday containers make cheerful arrangements. Use shallow 10 to 14-inch diameter baskets, round casserole-type dishes or 14 to 17-inch wooden Santa's sleighs. Choose red poinsettias or holiday cactus for a traditional look, or the newer white, pink or striped varieties for a contemporary dramatic appearance. (Photo #4) Buy a suitable container at the supermarket or use one from home. If using a personal container, take it along to the store to be certain the chosen potted plants fit the container and look attractive. Do not forget to remove the pots of flowers from the container before watering. Allow thorough draining before returning them. These arrangements will with careful watering usually last through January and into February.
- Three-foot-high containerized living needle-leaf evergreens can be good Christmas tree alternatives. Kinds available include junipers (Juniperus chinensis 'Blue Point'), Dwarf Alberta Spruce (Picea glauca 'Conica'),and varieties of spruce (Picea spp.), pine (Pinus spp.), and fir (Abies spp.) (Photo #5). Place the tabletop Christmas tree in a 10 to 12-inch diameter plastic-lined basket large enough to cover the nursery container. Decorate with small ornaments. Shoppers can purchase tiny ornaments or use ones from their collections. Other suggestions include jingle bells hung by colored ribbon or pipe cleaners, or squares of tulle or holiday-themed cellophane gathered together with pipe cleaners. Find pipe cleaners and ribbon at craft shops. If possible, remove the tree with its container from the basket before watering. Allow thorough draining before returning to the basket. To keep furniture safe, place a flat waterproof plate beneath the basket. After the holidays, these little trees thrive on a cool porch or entryway. Keep well watered. In the spring, transfer to a larger pot for use as a porch or patio plant.
Other Simple DIY Holiday Ideas
- How to Create Simple Centerpieces: Ten Steps to Fast and Inexpensive Christmas and Holiday Decorations
- How to Make a Simple Gift Bow in Ten Steps: DIY Bow Suitable for Corsages, Wreaths and Gift Boxes
- How to Have a Safe Christmas Tree: Fresh-cut and Well-watered Trees Maintain Decorative Longevity
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