Making Holiday Arrangements

The holiday season is a great time to bring the outdoors inside. This winter, try collecting holly, pine, and other plant materials from your yard to make holiday arrangements.

Use sharp pruning shears to cut branches, and soak the cut ends overnight in water. Select foliage of different sizes, colors, and shapes for visual interest.

For a table centerpiece, create a low arrangement that can be enjoyed from all sides. For an entry table, make the back flat and focus your energy on the front of the project.

Use a container that's about a third as high as your arrangement, and consider using floral foam to hold things in place.

UF/IFAS Sites

• A Green Holiday

UF/IFAS Publications

• Decorate for the Holidays with Materials From Your Own Backyard (PDF)
• Holiday Greenery Arrangements (PDF)

Also on Gardening in a Minute

• Garlands
• Gifts from the Garden
• Natural Holiday Decorations

Other Sites

• Christmas Decorating Ideas--FloralCraftResource.com
• Create Fun, Fresh Holiday Decorations--Mississippi State University Extension
• Decorating with Nature--University of Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service
• DIY Holiday Plant Arrangements--Sunset.com
• Evergreen Wreaths and Swags--University of Illinois Extension
• Harvest Holiday Greenery from Your Landscape--Purdue University Cooperative Extension Service
• Holiday Decorating with Fresh Greenery--Clemson University Cooperative Extension Service
• Holiday Greens--Purdue University Cooperative Extension Service (PDF)
• Winter Centerpieces--Martha Stewart