Decorating With Poinsettias For Christmas

Wreath with poinsettias hanging on wall

Credit: Marty Baldwin

Poinsettias aren't limited to red. And they don't have to stay in the pot. Try some of these ideas for decorating with this classic Christmas plant. We're sharing poinsettia decorating ideas for nearly every room of your home.

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Cut Poinsettias

Pink and red poinsettia in small planter

Credit: Marty Baldwin

'Mini Star' poinsettias are grown one flower per plant in a tiny plastic pot. Tucked into an espresso-size cup, they're a fine embellishment for a place setting. If 'Mini Star' poinsettias are not available where you live, get the same effect with a cut poinsettia in a cup or vase.

Related: Must-Have Tips for Using Poinsettias as Beautiful Cut Flowers

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Easy Poinsettia Centerpiece

Yellow poinsettia with Christmas trees

Credit: Marty Baldwin

Creative a festive Christmas centerpiece with a colorful 'Autumn Leaves' poinsettia. Slip your poinsettia, pot and all, into a decorative ceramic container, then create the rest of the display. Add a wrapped Christmas present and a few colorful ornaments from the tree.

Editor's Tip: Use a neutral table runner for this holiday centerpiece—so the poinsettia takes center stage!

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Poinsettia Planter

Small Christmas tree and poinsettias on table

Credit: Marty Baldwin

It's amazing the statement a couple of colorful poinsettias and a tabletop Christmas tree can make. Display them in a simple wooden planter that's tied with a classic bow. Finish the easy holiday decoration with colorful star ornaments and a simple knit garland.

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Seasonal Flower Arrangement

Red and white flowers in wooden planter

Credit: Marty Baldwin

Display the season's best—poinsettias, amaryllis, evergreen—in this easy Christmas arrangement. Tuck potted amaryllis into the center of a poinsettia plant (gently separate the leaves to make space) and cover with evergreen sprigs. Finish by placing the entire arrangement into a simple wooden planter.

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Winter Poinsettia Arrangement

Red flowers in plaid planter

Credit: Marty Baldwin

Create a seasonal poinsettia arrangement in a festive plaid planter, ($26, Target). Arrange pine, juniper, Cupressus, 'Harlequin Red' poinsettias, and eucalyptus pods around a few cut birch branches. Finish the display with smaller darker clusters of fruit like ligustrum (privet).

Editor's Tip: Can't find a plaid planter? Wrap a plain red or green planter with a plaid ribbon.

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Itty Bitty Tree

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Two-tone 'Strawberries 'n Cream' poinsettias become the ornaments on a potted tree-form topiary of English ivy. Cut the flowers with about 6 inches of stem. Remove the leaves (and a few of the colored outer bracts, if you want more petite blooms). Leave the cut poinsettias in a vase of cool water for 30 minutes to allow the cut ends to seal. Then poke each stem into a water-filled floral pick and nestle into the ivy.

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Easy Poinsettia Display

Poinsettias on top of wrapped gifts

Credit: Marty Baldwin

Not all gifts are under the tree! Create a festive holiday entryway with a few wrapped presents and potted poinsettia plants. To create this display, place wrapped packages on the ground and top with patterned wood boxes. Place a 'Superba Glitter' poinsettia into each box and finish with scattered ornaments.

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Elevated Elegance

Poinsettias in hanging glass planters

Credit: Marty Baldwin

There's no need to worry about the shape of your plant when you cut the blooms and set them in water. Place the cut poinsettia bracts in hanging macrame vases (like these wood bead planters, $17, World Market). Change the water frequently to keep the cut poinsettias fresh.

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Festive Holiday Stairs

Poinsettias and Christmas décor with cat

Credit: Marty Baldwin

Seasonal plants, like poinsettias and small potted evergreens, give your home instant cheer. Arrange them on the stairs in simple woven baskets to create a colorful holiday display. Add bright red ball ornaments ($17, Target), cut birch branches, and simple hurricane candle holders.

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Simple Poinsettia Decoration

Pink poinsettia in knitted mitten

Credit: Marty Baldwin

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Peppered with Berries

Pink poinsettia in gold planter

Credit: Marty Baldwin

Show off pink poinsettias in a tall floral arrangement. California laurel, available from florists, looks wonderful when interspersed with poinsettias. Finish the display with cut evergreen, Christmas bush clippings, and simple branches.

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Colorful Poinsettia Basket

Large wicker basket with poinsettias

Credit: Marty Baldwin

Think outside plain red poinsettias! This colorful display showcases the variety and beauty of a rainbow of poinsettia varieties. To get the look, place dry floral foam at the bottom of an oversize basket, ($40, World Market). Place potted 'Harlequin Red', 'J'adore Hot Pink', and 'Autumn Leaves' poinsettias on the foam. Water the display throughout the season.

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Indoor Blooming Wreath

Wreath with poinsettias hanging on wall

Credit: Marty Baldwin

Jazz up a plain gold wreath hoop ($5, Joann) with cut poinsettias in floral water picks. The variety 'Jingle Bells' is red, splashed with pink. Attach the bracts with florists wire and wire on cut evergreen and greenery. Display the wreath indoors; the flowers won't hold up in cold weather.

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Simple Potted Poinsettias

Mantel with poinsettias and mirror

Credit: Kate Sears

Choose any striking bloom, insert it into a water-filled cup or vase, then use it to accent vignettes around the house. Be sure to check and refill the containers regularly to keep the bloom looking fresh.

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Creating a Focal Point

Variety of poinsettias

Use silver julep cups, small trophies, or any other containers you may have around the house for planting your poinsettias. Don't have any silver? Take a can of chrome spray paint and turn inexpensive containers into look-alikes.

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