Deck the halls with boughs of holly…and four other perfect holiday plants!
We love to decorate our businesses with red and green during the holidays. All over the world, those festive colors are associated with Christmastime, though few people actually think about why we make that connection.
There are plenty of schools of thought out there on that, including the religious belief that green symbolizes eternal life and red symbolizes the blood of Christ at his crucifixion.
Many prefer to keep things festive but secular during the holidays, though, and there are plenty of ways to decorate with that in mind. Santa figurines, snowmen, sleds, even winter birds and other animals can be beautiful when adorning a home or business.
But the green industry professionals at Neave Group are especially fond of incorporating natural elements into holiday décor, whether inside or out!
Here’s a look at a few of the holiday plants you can bring to your business.
Holiday plants #1: pine boughs
Think beyond the Christmas tree! Pine boughs have a place all through holiday décor: lining mantels and wrapped around banisters, for instance.
We begin decorating earlier and earlier (and earlier) each year to get customers into the holiday spirit especially for the shopping season.
Holiday plants #2: mistletoe
Did you know mistletoe’s actually considered a parasitic plant? It grows on hardwood trees like oak and apple trees, and it absorbs that tree’s nutrients to stay alive. Why a parasite became a symbol for Yuletide romance is anybody’s guess.
But if you get your hands on some, create a Christmas kissing booth! Hang a sprig of mistletoe in a doorway for a holiday party and see what happens! Ancient Druids believed the plant could work miracles…
Holiday plants #3: holly
We love this plant! The great news: This is the only plant on our list that some people actually have growing on their property already. To add it to your décor, simply wander outside and snip a few sprigs!
The red berries are beautiful against shiny, dark green leaves, and can even be beautiful in a holiday bouquet or as a boutonniere.
Holiday plants #4: poinsettia
We’ve heard some people say poinsettias are the Christmas fruitcake of the plant world, ubiquitous but generally unwanted. These days, though, there are so many different varieties out there, you’re bound to find one you like!
Fun fact: The tiny yellow “cyathia” on poinsettias are actually the flowers — the colorful “bracts” that distinguish one poinsettia from another are actually beautiful, showy leaves!
Safety note: Mistletoe, holly and poinsettia are poisonous to dogs and cats! The symptoms of each one vary, but you don’t want your furry friends ingesting the leaves or berries of any of these plants. (Check out the ASPCA’s list of toxic and poisonous plants for more information.)
If you do plan on decorating with mistletoe, keep it safely out of paws’ reach of your pets.
Holiday plants #5: paperwhite and amaryllis
Want your bulb flower fix before your tulips and daffodils start popping up in the spring?
Many people love to force paperwhites and amaryllis in their homes during the holiday season for a festive midwinter pop of blooming color. (And actually, paperwhites come from the same family, Narcissus, as daffodils, so you’re closer than you think!)
All you need to get them blooming is a shallow dish, some filler and the bulbs of your choice. Add lots of sunlight and plenty of water, and you’ll have a bloom in no time!
Nestled among the rest of your holiday décor, these plants will be a breath of fresh air that adds life indoors — even when the weather outside is frightful.
Need help planning the holiday décor for your New York, Connecticut or New Jersey business? The sprucing-up professionals at Neave Décor are ready to step in!
Call (845) 463-0592 if you’re in Hudson Valley, (212) 368-9954 for New York City, (201) 591-4570 for New Jersey and (203) 212-4800 if you’re in Connecticut. Or, fill out the web form right here, and we’ll get in touch with you ASAP.
Image credit: neavegroup