DIY Poinsettia Centerpiece for Your Holiday Table

Learn how to make this simple DIY poinsettia centerpiece for your holiday tablescape. You can make this in about 15 minutes and will probably have enough for two.

You can find them everywhere this time of year, a classic decoration for Christmas decor.  Though they now come in many pretty shapes and sizes, the average poinsettia in a plastic pot can be a little boring. Why not make an easy poinsettia arrangement for your Christmas table by cutting the flowers and placing them in a vase?

Usually, this plant comes with a large abundance of flowers, giving you plenty to work within your arrangement. Using a cute bowl or vase, you can make this compact beauty in about 15 minutes without needing to add extra greenery. More importantly, it should last for at least a week. Just one more task that you can complete ahead of time. 

FUN FACT: Did you know that the color petals we refer to as flowers are actually bracts or leaves? The true flowers are the little green clusters in the middle. 

How to Make a Poinsettia Centerpiece

I like to use floral foam, though many dislike using it due to the fact that it is not biodegradable. If you don't want to use floral foam aka Oasis®, you can make a crisscross pattern at the top with tape to hold the flowers, as shown in this post on how to make a dried hydrangea basket. Chicken wire is another option.

The interesting thing about poinsettias is that they ooze a white sap when you cut them. Make sure that you use clean sharp clippers or scissors.

Then burn the tip to cauterize the wound. This will help the flower last longer.

Now all you need to do is stick a few flowers into the foam or within your taped pattern to a depth that just covers the top of the vase. I like this tight pavé style, with all the flowers close to the lip of the vase. It keeps the arrangement nice and low so that your guests can easily talk to each other across the table.

You could also tuck in a pretty taper candle in the middle.

Keep the plant. It will grow back. You can read more about getting your poinsettia to rebloom every year here.

A $7 pot from Trader Joe's yielded more than enough flowers to make two poinsettia arrangements. I wish I had two of the same vases so that I could have one at each end of the table. Instead, I'll place the remaining flowers in a simple vase, to brighten another spot in the house this holiday season.