As Seen on the NBC TODAY Show - Poinsettia Centerpiece

On the NBC TODAY Show Thursday December 10th I demonstrated ways to give traditional holiday plants a fun twist.  We discussed orchids, amaryllis, Christmas cactus and this fun centerpiece made with cut poinsettias, an evergreen wreath, and green apples.

Poinsettias are not only beautiful seasonal houseplants; they are outstanding as cut flowers as well. I always buy a few extra plants that I will use in arrangements.

To create the centerpiece I featured during my half hour show, P. Allen Smith's Garden, I simply placed a small evergreen wreath on a large serving plate and then placed 4 or 5 small jars almost full of water in the center.

As a potted plant the poinsettia was too tall to use in a table centerpiece. So, I just cut the stems about 4 to 6 inches long. As soon as the stems were cut, I burned the ends. This seals the milky sap of the plant in the stem and will keep the flower from wilting.

Then I accented the arrangement with a few Granny Smith apples, extra greenery and votives. It took me about 15 minutes to out it all together but it will last for quite a long time.