Around this time of year, I love adding a little fresh greenery around the house! It is perfect for making the home feel festive, simply by adding a branch or so in a room. I also add them to tablescapes or charcuterie boards. It just instantly adds some warms and coziness to get you in the Holiday spirit.
You can find fresh greenery at your local Christmas Market, or even your local flower shop! They are carrying fresh wreaths, branches, arrangements and planters.
I decided to grab a few branches and add them into a few different vases, just like I did here.
How do I keep the greenery fresh?
I’ve learnt a lot of tips over the years on how to keep your greenery fresh. Normally, they will last you about 2-3 weeks, but if you take really good care of them, they could last a little longer.
If you do use them outside, they last longer…even in the winter months if it’s cold enough. I’m using a few fir branches in a planter arrangement right now and they will probably last way past the Holidays. On milder days, I’ll just mist them with a little water to keep them hydrated.
Here are a few tips that I have learnt over the years that all contribute to having your fresh greenery last longer…
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When shopping for greenery, look for a fresh vibrant green colour and a fresh aroma. Avoid buying any that are already losing needles or have a slight brown colour.
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When you get home with your bundle of fresh greenery, cut all the stems at a 45-degree angle. Add them to a vase with warm water and let soak overnight before making your arrangement.
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If you want to save them for later (for example closer to the Holidays), just lay them in the snowbank and they will stay fresh until you want to bring them indoors.
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When placing them in your home, avoid any areas that would get direct sunlight or close to a heat source. Unfortunately, they will just dry out too fast.
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Don’t place your arrangement of fresh greens in a high-traffic area. Needles will inevitably start to fall. If it’s in a place that gets a lot of traffic, like being bumped into or brush against…you’ll just be picking up needles all day.
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Change the water frequently. I suggest as soon as the colour of the water starts to turn slightly yellow or brown….it’s time to change.
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Mist your arrangement every day to keep them extra fresh. If not, at least 2-3 times a week should do the trick.
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My final trick to keep your greens last EXTRA long…is to soak them in the bathtub for about an hour once a week. This allows the greens to absorb some water and stay vibrant and fresh a lot longer.
Hopefully these tips, you’ll be able to keep your Holiday greens last longer, keep their vibrant colour and fresh scent throughout the Holiday season!
Christopher is a food and lifestyle expert, recipe developer and the content creator behind May Eighty Five. With years of experience in the kitchen, he also shares tips, tricks and how to’s that he has learnt over the years. Every week, he shares quick, simple and mostly healthy recipes along with some home and entertaining tips. You will find flavorful cocktails, delicious appetizers, tasty mains and some indulgent desserts. As a home decor enthusiast, he also likes to share simple DIY projects and simple tips for a beautiful home.
