By Melinda Myers

While enjoying your holidays, a discussion on the proper pronunciation of poinsettia may arise. Some say poinsett-a and don’t pronounce the second i. Others include it and say Poinsett-e-a. You will find both pronunciations in various dictionaries. In other words, either one is considered correct, so no one loses this debate.

And nothing says the holidays like a poinsettia. This year, try some new ways to display this festive plant.

Poinsettias are available in a variety of colors, including white, pink, hot pink, yellow, peach, marbled and speckled. These colorful parts of the plant, often referred to as flowers, are actually modified leaves called bracts. The real flowers are small, yellow, and at the tip of the stem surrounded by the bract.

Look for new places to display your poinsettia. Place a plant on a side or serving table. Remove the foil and set the plant in a decorative container. Try a hot pink poinsettia in a white pot or several different colors set in a serving tray, basket, or unique container. Add a table runner, candlestick, bowl of colorful fruit, or other decorative touches.

Dress up individual or groups of poinsettias. White ones donned with colorful berries, Chinese lantern pods and bobbles may be all you need for an eye-catching display.
Use poinsettias as a centerpiece for your holiday meals. Place several potted poinsettias in the middle of the table. Cover the pots with greens, then add some colorful pepper berries, cranberries, apples, or ornaments. Compact poinsettias like the Princettia poinsettia, with its abundant vibrant flowers, work well for this application. Your guests will be able to see across the table as they visit over dinner.

Look for other ways to include these in your holiday décor. Even one cut poinsettia flower set among a bowl of silver, gold or white ornaments adds a nice holiday touch. Set a few cut flowers aside to use as unique package adornments. Just secure the flower, floral pick and all, with a colorful ribbon to the gift.

Use cut poinsettia flowers in a vase like you would other blooms. Even one of these large blossoms puts on quite the display and is sure to brighten even the smallest of rooms.

Melinda Myers is the author of more than 20 gardening books and the host of a DVD series and television and radio programs on gardening.

Her web site is www.melindamyers.com.