There is a moment each December when a home starts to feel like Christmas. For some people it is the first twinkle of lights on the tree. For others it is the scent of pine drifting through the hallway, or a bowl of deep red roses glowing on the dining table. Christmas flowers London families love are about more than decoration. They bring warmth, fragrance and a little everyday magic to the busiest and most sociable time of the year.
Whether you want a showpiece for the dining table, a gentle touch for the mantelpiece or a thoughtful gift for someone special, this guide counts down the top 10 Christmas flowers and arrangements to brighten your home this festive season. You will find what each flower symbolises, how to style it, and how to keep it looking fresh until the New Year.
You can see our seasonal range on our Christmas flowers page, browse the wider seasonal flowers collection, or call our team on 020 8888 4777 for help choosing.
Why flowers belong in a festive home
Greenery has been brought indoors at midwinter for centuries. Holly, ivy and evergreens were once believed to protect a household and keep life going through the darkest days, and many of those customs survive in the way we decorate today. Fresh flowers add something that baubles and lights cannot: they are alive. They open, they change from day to day, and they fill a room with scent.
Flowers are also one of the simplest ways to make guests feel welcome. A fresh arrangement in the hallway, a low centrepiece on the table and a small posy in the guest room all say that you have been looking forward to their visit.
The top 10 Christmas flowers and plants
1. Amaryllis: the showstopper
Tall, trumpet-shaped and dramatic, the amaryllis (hippeastrum) is one of the best flowers for Christmas. It is available in deep red, crisp white, blush pink and striped varieties, and a single stem can transform a room. As a cut flower, it looks stunning in a tall glass vase on its own, which gives a clean, modern feel. As a potted bulb, it will keep producing blooms over several weeks.
How to style it: place a few stems in a simple vase on a sideboard or the hallway console, where the height can be admired.
2. Poinsettia: the classic Christmas plant
No list of Christmas plants and flowers would be complete without the poinsettia. Its bright red (or cream, pink and marbled) bracts have been associated with the festive season for generations. It is long-lasting and easy to place around the house.
How to style it: group two or three plants on a windowsill or a side table, or tuck a pot into a decorative basket. Keep it away from cold draughts and radiators.
3. Red roses: timeless and romantic
Red roses are a favourite for the Christmas table because they look rich against evergreen foliage and candlelight. They also signal love and gratitude, which makes them a lovely way to say thank you to a host or celebrate a partner. You can explore our roses collection for classic hand-picked options.
How to style it: arrange them low and dense in a bowl, so everyone at the table can see over the top.
4. White lilies: elegance and fragrance
White Oriental lilies bring a calm, luxurious feel and a gorgeous scent, which many people associate with the holiday season. Their large blooms mean a few stems go a long way. If you are curious about their symbolism, our guide to the meaning of the lily flower explains why they are so loved. Our white rose and lily bouquet is a lovely example of this pairing.
A note for pet owners: lilies are toxic to cats, so please keep them out of reach or choose another flower if you have one at home.
5. Hellebores: the Christmas rose
Despite the name, the hellebore is not a true rose, but this beautiful winter bloom has been called the Christmas rose for generations. Its nodding, delicate flowers appear in the coldest months and symbolise hope and renewal. They suit a natural, understated look.
How to style it: float the blooms in a shallow dish or combine them with ivy and rosemary in a small vase.
6. Holly and berries: the traditional touch
Glossy holly leaves and bright red berries are the most recognisable symbols of the season. They work wonderfully as part of festive flower arrangements, adding texture and a splash of colour among softer flowers.
How to style it: thread sprigs through a wreath, along the mantelpiece or around candle holders (and never leave a naked flame near dried or fresh foliage).
7. Pine, fir and spruce: the scent of Christmas
Evergreen branches are the backbone of most Christmas floral centrepieces. Pine, noble fir and spruce give structure, a rich green backdrop for red and white flowers, and an unmistakable scent that fills the room. They also last well, especially in cool rooms.
How to style it: use them as a base for a table runner, fill a large vase with branches, or mix them into a hand-tied bouquet for a woodland feel.
8. Carnations: festive colour that lasts
Often underrated, carnations are one of the longest-lasting cut flowers, which makes them ideal for a home that needs to look good throughout the holidays. Red, white and deep burgundy shades fit the Christmas palette perfectly, and their ruffled petals add fullness to an arrangement.
How to style it: group a single colour in a vase for a simple, striking effect, or mix them with eucalyptus and pine.
9. Cyclamen and winter plants: living decorations
Cyclamen, with their swept-back petals in pink, red and white, are a cheerful winter plant. Pair them with ivy, heather or small evergreens in a basket and you have a living decoration that can brighten a doorstep, a kitchen windowsill or a table.
How to style it: group three small pots together in a wooden crate or basket for a cosy, rustic look.
10. Hyacinths and paperwhite narcissi: fragrance in a bowl
If you love scent, forced bulbs are a delight. Hyacinths and paperwhite narcissi fill a room with fragrance, and they are a perfect indoor project for the festive weeks. They also make charming Christmas flower gifts because they keep developing after they are given.
How to style it: set them in a glass bowl with pebbles, or in a pretty ceramic pot on a coffee table.
Christmas flower arrangements that bring it all together
Single flowers are lovely, but the most memorable festive displays combine several of them. Here are a few arrangement styles worth considering.
The dining table centrepiece. A low, wide arrangement in a bowl or tray is ideal for the table because guests can talk over it. Combine red roses, pine, eucalyptus and a few berries, and place small candles around the edge. If you are looking for ideas, our vase arrangements show how greenery and blooms can be combined with care.
The hand-tied bouquet. A handtied bouquet in red, white and green is an easy, elegant way to give or receive Christmas flowers. Drop it in a vase and it is ready to enjoy.
The hatbox or gift box. A hatbox arrangement or a gift box is neat, impressive and ready to display, which makes it an excellent present for a busy host.
The luxury statement. If you want a larger gesture for a special person or a special corner of the house, take a look at the luxury range.
The simple and elegant choice. When you prefer something understated, the Beautifully Simple range offers clean, single-colour bouquets that work in any home.
The florist’s choice. If you are happy to leave the design to an expert, a Florist Choice arrangement lets the team select the best seasonal stems for you.
Christmas flowers for home decoration: room-by-room ideas
Hallway. The first thing guests see should feel warm. Place an amaryllis or a tall evergreen arrangement on the console table, and add a small bowl of hyacinths for scent.
Dining table. Keep the arrangement low, scented lightly and away from strongly perfumed food. Use tealights and greenery to create a glowing runner down the centre.
Living room. A mix of poinsettias on a side table and a vase of roses on the coffee table makes the room feel layered and relaxed.
Mantelpiece. Drape pine and holly along the mantel, tuck in a few berries or dried orange slices, and add candles in glass holders. Always keep flames well clear of foliage.
Kitchen. A small pot of cyclamen or a jar of rosemary and eucalyptus brings freshness to the busiest room in the house.
Guest room. A little posy by the bed is a quietly generous gesture. It tells visitors that you thought about them before they arrived.
How to keep Christmas flowers fresh
A few simple habits will help your flowers last through the holiday period:
- Trim the stems at an angle with sharp scissors as soon as they arrive.
- Use a clean vase and fill it with fresh, cool water and the flower food provided.
- Change the water every two days and re-trim the stems slightly each time.
- Keep flowers away from heat. Radiators, fireplaces and direct sunlight shorten their life, and so does a bowl of ripening fruit nearby.
- Remove leaves below the waterline, which stops bacteria growing in the vase.
- Mist foliage lightly if the air is very dry from the central heating.
Christmas flower gifts and thoughtful extras
Flowers are a gift that suits almost everyone, from a neighbour who feeds the cat to a grandparent you are visiting for lunch. To make the present feel even more special, consider pairing it with something small:
For someone who will be spending Christmas alone or who loves fresh flowers all year, a flower subscription is a gift that keeps arriving long after the holidays are over. And if you simply want to say thank you to a friend, relative or colleague, our thank you flowers are an easy choice.
Christmas flowers delivery London: how to order
December is a busy month for everyone, so ordering your flowers early takes the stress out of the season. Here is how it works with Elisana Florist:
- Browse online. Visit our online shop or our Christmas flowers page to choose your favourites.
- Pick your delivery date. For local delivery, our same day flowers option is available when you order before 2pm. Details of our areas and timings are on our delivery page.
- Add a message. Write something short and sincere. A simple “Merry Christmas, thank you for everything” is always lovely.
- Want something bespoke? Call us on 020 8888 4777 or contact our team and we will happily create a custom arrangement to match your colours or your table.
If you prefer to see the flowers in person, you can visit our shops in Turnpike Lane and Arnos Grove, where our florists will help you choose. You can read more about us before you visit.
Frequently asked questions
What are the best flowers for Christmas?
Amaryllis, poinsettias, red roses, white lilies, hellebores and carnations are among the most popular. Add evergreens such as pine, fir and holly for scent and structure.
Which Christmas flowers last the longest?
Carnations, chrysanthemums, amaryllis and poinsettias are known for their long life. Evergreen foliage also lasts well in a cool room.
What flowers look good on a dining table?
Choose a low arrangement of roses, carnations or lisianthus with pine and eucalyptus. Avoid very tall displays that block conversation, and avoid very strong scents that compete with the food.
Are Christmas flowers safe for pets?
Some are not. Lilies are toxic to cats, and amaryllis and poinsettias can cause stomach upset if chewed. If you have pets, keep these out of reach or ask your florist for pet-friendly alternatives.
Can I order Christmas flowers online for delivery in London?
Yes. You can order through our website and choose a delivery date. Orders placed before 2pm are eligible for same-day local delivery, and the team can advise if you need something at short notice.
When should I order Christmas flowers?
The earlier the better. Ordering in the first half of December gives you the widest choice and the best chance of getting your preferred delivery day.
A final thought
Christmas is about the people we share it with, and flowers are one of the simplest ways to make that gathering feel special. Whether you choose a bold amaryllis, a bowl of red roses or a fragrant pot of hyacinths, you are bringing a little life and light into the darkest time of year.
Ready to begin? Explore our Christmas flowers at Elisana Florist, or call 020 8888 4777 and our team will help you create the perfect festive display.