Christmas is filled with parish traditions. Be careful of changes you make—do it twice and it is tradition. Poinsettias are used most often in a pot as they are unreliable when cut and will weep. If you do cut them, seal the end with wax or a match. Take a 6-inch pot, soak it well, take the plant out with a little dirt and place it in a quart freezer bag. Seal the bag with tape, tape a stick on it (to be a stem) and use it in large arrangements or lay it on something.
We use a variety of red flowers on the altar, combined with pink or orange. Some years we have a white altar. My former church made swags of spruce, eucalyptus and gold pinecones to hang. Another used plain wreaths with red bows. Yet another did beautiful L-shaped arrangements of holly with a candle for the windows. Flower guilds get many helpers for big holidays! Just be sure to bring snacks.
I would be interested in hearing about your Easter flowers arragements and any festivals or demonstrations you are planning c32fowler@webtv.net
