Did you know that more than 60 million poinsettias are sold annually? This year I'm going to try something different: poinsettias as cut flowers in an all-red bouquet. This would be fun for a casual dinner party, no? Another fresh twist is using kalanchoe as a cut flower.

What other flowers should I mix it up with? Well, there are roses and tulips, of course. But amaryllis, one of the most elegant blooms of all, also works really well as a cut flower. Alstroemeria, carnations, chrysanthemums, lilies and some orchids are also easily available. Red berries could also play a part: as an accent. Their texture is still different enough to lend interest.
Any ideas about an all-green bouquet?
Flower Fact of the Day: A writer reflects on the exotic flower buds of his childhood in Pakistan: nytimes.com/2008/11/30/magazine/30lives-t.html.