Holiday Flower Arranging at Home: An NYC-Inspired Guide

There is nothing quite like New York City during the holidays—lights glowing through brownstone windows, wreaths on stoops, and dinner tables dressed with seasonal florals. Whether you’re hosting a festive gathering or simply want to bring warmth into your home, beautiful holiday flower arranging is a gift you can create yourself.

At Alaric Flower Design, we design seasonal arrangements across Manhattan—and we’re sharing our professional tips, palettes, materials, and step-by-step guidance so you can bring holiday beauty into your home with confidence.

Seasonal Flowers for Holiday Arranging

Holiday florals are all about richness, depth, and texture. Here are the most versatile and long-lasting blooms you can use:

• Amaryllis – Elegant, architectural, and iconic for December. Perfect as a focal flower. (Source: Royal Horticultural Society)
• Paperwhites & Narcissus – Add height and purity, with a lovely winter fragrance.
• Roses – Deep reds, warm blush, or winter whites. A timeless holiday staple.
• Ranunculus – Soft, layered texture ideal for table arrangements.
• Ilex Berries – Adds festive pops of red and incredible structure.
• Evergreens (cedar, pine, fir, juniper) – Provide structure, scent, and longevity.
• Magnolia Leaves – Glossy, sculptural, and very NYC chic.
• Eucalyptus – Soft aroma + flowing shape = instant sophistication.

The NYC Color Palettes That Always Work

New York holiday style is modern, stylish, and layered. Choose one of these palettes for a clean, intentional look:

1. Classic Winter Red & Evergreen

Red roses, amaryllis, cedar, pinecones, ilex berries. Warm, bold, inviting.

2. Modern Manhattan White & Gold

White roses, orchids, eucalyptus, gold-painted branches. Minimalist but luxurious.

3. Jewel Tone Drama

Burgundy ranunculus, plum calla lilies, dark greenery. Perfect for evening tablescapes.

4. Scandinavian Neutral

Soft greens, whites, naturals, candlelight. Understated elegance.

The Scent Story: Curating a Holiday Mood

New Yorkers are increasingly drawn to scent-forward arrangements. Try incorporating:

• Cedar – fresh, airy evergreen scent
• Juniper – crisp + subtly sweet
• Eucalyptus – cooling, modern aroma
• Cinnamon sticks – festive and warm
• Dried orange slices – nostalgic holiday fragrance

Materials You Will Need

These basics will help your design look polished and last longer:

• Floral shears (clean cuts prevent stem crushing)
• Winter greens (for structure)
• Focal flowers (amaryllis, roses)
• Secondary flowers (ranunculus, lisianthus)
• Accents (berries, magnolia, branches)
• Floral tape or grid tape
• A heavy vessel or ceramic vase
• Fresh, cool water + flower food

Tip: The Metropolitan Museum of Art and the New York Botanical Garden both publish seasonal floral guides that can offer additional inspiration.

Step-by-Step: How to Build a Holiday Arrangement

1. Start with structure

Use cedar, pine, or magnolia leaves to form a base. NYC arrangements often lean asymmetric—more visual interest, less rigidity.

2. Add your focal blooms

Place amaryllis or roses where the eye should naturally land. Odd numbers work best (1, 3, or 5).

3. Layer in secondary flowers

Ranunculus, lisianthus, or spray roses soften the design and add movement.

4. Finish with accents

Berries, eucalyptus, and branches add dimension and holiday flair.

5. Refresh every 2–3 days

Change the water, trim stems, and remove spent blooms for longevity.

Where to Place Your Holiday Arrangements

• Entryway – the first impression your guests get
• Dining table – keep height low for conversation
• Coffee table – a compact statement piece
• Kitchen island – warm up the heart of the home
• Mantels or bookshelves – add festive verticality

Prefer Us to Create It for You?

Our team at Alaric Flower Design creates holiday florals for homes across Manhattan. We offer bespoke arrangements, wreaths, tablescapes, and seasonal installations—all crafted with premium stems sourced from the best growers.

To schedule a consultation, contact:
Alaric Flower Design
📍 54 W 70th St, New York, NY 10023
📞 (212) 308-3794
🌐 www.alaricflowers.com

Holiday Flower Arranging FAQ

Which flowers last longest during the holiday season?

Amaryllis, roses, ilex berries, eucalyptus, and magnolia leaves offer excellent longevity in NYC apartments.

Where can I buy flowers and materials in NYC?

The Chelsea Flower Market, Trader Joe’s seasonal stems, and the Union Square Greenmarket are excellent sources. Specialty florals can also be ordered through Alaric Flower Design.

How far in advance should I create my holiday arrangement?

3–5 days before an event is ideal. Most greenery lasts 1–2 weeks with care.

What colors work best for NYC holiday décor?

Modern white & gold, classic red & green, and deep jewel tones are the most popular winter palettes in Manhattan.

Can Alaric create custom holiday arrangements for my home?

Yes. We design bespoke holiday florals, wreaths, garlands, and tablescapes across Manhattan.