How to make a Christmas centrepiece

Start with your vessel

"Every year we eat the same things at Christmas, but the centrepiece is something you can do differently each time. I always start with the vessel, whether that's a vase that's been in the family for generations or something you've spotted in a charity shop, because it dictates how many flowers you'll need and the shape you can play with."

- Lucy Hook, Flower Expert, Bloom & Wild

Think about height

"You need to consider who's sitting at the table. Our guidance is not to go higher than a wine bottle, because that's roughly everyone's eye line when they're seated. If you've got children at the table, think about their eye line too. Those conversations across the generations are such a special part of Christmas."

- Lucy Hook

Lay out your stems

"I always lay everything out by group before I start. It helps you spread things evenly through the arrangement, and it's okay to edit yourself at this point, because you can always add more later. It's a lovely bit of mindfulness in all the chaos of Christmas."

- Lucy Hook

How to make a Christmas centrepiece, step by step

Step 1: Build a branch framework

Weave pliable, slender branches (cut from the garden) into the centre of your vessel, using the natural resistance of the vase walls to secure them firmly in place. This organic grid creates an architectural framework that allows you to sculpt a dramatic, flowing silhouette like the professionals. Once in place, fill the vessel with clean, cold water.

Insider tip: Keep it minimalist. It's tempting to build a dense nest, but you only need a few strategically locked branches to create tension. Leaving plenty of breathing room within the grid ensures you won't struggle to thread thick flower and foliage stems through later.

Step 2: Create a foliage foundation

Create a foliage foundation. Thread mixed festive greens through the branch framework to create a lush base. Strip away any leaves that fall below the waterline, this keeps the water clear and helps prevent bacteria growth.

Insider tip: Let the foliage dictate the drama. Use the branch grid to manipulate and angle stems downward, creating a natural, asymmetrical drape.

Step 3: Add your flowers

Introduce your flowers by grouping identical varieties together in loose, intentional clusters. This "monobloom" styling offers a contemporary, editorial alternative to an evenly spread, traditional look. Strip lower leaves as you insert the stems.

Insider tip: Try an unexpected seasonal colour palette, think moody plums, deep burgundies paired with salmony corals for a modern twist on holiday warmth.

Step 4: Layer in decadent accents

Layer in decadent accents. Dial up the festive luxury with rich, tactile details. Thread florist wire through winter fruits and dense berry clusters, twisting the ends to create artificial stems. Nestle these wired treasures deep into the arrangement, letting them spill over the rim onto the table like a Dutch Golden Age still life.

The sustainable shift

The ultimate eco-luxury hack. Replacing plastic floral foam with a branch framework creates a compostable, reusable, microplastic-free foundation. When the season ends, simply pull out the wire to reuse in your next design and everything else can be safely composted.

The scent of the season

The physical act of cutting and arranging pine and eucalyptus releases fresh essential oils, acting as a natural home fragrance.

Short on time? Let us do the arranging

Not every Christmas leaves room for a crafting session, and that’s okay. Our Christmas flowers are picked by our florists for the season, from deep reds to winter whites with festive foliage, and they’re ready to pop straight into a vase. Order by 10pm for free next-day delivery, and you’ve got a centrepiece sorted with time to spare for everything else.