With Christmas fast approaching, TAFE NSW Floristry teacher, David Berger, gives his top flower tips to wow guests this festive season and get your home looking perfect to host celebrations.

David has more than 25 years of experience in the floristry industry and worked for David Jones Florist before joining TAFE NSW as a floristry teacher eight year ago.

Perfect Christmas Floral decorations

Christmas floral decorations are an easy and creative way to bring life to any festive display whether it be a Christmas wreath adorning the front door or a floral arrangement on the dining table. For a more simple approach, David suggests arranging a bunch of Australian native flowers in a vase on a table, like the Christmas Bush as it has red flowers and can make the table pop with colour. For a more elaborate look, weaving Christmas decorations like baubles through floral arrangements is one way to spruce an otherwise ordinary bouquet.

 Keep your festive floral pieces fresh

Keep your flowers looking fresh and in the best condition all festive season by changing the water in the vase every three days and adding one tablespoon of bleach to the water. This will prevent bacteria from growing and keep the water looking clear and odourless. When placing flowers and foliage in the vase, remove leaves below water line and cut stems at 45 degree angle.

Best blooms to use

David suggests using Australian native blooms when making festive decorations such as Christmas wreaths and table arrangements because they are guaranteed to last the whole Christmas season. Australian natives like the Christmas Bush, Banksias, Grevillea and Christmas Bells work well for festive decorations because of their colour and longevity.

To enrol or enquire about TAFE NSW Floristry courses, visit www.tafensw.edu.au or call 131 601.