I thought these would be something I could use season after season, but they are preserved boxwood. You have to mist them to keep them fresh. I should have read the description. With that said, they do smell like tobacco. After I took them out of the plastic wrap, I was surprised by the odor. The color is a vibrant fresh green and it constrasts beutifully with the red ribbon. You do have to work with the bow a little, but that's a given anytime bows are packaged. Very pretty and perfect for decorating.