Keep completed wreaths, garlands and arrangements in a cool location until use. Display fresh greenery and fruits out of the sun and away from heat. Plan to replace greenery and fruits throughout the holiday season if they become less than fresh. Some traditional types are garlands, swags and wreaths. A number of different types of forms can be stuffed with sprigs or branches to create topiaries.
Kissing balls are an unusual alternative to the usual mistletoe sprig.
A variety of wreaths and garlands are readily available commercially. Most are plain and unadorned, but can be dressed up with contrasting live greenery from the yard for a personal look. In addition to the more commonly used evergreens, consider using other plant parts such as berries, dried flowers, cones and seed pods to give color and texture interest. Sweet gum balls Wax myrtle berries Fruits such as lemons, limes, lady apples, seckel pears, kumquats and pineapple. Preserved leaves such as ivies, mahonia, eucalyptus, boxwood, beech, camellia, oak and rhododendron are useful and long-lasting as holiday decorations.