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The onset of December heralds the start of one of the most magical times of the year, Advent, as we start getting in the mood for Christmas with carols, cards and festive decorations. For those who want to bring a more rustic and natural style into their homes this season, without losing any of the traditional charm associated with Christmas, poinsettias are the perfect place to start. So popular are these unique plants that they have their own birthday, coming up soon on 12th December. Every Advent the beautiful poinsettia – also known as the Christmas Star – comes into its own in glorious style. With bracts that range in colour from blood red and Barbie pink to pure white, warming apricot and variegated brilliance, a myriad of shapes and charming miniature sizes up to spectacular plants the size of small srhubs, poinsettias are the go-to plant for co-ordinated Christmas styling. As perfect for adorning Christmas trees, wreaths and tablescapes as they are for gifting to dinnerparty hosts, friends and colleagues, poinsettias are as versatile as they are pretty Whether it’s cool Scandi-chic, forestcore mystery, urban minimalism or full-on festive maximalism you want to achieve, poinsettias can help you achieve your home décor goals this season. Houseplant styling expert, Dr Susanne Lux of Stars for Europe, has put together some fabulous ways for you to get into the Christmas spirit as Advent progresses.

What would Christmas be without the poinsettia? Since the middle of the last century, this indoor plant with its star-shaped bracts has been an integral part of the Christmas tradition in Europe. As pot plants and cut flowers, poinsettias brighten up rooms and add festive glamour to Christmas trees, presents and tables.

With Halloween and All Saints under our belt, retailers now have a clear run up to Christmas and are creating fabulous merchandise and window display to entice shoppers. Whilst the seasonal shift is a big deal for all gift-oriented shops and grocers, for garden centres it represents a full metamorphosis, from outdoor living and gardening to Christmas decs and winter houseplants. One of the most popular – if not THE most popular – festive plants is the poinsettia, also known as the Christmas Star. Famed for their centuries-old association with traditions that range from the Mayan culture of their native Mexico to the season of Advent on both sides of the Atlantic, these winter beauties are being put front and centre in garden centres nationwide. With price points that start at a couple of pounds and bract colours that range from creamy white and mood enhancing yellow to Barbie pink, St Nicholas red and stunning variegation, poinsettias are the gift that keeps on giving at Christmas. Not only do they make the perfect gift for houseguests to give to their hosts, they also serve as beautiful table and Christmas tree decorations and make stylish cut flowers. Poinsettias can be used to realise countless festive DIY ideas. With cut and mini poinsettias in particular being perfect for creative craft projects. Decorations and fabrics with a vintage feel are on-trend and work beautifully with poinsettias, the classic Christmas plant! Here the specialists at Stars for Europe – an agency which promotes poinsettia sales in all retail outlets across Britain and the wider continent – look at some of the many ways you can bring Christmas Stars into your home this season.

Small effort, big reward: this colourful DIY Advent decoration is super easy to create. Simply plant a bowl with colourful mini poinsettias, add four taper candles and place in a bright spot protected from the cold and draughts. Water the mini poinsettias regularly from above. Tip: A drainage layer at the bottom of the bowl will protect the plants from getting waterlogged.

A poinsettia in a handcrafted bowl made of nuts and cones makes a pretty table centrepiece and a great gift idea for anyone who loves nature. This rustic DIY container is quick and easy to make. You will need a poinsettia, potting compost, a polystyrene bowl, hazelnuts and walnuts, cones, a hot glue gun and glue sticks, moss, mossing pins, cord and a decorative wooden star. Here’s how to make it: Use the mossing pins to attach the moss to the outside of the polystyrene bowl. Next, glue nuts and cones close together onto the moss, fill the bowl with the compost and plant the poinsettia in it. Finally, attach the decorative star to the arrangement with the cord. Done!