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.