Set the Table with Amaryllis – Tips to Make Your Christmas Table Magical
Amaryllis isn’t just a classic Christmas flower – it’s also one of the most striking elements you can use when setting your holiday table. With its sculptural shape, bold colors and creative possibilities, it can elevate everything from a simple place setting to a full festive tablescape. Here you’ll find inspiration and clever ideas for using amaryllis in unexpected, beautiful and atmospheric ways on your Christmas table.
There’s something especially delightful about decorating with amaryllis — it’s bold, sturdy, and surprisingly easy to work with. The thick, robust stems allow the flower to last remarkably long even without water, which opens up creative arranging possibilities you can’t achieve with most other cut flowers. On top of that, amaryllis is both dramatic and elegant, making a big impact even when you use just a few blooms. It’s this combination of durability, character, and versatility that makes amaryllis one of the most inspiring flowers to decorate with during the Christmas season.
Slice the stems for a decorative effect in a glass vase
A simple yet incredibly striking way to set the table with amaryllis is to use the stems themselves as decoration. By shredding the amaryllis’ thick stems into long, flowing ribbons and placing them in a transparent cylindrical vase, you create a lively, almost sculptural expression.
The stems’ natural spiral shape forms a beautiful pattern against the glass and creates a unique eye-catcher — perfect for the Christmas table or as a centerpiece in your table setting. Top the vase with amaryllis flowers and let the curly stem ribbons give the arrangement a modern, playful, and elegant touch.
How can the amaryllis stay fresh?
The amaryllis can still drink water even when the stem is shredded because it has a very thick and succulent structure. The stem functions almost like a straw and transports water efficiently through its fibers, even when it has been split into strips. This allows the flower to remain fresh and majestic for a long time — perfect when you want to create decorative arrangements that are both beautiful and durable.
Use amaryllis stems as mini vases
Amaryllis stems are unusually large, sturdy, and hollow – which makes them perfect to use as natural little vases. By placing a slim glass tube with a bit of water inside the stem, you instantly create a stable and charming mini vase that looks adorable on the Christmas table.
You can bundle several stems together by wrapping decorative wire around them. This gives a cute, handcrafted look and creates a lovely little arrangement that works beautifully along the table, at each place setting, or as a small centerpiece.
Flower ideas for your amaryllis-stem vase:
– Small red carnations
– Hypericum berries
– Mini roses
– A sprig of noble fir or cypress for a festive touch
– Baby’s breath for a light, airy effect
– Small amaryllis buds
Keep it simple – let the amaryllis speak for itself
Sometimes the most beautiful arrangements are the simplest ones. Amaryllis has a natural presence and elegance, which means you don’t need much more than a tall, stylish vase to create an impressive display.
Place a few strong amaryllis stems in a tall, narrow vase—preferably one that supports their length—and let the blooms elevate your table setting with their dramatic height and large, striking flowers.
You can add a few simple greens, such as pine or pussy willow, to give the arrangement texture and a touch of Christmas spirit without stealing the spotlight from the amaryllis. This tip works perfectly as a centerpiece on the holiday table or as a graceful standalone decoration in the room.
Place the amaryllis directly on the table for a low and lively arrangement
One of the simplest — yet most atmospheric — ways to decorate with amaryllis is to lay the blooms directly on the table. A low arrangement makes it easier for guests to see one another and creates a warm, welcoming setting.
Arrange the amaryllis stems in a soft line along the center of the table and complement them with greenery, small pine cones, pussy willow, or other festive details. This gives a natural, organic feel that suits any Christmas table beautifully.
Amaryllis is also an unusually long-lasting cut flower. Thanks to its thick, juicy stems, it can stay fresh for a long time even without water, making it ideal for vase-free decorations — whether laid flat on the table or tied and hung upside down.