Kwanzaa is a week-long celebration honoring the African heritage and culture, culminating with a feast and gift-giving. The traditional colors of Kwanzaa are green, red and black. Decorations for Kwanzaa celebrations embrace African roots and traditions through the use of natural materials, fruits, and vegetables.
To create a flower arrangement reminiscent of Kwanzaa, step away from the more common flower varieties like carnations and mums. Explore more unusual, exotic types to find the depth of color and diversity of shape and form. The Leucadendron (Conebush) is a rich addition to any arrangement. Anthuriums lend a striking impact, while Burgundy Cymbidium Orchids bring a deep elegance. Let greens take a front seat by combining Ti Leaves with Monstera. Even the traditional rose has a place when the beautiful green Rose Limbo is used.
Top, L-R: China Berries, Protea Pin Cushion, Leucadendron (Conebush), Green Rose Limbo, Burgundy Cymbidium Orchid; Bottom, L-R: Anthurium, Cattail, Monstera, Red and Black Ti Leaves
Natural materials – woods, straw – are an ideal alternative for Kwanzaa flower arrangements and centerpieces. Just be sure to use a water-tight container inside!
Joan Wyndrum
Joan is one of the founding partners of BloomsByTheBox.com. She holds degrees in both commercial design and business administration/marketing. One of her earliest jobs was in the retail flower business. For the past 30 years she has consulted a wide variety of clients - many in the wholesale florist industry - in marketing, design, and business operations. In 2007, she and partner Larry Fox joined forces to combine their talents and knowledge to create BloomsByTheBox.com to bring the beauty of the growers' fields directly to customers' doors. Joan is frequently asked to contribute to popular publications to discuss all aspects of the flower and floral design, including The Knot, Zola, SheFinds, What To Expect, AP News, and Sunset among others.
