As children, Christmas is a time when we can hardly wait to get the presents open, but as an adult the key to enjoying Christmas is giving before you get. Simple gifts are the best choice; flowers are one of the best options out there. They are beautiful, have a special meaning and are always appreciated.

The growth outdoors is fairly sparse at this time of year, but that is why we start bringing as much of the outdoors inside as possible. Our bright and decorative Christmas trees not only add warmth to the home but they also bring a bit of the mystery of the forest with them.

When giving Christmas flowers, you can go for a rustic style, if the arrangement has a few branches or pinecones as decoration; you will already have a bit of the Christmas spirit in the design.

Wreaths are also something that should not be left out at Christmas; they do not have to be simple branches with red and green ribbon. Floral accents can really bring a wreath to its full potential. There are many wreaths available now with dried flowers, that will last through the cold months of Christmas and will be the first beautiful accent to welcome your guests.

A favourite Christmas flower is the poinsettia, and this is not a bloom you should leave out during this season. These can be found in the standard bright red colour, but are also available in white or even pink.  These plants can really make a dinner table complete, and are never the wrong gift to give. One interesting fact about this plant is that the coloured ‘petals’ of this flower are actually just foliage, called ‘bracts’, the small yellow centres of this plant are the actual flowers.

This flower is native to Mexico, and it is common practice to use tropical flowers as a part of Christmas décor. For example, Christmas cactus is also a popular flower at this time of year.

Though you will soon see poinsettia blooming on every corner, be careful when selecting your plant. Often the flowers you buy in stores are set out on display for a long time and their quality tends to suffer. If you want to avoid this problem and the crowded shops, have your flowers delivered to friends and family. Some unexpected flowers at the front door are always a welcome treat.

This post is produced by London flower delivery company Flowers24hours.co.uk