Easy flower ideas for Christmas decor

Half French, half Indonesian Aude Giraud is the Founder and Creative Director of Ask A French Flowers, a boutique studio blending European artistry and a unique perspective to Singapore’s floral scene.
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When it comes to blooms in the Lion City, no one makes them look quite as chic yet effortless as Aude Giraud. Almost ten years ago, the former Paris-based TV reporter swapped breaking news for making bouquets after relocating to the red dot. “When I moved here, I got very passionate about coffee shops in the region and the way they used flowers in their space,” she says. “I was living in Tiong Bahru, a very evocative neighbourhood with its local flower market, and started to feel inspired.”

After visiting the market regularly and developing her own DIY arrangements for her own home, a friend at CHANEL asked her to collaborate. (“That was my first client!”). From there, Aude trained formally, launched Ask A French, and now spends her days crafting bespoke bouquets, event florals, and workshops from her cosy studio, now in Joo Chiat, alongside building an Airbnb and flower garden in Bali.

Aude’s signature look is painterly arrangements with a wild, carefree aesthetic. “My creations are rooted in the garden, celebrating nature’s beauty where imperfections are welcome,” she says. Influenced by classic still-life paintings and the botanical illustrations of Pierre-Joseph Redouté, Marie Antoinette’s favourite artist, her bouquets feel both timeless and modern. Also, she never likes to repeat herself. “I don’t have ready-made floral designs. Everything depends on what looks best at the market that day – that’s what keeps it exciting.”

Wild jungle

Trend-wise, Aude’s style of the unstructured bouquet could not be more bang-on. Today it’s the global go-to style for floristry, looking “more like a wild jungle than the head of broccoli,” Aude laughs.

This loose, natural look also makes the perfect starting point for a festive arrangement in Singapore, where flowers are flown in rather than grown seasonally. “We actually benefit from double seasonality,” Aude explains. “When it’s summer in Holland, it’s winter in Australia and New Zealand, so we can have hydrangeas in both July and December.” The result is a holiday season that can be as full of peonies, roses, or hydrangeas as you like.

Take the Christmas wreath. Forget rules of ribbons and plastic holly, according to Aude, “a good wreath doesn’t need to be red or gold – it should reflect your mood. I love using eucalyptus as a base instead of pine because it dries beautifully. Then I add dried oranges, cinnamon sticks, or even feathers. Just enjoy the process and you can’t go wrong.” Metallic eucalyptus and pinecones often feature. “I like it when a wreath looks yummy,” she says. And if red and green feel too ‘done’, silver and white are timeless and elegant. “They make you feel like you’re walking through a snowy forest – modern yet classic,” Aude continues, recommending Ji Mei Flowers (jm.com.sg) and Tiong Bahru Market for buying blooms first-hand.

Of course, wreaths aren’t the only way to work flowers into your festive décor. “Lay candles, foliage, and flowers along the centre of your dining table – it doesn’t have to be sophisticated tablescaping,” says Aude. “Pop a bouquet on the kitchen counter, a little something in the bathroom, or a vase at the entrance of your home to instantly create a warm, welcoming atmosphere.” As for her own favourite seasonal pick, it’s cotton flowers due to them feeling “so cosy.”

Looking ahead to floral aesthetics for 2026, Aude believes the classics will hold strong. “Peonies, hydrangeas, roses, and proteas always look stunning in a freestyle arrangement, but really, it’s customers who define the trends.”

Aude’s Tips for Floral Decorations

• Wreaths your way “There are no rules. Use eucalyptus instead of pine, add oranges, cinnamon, or feathers, and let it reflect your mood.”
• Metallic magic “Sprayed eucalyptus in rose gold, silver, or gold instantly lifts a wreath.”
• Cool tones “Silver and white give a modern, snowy-forest feel.”
• Simple tablescaping “Candles, leaves, and flowers laid along a dining table are enough to create atmosphere.”
• Small touches count “Place bouquets on a counter, in the bathroom, or at your entrance to surround guests with nature.”
• Cosy pick “Cotton flowers always feel warm and festive.”

More Seasonal Styling Tips

• A Sassy Florist
  Founder & Florist Mia Dao
  @assassyflorist
  +65 8502 9150

Any creative alternatives to the traditional poinsettia?
Anthuriums are beautiful and Christmassy without being cliché. Berries, ilex branches, or cotton flowers also bring that holiday feel. Deep-coloured orchids can also look festive.

Please share your floral table tips …
Keep arrangements low so people can see each other across the table. I like mixing a few bigger blooms with lots of textured greenery and berries. And always add candles – flowers and candlelight together do all the work.

What’s the easiest way to start with a wreath?
Choose a simple base like grapevine or rattan, then add eucalyptus or pine. Layer in berries, dried oranges, or cinnamon sticks, and don’t stress about perfect symmetry. For those who’d rather not wrestle with wire and pine needles at home, I also run Christmas workshops where I guide people step-by-step and provide all the materials.

Tricks for keeping Christmas blooms fresher for longer?
Make a fresh cut of the stems and change the water daily. Keep arrangements away from aircon vents and direct sunlight. One trick is to add a drop of bleach in the water – it keeps the flowers fed and the bacteria away.

What unique services are you offering this season?
Surprise bouquets in different sizes and budgets, using both seasonal foliage and flowers. I’ll also have handmade wreaths, each one uniquely different. Everything is wrapped in eco-friendly packaging, with an option for a glass vase if you want it as a ready-made gift.

• The Daily Blooms
  Co-Founder Josie Kiew
  thedailyblooms.com
  thedailybloomssg

What Christmas colours are trending this year?
Classic reds and greens will never go out of style, but this year give them a luxe twist with jewel tones like burgundy, emerald, and sapphire. I love pairing flowers with frosted silver, blush, and champagne.

Tips for a show-stopping festive table?
Mix personal treasures and curated décor, such as souvenirs from your travels, and pair them with matching foliage, cutlery, and tableware. Candles add instant warmth and ambience. I keep it simple with unscented IKEA candles at the dining table so the aromas don’t clash with food.

Which plants work well for the season?
Pink nerve plants, Chinese evergreen, and even red bougainvillea in the garden. They’re refreshing, contemporary, and work beautifully in Singapore’s climate.

Any DIY wreath advice?
I prefer twig-based, all-foliage wreaths over moss-based ones. Layer on foliage, berries, and small ornaments, then finish with ribbons or baubles. For supplies, Mason Home Décor (mason.com.sg) has great bases, while Henry Christmas Wholesaler (henrychristmas.com) in Geylang is a treasure trove of decorations.

How to keep Christmas blooms fresher for longer?
Mist or spritz your greens regularly, and avoid placing them in direct sunlight or near to heat. Incorporating dried elements helps extend their life – dried pepper berries, spray rose stems, and preserved hydrangeas all work beautifully.

Christmas tree – yay or nay?
Definitely yay! Even if you don’t have space for a big one, mini trees are perfect for small homes, offices, or as statement pieces on a sideboard. Our Christmas collection includes mini trees, DIY wreath kits, and ready-made designs for preorder.