“Always recut the stems before putting them in water. Not many people realise that flower stems seal over after 30 seconds or so which actually stops the easy absorption of water” – Sean Cook, Mr Cook, Sydney NSW, mrcook.com.au

“I love the dark copper beech foliage with pink peonies. Though I’m not a fan of Christmas bush on its own, pairing it with some deep coloured roses or peonies really does look quite spectacular and festive” – Sean Cook, Mr Cook, Sydney NSW, mrcook.com.au

Ficfolia flowering gum is amazing at this time of year. It comes in beautiful colours of pink, coral, red and orange. It will give any festive arrangement a unique Australian twist” – Sean Cook, Mr Cook, Sydney NSW, mrcook.com.au

“Strip any foliage below the water line and keep out of direct sunlight and air-conditioning. Change the water every second day if possible too. You can’t go past gardenias at this time of year for their perfume” – Sean Cook, Mr Cook, Sydney NSW, mrcook.com.au

“As Christmas falls in summer time we can get away with a more casual laid-back, less formal day because of our warmer climate. The beauty of this, is stunning flowers such as Agapanthus are readily available in Australia and will give the day such a beautiful country/beach-like feel if you are celebrating away from the city. It’s such a simple and stylish look for Christmas” – Fleur McHarg, The Studio by Fleur, Melbourne VIC, fleurs.com.au

“Use gorgeous Australian natives in keeping with your surroundings. Herbs are also a great choice. Both types will offer a beautiful array of fragrances and add another dimension to the Christmas spirit on the day” – Fleur McHarg, The Studio by Fleur, Melbourne VIC, fleurs.com.au

“You cant go wrong with greenery like spruce and pine at this time of year! It brings back childhood memories and the smell is just amazing. It really does create that automatic christmas feel. No wonder it’s used all over the world as a staple for christmas” – Fleur McHarg, The Studio by Fleur, Melbourne VIC, fleurs.com.au

“Beautiful classically shaped blooms that last and last, with a shape very similar to that of a rose. Wonderful for decorating the home particularly at Christmas, place in a simple clear glass vase with a little bleach in the water to keep it cleaner for longer” – Bart Hassam, French Flowers, Brisbane QLD, frenchflowers.com.au

“One of the most traditional Christmas plants has been give a modern reinvention. They are usually covered in red blooms, but this year we have them in a beautiful buttery-cream. Simply water every second day and enjoy these stunning natural stars” – Bart Hassam, French Flowers, Brisbane QLD, frenchflowers.com.au

“Luxurious phalaenopsis orchids, either as cut flowers or as plants, are fantastic for Christmas. This year we also have a stunning lime green variety which makes for a chic alternative. Cut flowers last for up to two weeks and plants can last flowering for two months” – Bart Hassam, French Flowers, Brisbane QLD, frenchflowers.com.au

“Hippeastrums or Amaryllis are certainly a top contender for my Christmas. Maybe it’s the bell shaped flowers but one thing is for certain, they always remind me of Christmas. They’re available in red, white and a mixture of both, so whatever your chosen colour this season is, they can fit right in” – Jane McGlynn, Ivy Flowers, Perth WA, ivyflowers.com.au

“Dahlias are both affordable and festive. Red dahlias in particular have that perfect look to add a little bit of fun and will certainly make your Christmas table pop” – Jane McGlynn, Ivy Flowers, Perth WA, ivyflowers.com.au

“A bowl full of hydrangeas is a look that never goes out of style. This is another flower that can often be picked out of your very own garden. Just make sure that you drench them in a sink full of water for 10 mins and cut their stems under water before putting them in a vase and on the table. Utter perfection.” – Jane McGlynn, Ivy Flowers, Perth WA, ivyflowers.com.au

“Green foliage like fig leaves are perfect for Christmas and beyond. Work with the branches and pair them with mulberry clusters to turn up the Christmas feeling” – Clint Neeson, Rococo Flowers, Surry Hills NSW, rococoflowers.com.au

“Add an edible element to your floral setting this Christmas. Not only are they in season they are look stunning nestled in foliage like fig leaves and branches. Doesn’t get much more festive than that” – Clint Neeson, Rococo Flowers, Surry Hills NSW, rococoflowers.com.au