Exclusive advice on making holiday blooms last and on creating unique floral arrangements

For advice on making holiday blooms last - and on making unique floral arrangements - Good Housekeeping interviewed Jill Slater, a floral expert for HGTV and a spokesperson for flowerpossibilities.com.

Test for Freshness

In the flower shop, sniff the water that the blooms are in - it shouldn't smell foul. And rub the stems to make sure they aren't slimy.

Buy Bold Flowers

Slater likes to put surprises in her Yuletide arrangements. One of her favorites: alstroemerias, which come in vibrant pinks, yellows and burgundies (she finds they stay fresh for up to two weeks). Another long-lasting choice: lime-green spider mums. For an alternative to mistletoe, Slater recommends seeded eucalyptus, which lasts about three weeks. Also look for hypericum - its berries are burgundy, orange, brown or yellow.

Watch Your Water

To prevent bacterial growth, Slater removes any leaves submerged in water (they can produce flower-killing organisms). She also changes the water at least every two days and adds a preservative - either a mix from the florist or her own homemade life extender: a half teaspoon of sugar and a dash of bleach for every gallon of water.

Steer Clear of the Fridge

You may have heard that it's the best place to keep your flowers cool overnight. But unlike florists' "refrigerators," yours isn't set at the right temperature or humidity level. Plus, your fruits and veggies emit ethylene gas, which will kill the blooms.

Think Outside the Vase

Want a fun new way to arrange your buds? Unscrew the top from several bulb-shaped Christmas ornaments, fill the bases with water, and then place a single flower in each one. Set the baubles on napkin rings to keep them upright.

Have Fun with Foam

For a new presentation of red carnations, use as flower beds several different pieces of floral foam (available at florist shops and craft stores) in a variety of shapes, like long ovals or spheres. Remember to soak the foam in water and preservative for at least 30 minutes before filling with flowers and water it every day (similar to how you'd water a pot of soil).

Use a Unique Decoration

Believe it or not, a new feather duster could add life to your arrangement. Just cut its handle to fit your vase (don't use a glass vase in this case) and let its bright feathers burst from the center of your arrangement.