This past holiday season we brought the warmth of Puerto Rico to our windy city! The holiday season is often associated with snow-covered landscapes, cozy sweaters, and warm mugs of cocoa. But for those longing for something more vibrant, a tropical-inspired holiday brings a refreshing twist—one filled with lush greenery, bold colors, and the warmth of Latino celebrations. We were honored to do all the florals for a client to create a time of music, family, festivity and a holifday classic poinsettias .

The Magic of a Puerto Rican Holiday

In Puerto Rico, the holiday season extends far beyond December 25th, often lasting until mid-January with Fiesta de la Calle San Sebastián, a celebration of music, dance, and community. From lively parrandas (Puerto Rican caroling) to tables overflowing with lechón asado (roast pork) and coquito (a coconut-based holiday drink), the island’s traditions invite people to embrace togetherness.

The key to capturing the essence of a Puerto Rican Christmas is to bring that same warmth and vibrancy into the beautiful Ponce Restaurant in our beautiful Chicago. By incorporating tropical decor and festive botanicals like poinsettias, you can transform any setting into an immersive celebration.

Poinsettias: The Iconic Flower of the Holidays

Few plants embody the holiday season like the poinsettia. Native to Central America and widely embraced across Latin America, these bold red, white, and pink blooms instantly create a festive atmosphere. In Puerto Rico, poinsettias—locally known as flor de pascua—are often seen adorning homes, plazas, and churches, symbolizing joy and prosperity. People often think they are a winter plant but they are tropical flowers so please use faux if you are using them outside!

How to Style Poinsettias for a Tropical Holiday Look fr:

Lush Arrangements: Combine poinsettias with palm fronds, monstera leaves, and hibiscus blooms to create an exotic centerpiece.

Woven Baskets & Clay Pots: Skip traditional vases and place your poinsettias in handmade baskets or terracotta pots for an authentic, earthy touch

Creating an Atmosphere That Transports You

Transforming your space into a Caribbean-inspired retreat isn’t just about decor—it’s about engaging the senses. Here’s how to infuse your holiday celebrations with the essence of Puerto Rico.

1. Vibrant Color Palette: Tropical holiday decor thrives on bold colors. Think rich reds, deep greens, golden yellows, and ocean blues. Swap out traditional plaid and winter whites for tropical textiles with floral or geometric prints.

2. The Sounds of Puerto Rico

No Puerto Rican holiday celebration is complete without aguinaldos (traditional holiday songs) and the rhythmic beats of bomba and plena music. Create a playlist featuring classic artists like Héctor Lavoe and José Feliciano’s Feliz Navidad to set the mood.

3. Scent of the Tropics: Bring in the aroma of the Caribbean with candles or diffusers featuring coconut, citrus, and cinnamon notes. Our fresh Designer’s Choice flowers are curated with detail to bring in all thee floral sensory experience.

4. A Feast to Remember: Puerto Rican holiday cuisine is a feast for the senses. Serve traditional dishes like pasteles (savory plantain-based tamales), arroz con gandules (rice with pigeon peas), pair it all with coquito, a creamy coconut and rum drink that transports you straight to the island dancing salsa.

For those who dream of experiencing the real thing, Puerto Rico is an ideal holiday getaway. With its warm weather, rich traditions, and endless hospitality, the island offers an unforgettable festive escape. Whether you’re decorating at home or booking a flight to the Caribbean, embracing a tropical holiday means celebrating the season with passion, color, and community—just like they do in Puerto Rico.

Ahhh what I would do to transport myself to Vieques Island all over again!

Embracing A Tropical Holiday : Celebrating the season with warmth and color.