There is a story told in Mexico that long ago the people flocked to church on Christmas Eve because they loved to fill the manger with flowers. Some children were too poor to buy any flowers, so they picked some weeds from the side of the road and put them in the manger. The weeds changed into beautiful scarlet flowers, which the Mexicans called the “Flor de la Noche Buena,” the Flower of Christmas Eve.
These striking blooms caught the attention of Dr. Joel Roberts Poinsett, America’s first ambassador to Mexico between 1825 and 1829. Dr. Poinsett brought the plant to America and raised it in his greenhouses in Charleston, South Carolina. It was named in his honor in 1836. Frosted Swirl FashnPoint EZ Fold Guest Towel

The plant was initially known in the United States as “painted leaf” or “Mexican fire plant” until it eventually was named “poinsettia,” in honor of its “discoverer” Dr. Poinsett.  By the early 1900′s, they were sold as potted plants in California. Many poinsettias are still raised in the state, especially for use as Christmas gifts and decorations.  The city of Ventura, California is even known as the Poinsettia City!
 
When you grace your Christmas table with that beautiful poinsettia this year, make sure it’s decked out in Hoffmaster® style.  Festive tablecovers, placemats, napkins, and guest towels put the “merry” in Merry Christmas!