Tag: decorations

Are holly berries poisonous?

Are holly berries poisonous?

If you frequent trendy coffee houses you may be familiar with yerba mate. This popular caffeinated beverage is made from holly’s South American cousin Ilex paraguariensisa. As we all know, just because one member of a family is stimulating, that doesn’t mean another can’t be toxic. But are 

Are poinsettias poisonous?

Are poinsettias poisonous?

No. They are not. I was as surprised as anyone to find the poinsettia’s reputation as a snatcher of young lives is undeserved. Why do we all believe it is so dangerous? Almost 100 years ago a child died in Hawaii, and someone said she was poisoned 

Is mistletoe poisonous? Romance and the “dung twig”

Is mistletoe poisonous? Romance and the “dung twig”

Ah, the winter holidays. Pretty trees and lights, eggnog and gifts, and kissing underneath a little sprig of leaves and berries. It’s ever so romantic, but is that mistletoe poisonous? Mistletoe literally means “dung twig,” owing to its usual means of seed dispersal. The mistletoe 

No snow? Make your own!

No snow? Make your own!

Nothing adds to holiday merriment like snow! The white stuff that piles up outside isn’t toxic, but what about the white stuff we bring indoors? Is fake snow poisonous? Spray snow is made up of fats, waxes, plastics and adhesives. The only toxic ingredients are