Forget the flowers — go greens!

Everything is green these days. And those luscious tropical leaves and "greens" you walk past in the grocery store are perfect for simple, elegant and interesting decorating treatments.

How to use them

For a bold statement, arrange several giant leaves, grasses and palms of different sizes, shapes and textures in a vase. For a softer look, place a single leaf spray in a vase or several strands of bear grass in a ceramic vase of contrasting color. Tropical greens come in a full range of colors, and their unusual shapes offer a rich and sophisticated alternative to flowers.

Use them to make a fun summer centerpiece by adding flowers, candles and fruit. A large leaf or palm can serve as an anchor to hold condiment dishes and hors d'oeuvres. For a summer buffet, place different glossy greens on a basic white tablecloth to add refreshing color and depth. A tropical-theme place setting features a napkin tied with a strand of bear grass or a ginger leaf around the napkin and tied with raffia.

Give your arrangements a different twist: Wrap a leaf around the inside of a clear glass vase, then slip a smaller container of water into the vase to hold the arrangement or a floating candle.

Tips

Many leaves and grasses will last about two weeks if they are in water that's changed often. Be sure to cut off any greenery that is covered by water. Leaves and palms laid flat on the table should stay bright and fresh for several hours. Sharp shears and scissors make cutting and arranging a snap.

Cost

Grocery stores sell topical palms, leaves and other greens by single stems, or bunch them together in "bouquets." Prices range from $1 for a variegated stem to $4.99 for a giant leaf and $12.99 for a large bunch.

Budget Bouquet is an occasional feature in digs.