There’s something magical about a well-designed holiday container greeting you at the front door. It’s that perfect blend of winter greenery, festive color, texture, and structure for a warm welcome.

Every year, we help our clients transform their porches and patios with custom Christmas and holiday planters that last throughout winter. Today, I’m sharing exactly how I build them, from the materials to choose, to design tips, to maintenance—so you can create your own stunning holiday display.

Watch How to Build a Holiday Pot step-by-step video.

Materials to Use for Holiday Containers

A great winter arrangement starts with great ingredients. Here are some of my go-to materials and why I reach for them:

Red Twig Dogwood These branches bring a vibrant red pop to any container. They hold their color well through winter and make the perfect upright accent. 

Birch Branches The white bark offers eye-catching contrast, especially against darker siding or stone. They help draw the eye upward and add sculptural form. 

Winter Berries These add additional color to brighten your container and are festive for the holiday season. 

Sugar Cones Oversized pine cones act as natural showstoppers. We like to tuck them near the front of the pot or use them as focal texture.

Winter Green Mix A strong base of greenery is very important. For it you can use noble fir which is sturdy, long-lasting, and idea for structure. Cedars and junipers offer movement, soft texture, and a beautiful cascading drape. Mixing these varieties adds dimension and creates a full, lush look. 

Artificial Plants (Optional) If your pots sit in intense full sun all day, consider mixing in some artificial stems. UV exposure can dry out natural materials faster.

Key Considerations Before You Start Planting

A stunning holiday container is all about intention. Before you start arranging, consider these four design fundamentals:

1. Style: Take a look at what's already on your porch. Do you have lanterns, oversized ornaments, or a specific color palette? Blend your pot with your existing decor so everything feels cohesive.
2. Scale: Match the size of your materials to the scale of the planter. Small pots need extra greenery and one strong centerpiece. Large pots can handle birch bundles, large sugar cones, bells, or lanterns. The right proportion makes the arrangement feel intentional rather than cluttered.
3. Shine: Lights and sparkle go a long way in winter. Try adding:
   1. Twinkle lights (battery or solar (make sure the solar pieces get enough sun to recharge)
   2. Lanterns with real or faux flame
   3. Glittered stems
   4. Metallic ornaments

Watch the Step-by-Step Video


How to Build a Holiday Pot  (Step-by-Step Guide)

1. Gather all the materials before you start. Having everything within reach helps you design more efficiently and creatively.
2. Choose and insert your centerpiece. This sets the tone. For tall pots use birch branches or red twig dogwood. For shorter pots, try a cluster of greens or pine cones.
3. Add your base greens. Start by filling the soil with noble fir or other sturdy greens. Then layer in cedars around the edges, allowing them to cascade. This creates movement and that whimsical winter drape. 
4. Build in your texture and color. Place in sugar cones, winter berries, and additional branches. Adjust the spacing and angles until it feels balanced and full. 
5. Add some bling. This final layer pulls everything together and gives your planter that holiday sparkle. Add in elements like twinkle lights, oversized ornaments, or ribbon. 

Maintenance Tips for Longer-Lasting Holiday Pots

Even though winter containers are fairly low-maintenance, these few tips help the stay fresh:

• Refresh greens as needed. If some greens brown over time, and you don't have time to run to your nearest garden center,  replace them with materials foraged from your own yard.
• Watering. Keep the soil slightly moist in the early weeks so the greens an absorb water. In freezing temperatures, water sparingly, but don't let the pots completely dry out. 
• Apply Anti-desiccant. This can extend the life of your greenery, especially in dry or windy climates.

With the right materials, thoughtful design, and simple maintenance, you can create a winter arrangement that welcomes guests and spreads cheer all season long. 

If you'd like help transforming your entryway this year, our team at Designscapes Colorado is always here to help.