As the holiday season ends, don’t pack away all your decorations just yet! Many festive items can be creatively repurposed to give your winter planters a second life. Here are 10 inspiring ways to use holiday decor to keep your outdoor spaces looking magical all winter long.
1. Ornaments as Planter Accents
How to Use: Gather unused shatterproof ornaments in metallic or wintery colors. Nestle them among evergreen clippings or hardy winter plants in your planter. The reflective surfaces add sparkle to snowy surroundings.
Tip: Stick with a cohesive color palette (e.g., silver, gold, or icy blue) for a polished look.
2. Garlands as Planter Fillers
How to Use: Lay faux or natural garlands around the base of your plants to cover the soil and add texture. Pine, cedar, or berry-laden garlands work especially well for winter vibes.
Tip: Fluff up the garlands for a fuller appearance and intertwine fairy lights for evening glow.
3. Ribbons for Decorative Bows
How to Use: Repurpose wide holiday ribbons to tie bows around the rims of your planters or to decorate bare branches placed inside. This adds a festive touch that transitions beautifully into winter decor.
Tip: Use weatherproof ribbons to prevent fraying and fading.
4. String Lights for a Winter Glow
How to Use: Add warm white or cool blue string lights to your planters to illuminate them during dark winter evenings. Wrap the lights around branches, twigs, or plant stems for a magical effect.
Tip: Opt for battery-powered or solar lights for easy setup.
5. Mini Christmas Trees as Centerpieces
How to Use: If you have small artificial Christmas trees, place one in the center of a large planter. Surround it with hardy plants like ivy or ornamental kale for a layered look.
Tip: Spray the tree with artificial snow for extra winter charm.
6. Candy Cane Stakes for a Playful Touch
How to Use: Repurpose plastic or oversized candy cane decorations as stakes to add a whimsical element to your winter planters. Position them among greenery or flowers for a pop of color.
Tip: Anchor them securely in the soil to withstand windy conditions.
7. Wreaths as Planter Base Decor
How to Use: Lay an old wreath at the base of your planter or around its rim. Add plants or twigs in the center to create a dynamic, layered effect.
Tip: Choose wreaths with frosted or glittered elements for extra sparkle.
8. Tree Toppers for Planter Stakes
How to Use: Repurpose star or angel tree toppers by attaching them to stakes and inserting them into your planters. This creates an eye-catching focal point.
Tip: Spray the topper with weatherproof sealant to protect it from the elements.
9. Snowflake Ornaments for Hanging Accents
How to Use: Hang oversized snowflake ornaments from branches or trellises within your planter to create a winter wonderland effect.
Tip: Choose ornaments with a durable finish to handle outdoor weather.
10. Holiday-Themed Picks and Stems
How to Use: Use decorative holiday picks, such as berry sprigs, glittered stems, or faux icicles, to embellish your planters. Simply insert them into the soil for instant winter beauty.
Tip: Combine multiple picks for a lush, full arrangement.
Bonus Tips for Repurposed Holiday Planters:
- Stick to a Theme: Choose a cohesive color scheme or decorative motif to tie everything together.
- Layer Textures: Mix greenery, metallics, and natural elements like pinecones for depth and interest.
- Think Weatherproof: Ensure all repurposed decor is suitable for outdoor use to keep it looking great all winter.
With these ideas, your holiday decor can extend its life and transform your winter garden into a cozy and stylish retreat. Happy planting!
