How to Make a Simple Winter Planter (Easy DIY for your Porch)

Hi Friends!!

Every year, I love putting together a simple, natural arrangement for our porch—something that feels festive, a little woodsy, and beautiful all the way through the coldest months. I love creating this simple winter planter for our front porch to welcome friends and family in from the cold. The best part? It came together in under 15 minutes and uses materials you can easily find at the craft store, local greenhouse, or even in your own backyard.

Below, I’m sharing exactly how to recreate this classic winter planter for your porch or entryway.

I shared this tutorial in my latest book, Making Your Home Meaningful, in the Winter section, along with other winter decorating ideas. This planter arrangement is a staple on my front porch every winter, and I couldn’t wait to share it with you here as well.

Supplies You’ll Need

• A large outdoor-safe planter
• Fresh or faux winter greenery (cedar, juniper, pine—all work beautifully)
• Birch logs (real or faux)
• Pinecones
• Frosted berry picks or winter stems
• Floral foam or soil to anchor everything
• Pruners or clippers

Step 1: Prep Your Planter

Start by filling your pot with soil or floral foam. Either one works—you just need a sturdy base to keep your stems standing upright through winter winds.

If you’re repurposing an existing planter from fall, just remove old plants and fluff the soil. No need for perfection here; everything will be covered by greenery.

Step 2: Create Your Greenery Base

Begin by adding your fullest greenery around the perimeter of the pot. Cedar and pine work great for creating that soft, draping effect. Angle the stems outward slightly to give your arrangement shape and movement.

Tip: Layering different types of greens is what gives the planter that lush, high-end look.

Step 3: Add Height with Birch Logs

Birch logs are the secret to making your winter planter look intentional and professionally arranged. Press 2–3 logs into the center of your pot at varying heights.

Not only do they draw the eye upward, but they also break up all the greenery and add structure.

Next, tuck in sprigs of juniper or any greenery with little berries. These add the prettiest touch of winter texture and natural color variation.

Step 4: Tuck in Pinecones

Pinecones instantly bring warmth and texture to a winter arrangement. I like placing them in clusters of two or three, nestled into the greenery like they naturally fell there.

You can use wired pinecones or simply wedge natural ones between sturdy branches.

Step 5: Add Frosted Berry Picks for a Wintery Touch

This step is optional but adds that magical, frosty winter look. Lightly tuck in pod stems throughout the arrangement so they peek out from the greens.

They catch the light beautifully and make the planter feel festive without looking overly Christmas-y—perfect for staying out through February.

Step 6: Fluff, Adjust, and Enjoy

Take a step back and see where you might need to add a little more height, fullness, or balance. There’s no right or wrong—just tweak until it feels right to you.

The finished look is natural, fresh, and welcoming—everything I love about winter porch décor.

Why I Love This Winter Planter

• It lasts all season (even in freezing temps!)
• It works with any style—farmhouse, modern, rustic, traditional
• It’s budget-friendly
• You can reuse the birch logs and pinecones year after year
• It makes your porch feel instantly cozy and inviting

If you’ve been wanting to add a little winter charm to your front entry, this planter is the perfect place to start. The combination of mixed greens, natural elements, and simple winter texture makes such a big impact with very little effort.

If you recreate this look, I’d love to see it! Tag me over on Instagram so I can cheer you on.