How to Decorate a Window Box with Holiday Cheer

There’s no place like home for the holidays!

Do your window boxes sit empty over the winter? Do the remnants of last summer’s flowers droop over the edge? When it comes to the holidays, making the house look merry and bright is never easier than to decorate a window box!

How your house looks on the outside is important, too! You may have put up some lights, set out a lawn ornament or two and wrapped garland over the porch rail. Yet, the window box is an important detail that often is overlooked. Fortunately, there are many creative ways to fill your window boxes with holiday cheer without spending a lot. Let me give you some ideas!

Tips to decorate a window box

To get that festive look that brings on the compliments, here are a few things to keep in mind

1. The decor you choose should match the overall holiday theme of your yard or front porch. We’ve all seen those houses that are into the Christmas spirit a little too much! There’s an array of every thing every where and no one particular thing stands out.

Are you going vintage, farmhouse, whimsical? What colors are you using? Traditional reds and greens or winter-wonderland with its bluish tones and sparkly white snowflakes? Let the window box tie in by keeping to the same style and colors, and it will pack a punch.

2. Allow your window boxes to capture a little attention for themselves. Don’t be afraid to really stuff them full and overflowing. (See photo above). Use larger-size pine cones, garland, other ornaments so they’re visible. The ‘look’ is big and showy. Add mini lights. If you like, add a big, festive bow.

3. Live Greenery options. If you live in an area where it doesn’t tend to freeze this time of the year, you can even use live greenery in your window box. A couple of small arborvitae (junipers), or baby pine trees that can be replanted in the yard in the Spring.

If you are using fresh cuttings, keep them in a vase filled with water. Tuck the vase down inside the window box to hide it. You’ll be surprised how long greenery can last when its outdoors in cooler weather.

Decorate a window box with thrift store finds

Garage sales are by far the cheapest place to pick up Christmas decor. But in summer of course, most of us aren’t thinking that far ahead. Not even this writer! But, if it’s November already, the next best thing is a thrift store.

I’m always surprised by the number of people I meet who have never been to a thrift store. It’s not just ‘junk’. Sure they get donations from folks cleaning out their closets, but they also get a ton of things from department stores when they have to make room for new product. So it’s possible to find new or like new items for holiday decorating.

And don’t just go to the big chain stores either.(United Way/Value Village) Try some of your smaller, locally operated thrift stores as well. These are typically run by churches or other non-profits where a sizable portion of the proceeds goes directly to the charity to support its cause.

A few things to look for:

Since your window box decor is exposed to the elements, the items you find for it don’t have to be perfect. So if you find something with a nick or a tear or scratch or maybe a little faded, you can always touch it up at home or just turn it on the under-side so it doesn’t show. No one will see your window box up close anyway.

See what you can find that will work. Here’s some things to consider:

• silk or plastic Christmas flowers, poinsettias and greenery
• Fake pine garland or other types of garlands or wraps
• mini lights (Thrift stores always inspect them to make sure they work)
• Large plastic tree ornaments
• Small, table-top trees
• pics and prongs for floral bouquets (Holly berry, cranberry, pomegranates etc.)
• pine cones
• large bow(s), and/or wide ribbon (the kind for outdoor decorating)
• Ice skates, snowflakes, candy cane (any items that match your decor “theme” or “style”)

Wrapping it up

Christmas is a special time of the year. When it comes to making the home look just as warm and welcoming on the outside, remember to decorate your window boxes. You may be surprised at what a difference this seemingly little detail makes. If you do decide to dress up your window boxes, I’d love to see what you did. Pics are always welcome and I post them to our “braggin’ board”.

If you enjoyed this article, it perfectly conveys the nature of our little Garden & Art blog. We’d love to have you join the Make it a Garden on-line community. Just scroll down a bit to sign up. When you do, you’ll also receive our monthly newsletter and my 10 best garden decor tips all for free!

In closing, I’ve been asked to write a holiday inspirational piece for fellow blogger Rachel Bomsta of Healing Home. It’s called “The Rich Reward of Contentment”. If you’ve been longing to restore some ‘balance’ to your family’s celebration this season, I’ve include it here if you’re interested. Have a wonderful Christmas, and thanks for stopping by!

More beautiful ideas for front porch decor

Elegant Hanging Basket Arrangement with Lights

Holiday Porch Display Inspired by the Garden