Joanna Gaines’s Throwback Festive Front Porch Is Decorated with a Garland, Wreath, and an Unusual Floral Display – and It’s Not a Christmas Tree
Trade traditional decor for a look that feels fresh – and stays stylish after Christmas
Going back through the archives of American TV personality and HGTV star Joanna Gaines always reignites my love for the holiday season. While her signature dramatic Christmas tree ideas are memorable, it’s her sophisticated, authentically layered approach to exterior decor – even in this throwback post from last year – that feels most inspiring for 2025.
For anyone who sighs at the thought of yet another traditional tree, Gaines offers an elegant, achievable alternative: focusing on the entrance with a beautifully curated festive pot display.
A post shared by Joanna Gaines (@joannagaines)
A photo posted by on
I find immense joy in these simpler, more natural touches that can transform an ordinary doorway. I love using large, statement pot filler plants to refresh the outdoor display each season, and Gaines clearly champions this elegant, effortless technique. It’s the perfect way to elevate your outdoor Christmas decor, welcome guests with instant holiday cheer, and set the tone for your home’s interior style.
For me, Christmas decorating ideas for the front of the house are vital; it is the start and end of the story of your seasonal scheme, and those first and last impressions matter deeply. It's the ultimate act of quiet holiday confidence.
No Christmas front porch is completely dressed for the holidays without a flourish of lush foliage and natural elements. The humble plant pot is one of the most versatile pieces of decor we have at our disposal – a wonderful, structured element that is also one of the easiest to change seasonally.
This year’s festive pot designs should be true showpieces – big, bold, and shapely, commanding attention and becoming your go-to for yuletide decorating. Think architectural evergreens paired with cascading berries and pinecones for maximum visual impact.
What makes this idea so appealing is its enduring nature; it’s not a fleeting garden trend or passing fad. Whether you enjoy the personal charm of foraging for berries and branches yourself or prefer the convenience of high-quality, long-lasting faux designs from garden centres and big-box retailers, a festive pot filler is a stylish investment that will enhance your entrance for years to come.
Design expertise in your inbox – from inspiring decorating ideas and beautiful celebrity homes to practical gardening advice and shopping round-ups.
By focusing on natural abundance and simple craftsmanship, this approach ensures your holiday entrance feels both warm and authentically welcoming, setting a sophisticated, serene tone for the celebrations inside.
Shop the Festive Front Porch Look
Bring fresh, on-trend holiday style to your planters with this 2025 new-release festive filler. Designed to turn plain indoor or covered outdoor pots into beautiful seasonal focal points, it features Christmas-themed greenery that pairs perfectly with trees, wreaths, and garlands. Versatile and low-maintenance, this durable, fade-resistant piece keeps its lush appearance throughout the season and can be reused year after year.
These handcrafted artificial flowers are designed for a unique, natural look, with lush eucalyptus leaves for added texture and elegance. Vibrantly realistic and maintenance-free, they’re perfect for Christmas, fall, and Thanksgiving decor, bringing a stylish, year-round touch to indoor or outdoor planters, tables, and seasonal displays.
If you’d like to stick with a traditional entryway Christmas tree while capturing a Joanna Gaines–inspired aesthetic, this beautiful design from the highly rated National Tree Company is an exceptional option. Its classic shape and elegant detailing create a warm, inviting focal point that pairs perfectly with layered, natural decor for a timeless holiday look.

Jennifer is the Digital Editor at Homes & Gardens, bringing years of interiors experience across the US and UK. She has worked with leading publications, blending expertise in PR, marketing, social media, commercial strategy, and e-commerce. Jennifer has covered every corner of the home – curating projects from top interior designers, sourcing celebrity properties, reviewing appliances, and delivering timely news. Now, she channels her digital skills into shaping the world’s leading interiors website.
You must confirm your public display name before commenting
Please logout and then login again, you will then be prompted to enter your display name.