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

Joanna Gaines
(Image credit: Associated Press / Alamy Stock Photo)

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.

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.

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

Jennifer Ebert
Editor

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.

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