This year, I found myself craving a more decorative, characterful alternative to the bulky Christmas tree stand I've had in the attic for years. My house is far from modern, so I was looking for something with vintage charm that would tie in with my storied style.
So when I stumbled upon Shea McGee’s beautifully styled Christmas entryway in her recent Instagram post, complete with a miniature Christmas tree in a vintage-style Chinoiserie pot, I thought: of course Shea has the solution.
Inspired, I started looking at my own Christmas set-up with fresh eyes. If a simple swap of pot could elevate the entire festive vignette, why was I settling for anything less? The delicate ginger-jar style blue-and-white pattern gives this small seasonal moment so much charm and would be so easy to recreate with a stylish new (or thrifted) find.
'This entryway look really sets the tone for my Christmas vision this year,' Shea explains in the video. 'The blue and white ginger jars, this deep red silk, accents of silver throughout, and a mix of old and new.'
As she describes, Shea's Christmas decor this year, while remaining utterly festive, takes its cues from quite unexpected Christmas colors. Of course, there is plenty of red and green, but peppered into the mix is a touch of timeless blue-and-white that you don't often see in holiday decorating. Add in some unexpected chrome, and you've got quite the unique yuletide palette.
Shea's Gilded Pear Ornaments on her mini tree are currently sold out, but you can easily recreate the look with these Christmas Pear Ornaments from Target, and add a touch of red with this Velvet Ribbon from Wayfair, dried oranges, and some thrifted gilded frames.
The vintage-style Chinoiserie Planter from McGee & Co. also taps into that “collected over time” feeling I'm chasing. It makes the tree look as if it belongs there year-round rather than being propped up just for December.
And the best part? The exact pot she used is currently in the McGee & Co holiday decor sale for Black Friday, making it an even more tempting upgrade.
This is the exact planter Shea McGee used to style her mini Christmas tree. Whether you’re recreating Shea’s charming entryway moment or adding a timeless accent to your decor year-round, this planter brings instant character and classic charm.
After seeing how transformative this one Christmas tree styling choice can be, I’m convinced a beautiful pot or planter is the secret to making a tree look elevated. Whether you prefer something dainty and painted or bold and oversized, a blue-and-white pot is the perfect place to start.
While Shea's pot is suited to a miniature tabletop tree, there are plenty of bigger alternatives out there. And sure, this is a pricier route than simply picking up a Christmas tree skirt, but this is a piece of decor you'll be able to use year-round (indoor or out!) to display potted plants, or fill with decorative objects and style up on a shelf. Making the cost-per-use way better than your usual seasonal shopping.
Below, I’ve rounded up some Chinoiserie-style pots that capture the same timeless charm.
Shop Blue-and-White Christmas Tree Pots
A beautifully hand-painted option inspired by traditional Ming Dynasty motifs, this planter brings a refined, heirloom feel to any room. The included drip tray makes it as practical as it is elegant, while the indigo detailing creates a timeless backdrop for holiday greenery or everyday styling.
For an easy, all-in-one festive accent, this pair of boxwood-style topiaries offers instant charm. Each comes housed in a delicate Chinoiserie pot and finished with a red velvet bow, and would look beautiful styled atop your Christmas table.
With its gently sculpted silhouette and soft blue landscape motifs, this ceramic planter adds Asian-inspired elegance at an accessible price. It’s a versatile option sized well for mini trees, a Christmas cactus, or year-round greenery.
A true vintage find, this fishbowl planter, dated from the 1980s, features exquisite hand-painted florals and scrolling vines. The deep bowl shape lends itself beautifully to fuller mini trees or statement plants, while its authentic patina adds that collected, storied look.
This set of petite scalloped-edge planters offers incredible value, made from a durable ceramic and stoneware construction. The tonal blue palette and frilly silhouette make them ideal for adding a touch of classic charm to shelves, desks, or small tabletop trees.
Bold and intricate, this dragon-motif fishbowl is a striking alternative for those who want a more dramatic take on Chinoiserie. The high-gloss finish and generous proportions make it a standout base for a Christmas tree – or a striking piece long after the holidays.
I love that this simple swap is a detail I can reinvent season after season. Once the holidays are over, the pot becomes a timeless accent for houseplants, flowers, or simply displayed on its own, which makes it feel far more worthwhile than another seasonal accessory destined for storage.
Plus, styling a tree inside a beautiful blue-and-white pot feels both nostalgic and fresh, adding a vintage Christmas look that is hard to replicate with a boring tree stand.
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.