Christmas tree on porch ideas are some of my favorite ways to ease into the season. This year, instead of starting inside, I wandered out to our back porch and felt inspired to create something simple, natural, and a little nostalgic.
With visions of snowy trees and soft winter light, I decided to build a nature-inspired Christmas tree using one of my favorite decorating staples—an antique crock. It felt like the perfect way to give a humble artificial tree a vintage, collected look.
A cozy blanket, a little flocking, and a few natural touches later, this porch Christmas tree was ready to shine. If you’re dreaming of a rustic, nature-filled holiday style, this sweet tree on the porch is such a fun place to begin.
Christmas tree decorating in November is not normal here in Florida, but we couldn't wait to start creating some ideas for all of you.
After doing our usual search on Pinterest for inspiration and cranking up our Amazon dot with some Nat King Cole Christmas music, we were quickly filled with visions of nature and snow! This led us to decide that it all had to start on the back porch.
Porch Christmas Tree Ideas for a Nature-Inspired Look
Once we caught our inspiration of frosty trees covered with snow on a dreamy chilly day we had to decide if we were going with a live tree or an artificial tree.
Well, since it is still kind of early to find a live tree to be decorating we opted for an artificial. There is still a high likelihood of switching to a live tree after Thanksgiving. Either way, we needed to determine the base for the tree.
How to Use an Antique Crock as a Christmas Tree Base
First, we ditched the metal base that came with the tree and went for an old crock. This rustic skinny tree needs some added support, so we layered bricks around it on the inside of the crock. The bricks gave it the strength it needed to stay up and straight.
Then, to finish off the base of the Christmas tree, we added an old quilted white blanket. A new blanket will work too. Give it a tuck here and there and wrap it all the way around. Now on to the next step, or should I say the fun step!
Another brilliant idea I recently saw on Instagram is to place an umbrella stand inside the crock and slip the tree stem into the stand. It works like a hidden support system and keeps the tree perfectly straight without having to stack bricks around it.
The key is finding an umbrella stand that’s narrow enough to fit inside your crock. And if you ever stumble on an old vintage iron one while thrifting, grab it. Those older stands are usually smaller and have the prettiest patina.
For this outdoor Christmas tree idea, though, I stuck with my simple brick method — but both options work beautifully.
How to Flock a Porch Christmas Tree
Okay, I have to confess that this was my favorite part of dressing this Christmas tree!
It was so much fun spraying all those branches with snow! The process of spraying a tree with snow is called “flocking.” Because we are on the back porch, we didn't have to worry about where the snow was going. This made it even more fun.
We kept the can of spray close to the tree so that most of the snow would end up on the leaves. This particular can of “Sno Blower” doesn't last forever, which means it will probably dissolve over time since our tree is outdoors.
Natural Decorations for a Rustic Porch Christmas Tree
Cotton Stems
In our neck of the woods, farmers grow lots of cotton. This makes our outdoor tree perfect for dressing in cotton stems. If you are not lucky enough to find some stalks from a local cotton patch, then try some of the online sources listed below, or go to your local Hobby Lobby if you have one nearby.
Christmas Tree Rustic Star
For many years, we used ribbon to top off our trees, but this nature-inspired Christmas tree felt like the perfect place for a star. And not just any star but something rustic or homemade.
We pulled out an old rusty-looking star from our attic, but wouldn't it be adorable to have a wooden star on the top, too?
Cozy Porch Touches to Finish the Look
One goal in decorating this tree was to practice the “less is more” concept. But, since Santa isn't coming for a while, we thought it would be fun to add our Father Christmas next to a delicious basket filled with blankets.
Old Vintage Santa
This old vintage-looking Santa fits in perfectly on the back porch because he sports a sheep fur jacket with pine cones and many other elements from Mother Nature.
Cozy Blankets
To finish the warm feeling, we added some blankets to the basket. What says cozy like blankets?!
Supplies You’ll Need for This Nature-Inspired Porch Tree
To recap, here is a list of things you will need to complete your nature-inspired vintage back porch Christmas tree.
- Antique or new crock
- Bricks
- White fluffy blanket
- Artificial or live Christmas tree
- String of lights, unless it already comes with lights
- Can of snow spray
- Stalks of cotton
- Rustic or nature-inspired star
- Father Christmas Doll
- Large basket
- Blankets
- Amazon echo dot
Final Thoughts on Creating Your Porch Christmas Tree
Creating this outdoor Christmas tree was such a simple way to bring a touch of nature and nostalgia to our back porch. Once the lights were plugged in and the flocking settled, we made a cup of hot cocoa, turned on Christmas music, and sat back to enjoy the glow.
If you love outdoor Christmas tree ideas that are easy, vintage-inspired, and full of charm, this crock tree is a wonderful place to start. A few natural elements can make even the simplest tree feel magical.
I’d love to hear how you decorate your outdoor spaces for Christmas. Do you have a favorite tradition or a special touch you use year after year?
Happy Decorating!
Linda, you’ve out done yourself on this one. I love it.
You’re so sweet!! I think some trees on your back porch would be pretty!!
Lovin’ this natural style back porch Christmas idea!
Beautiful!