9 Ways to Style Your Houseplants for the Holidays

Decorating for the holidays is one of my favorite things, and honestly, houseplants just make it more fun.

They bring a pop of green and a bit of life into every corner, and with a few tweaks, they totally fit the holiday vibe.

You can turn regular old plants into festive little decorations that make your space feel extra cozy. It doesn’t have to be complicated, either.

I’ve realized that styling plants for the season is way easier than people think. Just a few lights, some ribbon, maybe a quirky accent or two—suddenly the whole room feels different.

Here are a bunch of simple ways to help your houseplants really shine during the holidays. Let’s dive in!

1) Create a festive centerpiece with poinsettias and fairy lights

I love making poinsettias the star of a holiday centerpiece. Their bold red leaves just scream “festive” and instantly brighten up the table.

To give them a little extra magic, I stick them in a plain pot or basket and then weave fairy lights through the leaves or wrap them gently around the base. That soft glow is just so inviting.

I usually set the lights on a timer so they switch on in the evening—no need to fuss with switches every night. It makes the whole room feel cozy with almost zero effort.

Sometimes I’ll toss in a couple pinecones or a few sprigs of evergreen around the pot. It’s a simple way to add texture and make the arrangement feel a little more finished.

This setup works just about anywhere—dining table, coffee table, sideboard, you name it. Super easy to move around, too.

2) Wrap plant pots in burlap and tie with red ribbon

Wrapping my plant pots in burlap gives them this warm, rustic vibe that just feels right for the season. The fabric itself is simple, but somehow it makes everything look a bit more festive.

A red ribbon tied around the pot adds a cheerful pop of color without going overboard. Sometimes I’ll use patterned ribbon—stripes, polka dots, whatever feels fun in the moment.

This trick works for everything from tiny succulents to big leafy plants. I just cut the burlap and ribbon to fit.

If I want the look to last, I’ll use a little tape to keep the burlap in place before tying the ribbon. It stays tidy even if I move the pot.

When the holidays are over, I just pull off the ribbon and keep the burlap for a more neutral look. So easy.

3) Hang mini wreaths on large leafy plants

For my bigger plants, I love hanging mini wreaths right on the leaves or stems. It’s a clever way to add holiday flair without taking up any extra space.

I always pick lightweight wreaths—grapevine or faux greenery are my go-to—so nothing gets bent or damaged.

To attach them, I use soft ribbon or twine instead of wire. That way, the plant stays happy and it’s easy to take the wreaths off later.

Depending on my mood, I’ll mix up the ribbon colors—classic red, or sometimes gold or silver for a modern twist.

If I hang more than one, I spread them out so the plant still looks natural. Just a few well-placed pieces do the trick.

It’s a tiny detail, but it makes the whole space feel more cheerful. Plus, it’s cheap and takes almost no time.

4) Place succulents in decorative holiday-themed terrariums

Succulents are honestly perfect for holiday décor. They’re small, easy to care for, and super easy to style.

I like to pop them into terrariums—clear glass ones are my favorite so you can see everything inside.

To make it festive, I’ll toss in some mini ornaments, pinecones, or a tiny string of lights around the plants. It feels seasonal but still lets the succulents shine.

Sometimes I add a layer of colored sand or stones at the bottom—red, green, or gold are all fair game. It adds just enough color without making things feel cluttered.

If I’m feeling extra, I’ll swap out the container for something like a snowflake-etched bowl or a frosted glass globe. Even a plain jar with some holiday ribbon works.

I always make sure there’s enough airflow and go easy on the watering. Succulents hate too much water, and the decorations stay neat that way.

5) Add cinnamon sticks and pinecones around plant bases

Cinnamon sticks at the base of my plants? Yes, please. They look warm and add a subtle holiday scent that’s just lovely.

A few pinecones scattered around the pot give everything a natural, woodsy feel. I stick with smaller ones so the soil isn’t crowded.

I make sure nothing blocks water from getting to the roots—plants first, always.

Mixing cinnamon sticks and pinecones creates a nice balance. The straight lines and rough textures just work together.

Sometimes I’ll tie a little ribbon around a cinnamon stick for a pop of color. Minimal effort, maximum cuteness.

It’s a quick way to tie my plants in with the rest of my holiday decor. And when the season’s over, it’s easy to swap out.

6) Use string lights shaped like snowflakes around plants

Snowflake string lights are kind of my secret weapon. Wrapping them around my plants gives this soft, magical glow that just feels right for the holidays.

I always keep the lights loose so the leaves don’t get squished. LED lights are my favorite—they stay cool, so there’s no risk to the plants.

Sometimes I’ll drape the lights across a shelf above my plants instead. The snowflakes shine down and make everything feel extra cozy.

I like mixing in ornaments or ribbons for a little more visual interest. The snowflake shapes really pop when they’re paired with something simple.

Depending on my mood, I’ll go with classic white lights for a soft look or colored ones when I want something playful.

And, of course, I always double-check that the lights are safe for indoor use and plugged in securely. Safety first, but still festive.

Adding these lights just makes my plants feel like part of the celebration instead of background greenery.

7) Display orchids with silver and gold ornaments

Orchids already look elegant, so during the holidays, I just add a few silver and gold ornaments to make them feel special.

I hang a couple of small, lightweight ornaments from the stems or set them gently at the base—nothing too heavy or flashy.

A neutral pot really lets the metallic colors stand out. White or clear containers are my go-to.

If I set the orchid near a soft light source, the ornaments reflect the light and give off a subtle, cozy glow.

Sometimes I’ll tie a thin gold ribbon around the pot. It’s a small thing, but it pulls the look together.

I keep the decorations minimal so the orchid stays the star. It feels festive but still natural.

8) Group plants on a wooden crate for a rustic holiday look

Using a wooden crate is one of my favorite tricks for the holidays. The wood adds warmth and makes everything feel a bit more homey.

Grouping a few plants on top creates a layered display—taller ones in the back, smaller in front. It just looks balanced.

To keep things festive, I’ll add some pinecones, string lights, or tiny ornaments around the pots. Little details, but they make a difference.

The best part? I can move the whole crate whenever I want a new look. It’s an easy way to switch things up.

Sometimes I’ll drape a plaid cloth or some burlap over the crate before setting the plants down. It softens the wood and adds a bit of texture.

This setup works in just about any room—living room, entryway, even a covered porch. It’s rustic, festive, and keeps things tidy.

9) Incorporate holly berries into hanging plants

Holly berries are such an easy way to make hanging plants look festive. That bright red against the green leaves just pops.

I’ll tuck a few small sprigs of holly into the soil or weave them gently through the vines. No need to go overboard—sometimes less is more, especially with bold colors.

If I’m using real holly, I make sure the berries are out of reach of kids and pets. When I want something safer, I go for faux holly berries—they look good and last the whole season.

Mixing in a bit of ribbon or a pinecone here and there keeps things interesting. Even a plain hanging plant can turn into a holiday centerpiece with just a few tweaks.

Layering holly berries into my plants is an easy way to get that festive look without buying a ton of new stuff.

Choosing Festive Accessories for Your Houseplants

I like making my plants feel cheerful for the holidays with small, seasonal touches. Safe, plant-friendly items and holiday colors are my go-to—just enough to make everything feel special.

Selecting Safe Decorations

I always go for lightweight decorations so the branches or leaves don’t end up bent or broken. Small felt ornaments, paper cutouts, or tiny ribbons are my favorites since they barely weigh anything.

Anything with sharp edges, glitter, or toxic materials is a no from me—they’re just not worth the risk. If I think a pet might get curious, I swap out glass for wood or cloth, just to be safe.

When I’m craving a little extra sparkle, I’ll grab some battery-powered LED string lights. They stay cool, so there’s no risk of overheating the plants. I’m always careful not to wrap the wires too tightly; plants need their space, right?

Here’s a quick list of safe choices:

• Felt or fabric ornaments
• Paper stars or snowflakes
• Wooden charms
• LED micro-lights

I keep things simple and gentle. That way, my plants look festive but don’t have to “work” any harder than usual.

Coordinating Colors With Holiday Themes

I like matching up pot covers, ribbons, and ornaments with whatever holiday colors I’m using around the house. For Christmas, I’m all about red, green, and gold. If I’m feeling more wintry, I’ll go with silver, white, and blue—it just feels fresh.

Usually, I’ll wrap the planter in seasonal fabric or paper instead of repotting. It’s easy, looks polished, and the plant doesn’t get disturbed. A bow or a little trim in a matching color pulls it all together.

To keep things from getting chaotic, I try not to go wild with the colors. Two main ones and an accent is my sweet spot. For example:

Main Colors	Accent
Red + Green	Gold
White + Silver	Blue

This way, the plants fit right in with the rest of my holiday decor, but nothing feels over the top.

Caring for Houseplants During the Holidays

I tweak my routine a bit during the holidays, since my schedule gets hectic and the weather’s all over the place. Cold air and forgetting to water—those seem to be my biggest pitfalls.

Protecting Plants From Cold Drafts

Once the heat kicks in, I always double-check where my plants are sitting. That sunny window from summer? It can turn into a chilly draft zone in winter, and I’ve learned the hard way that even a little cold air can stress out leaves.

I move plants a few feet from drafty windows or busy doors. If I still want them close to natural light, I’ll hang up a sheer curtain—it blocks the chill, but the plants still get sunshine.

Drafts sneak in from vents and fireplaces too—go figure. I avoid putting plants right in front of heating vents because the hot air dries them out so fast. I’ll usually shift them somewhere with steadier air flow.

If I’m worried about cold floors, I’ll pop the plants up on a small stand or table. It seems to help keep temperatures more stable, and honestly, they just look better that way.

Adjusting Watering Routines

Plants slow down in cooler months, so they just don’t need as much water. If I stick to my summer routine, the soil stays damp forever, and that’s a recipe for root rot.

I poke my finger into the top inch of soil—if it’s dry, I water. If not, I wait. It’s not rocket science, but it works.

Pots with drainage holes are a must for me. Excess water drains out, and roots aren’t left swimming. For plants that like more humidity, I group them together or set a tray of water nearby rather than watering more.

Changing up my watering routine just a bit keeps everything happy. It’s a small thing, but it really matters during the holidays.

Frequently Asked Questions

I love keeping my houseplants festive by mixing in natural touches and a few holiday accents. Just a ribbon here, some lights there, and suddenly the whole place feels a lot more cheerful—plus, the plants stay healthy.

What are some creative ways to display potted plants during the holiday season?

I’ll wrap plant pots in burlap and tie them with red ribbon for that cozy, homey vibe. Sometimes I set succulents in holiday-themed terrariums to make them pop on the table or shelf.

Can you suggest any holiday-themed plant accessories?

Mini wreaths on big leafy plants are a favorite of mine—simple, but they look great. I’ll also scatter tiny ornaments or pinecones around the base for a festive touch that doesn’t overwhelm the plant.

How can I incorporate my houseplants into my holiday decor?

I use poinsettias with fairy lights as a dining table centerpiece. Tossing in cinnamon sticks and pinecones around the soil helps everything blend with the rest of my holiday setup.

What are the best plants to feature for a festive look?

Poinsettias are my classic go-to—nothing says “holiday” quite like them. But I also love evergreen plants, succulents, and ferns since they look great with just about any seasonal accent.

Are there any tips for keeping houseplants healthy amidst holiday lighting and decorations?

I make sure lights never touch the leaves—just in case. And I avoid blocking sunlight with big decorations so my plants can still soak up what they need.

How do I protect my plants from the cold while still using them in my holiday displays?

I try to keep my plants away from drafty windows and doors. If I really want them by a window—because, let’s be honest, that’s where they look best—I’ll wrap a layer of burlap or some cozy fabric around the pot.

That extra bit of insulation seems to help keep the roots warmer.

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