How to Create a Wintry Front Door Basket

While the wreath is a classic decorating choice for a front door, it’s nice to mix it up. Here's an easy-to-craft wreath alternative that'll festive up your front door for the holidays.

Materials Needed

  • basket with a flat back (a trapper basket, woven backpack, wall pocket, bike basket, and market basket are all possibilities)
  • brown paper bags or newspaper
  • florist wire and wire cutters
  • mix of greenery (fresh or faux)
  • ribbon
  • scissors
  • decorative elements like ornaments, mittens or bells
  • large safety pin (optional)
  • removable door hook, nail or over-the-door wreath hanger

Stuff Basket With Filler

Stuff the bottom of basket with crumpled-up paper bags or newspaper. This filler will keep the greenery stems from shifting while also filling in excess empty space.

Attach Wire to Basket & Hang

Some baskets may have a hook or hanger built in. If not, create one by looping through a piece of florist’s wire (Image 1). Add an adhesive-backed door hook, a nail or an over-the-door hanger to the door, then hang the basket (Image 2).

Fill Basket With Mix of Greenery

While the basket is hanging on the door, tuck larger greenery branches into the paper bag filler. Add enough greenery so the basket looks full and branches drape over the edge. It’s best to do this step while the basket is hanging, so the door can be opened and closed to ensure the branches aren't interfering with the door's function. Tip: Whether you opt for fresh or faux greenery, use a mix of colors and textures to create visual interest.

Add Dried or Artificial Flowers

To add more texture and color, tuck dried or artificial flowers into the greenery. Dried hydrangeas are a wonderful pick but other options are dried seed pods or thistles, dried onion blossoms, large pinecones, etc. Go foraging in your backyard or a local park and pick what captures your attention. Try tucking your backyard finds into the greenery to see what works.

Add Berries

Add even more variety by tucking some fresh or artificial berries into the arrangement. Here, juniper berries add a touch of blue to this antique trapper basket.

Add Decorative Details

To add some softness and/or sparkle, hang a decorative element from the front of the basket. Knitted mittens can be attached with a large clothespin (Images 1 and 2). Ornaments or bells can be threaded onto ribbons (Images 3 and 4). Other options could be glittered pinecones hung from ribbons, a glittered chipboard monogram or a large bow.

Complete the Look

Add the same greenery and decorative elements to urns or pots on either side of the front door for a polished front porch display.

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