Winter Decor: Using Green Plants on a Budget

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Welcome to the Blog today, Friends! I’m so thrilled you could join me as we dive into the wonderful world of incorporating green plants into your winter decor. There’s something so uplifting about having plants indoors, especially during the colder months when we can’t fling open the windows for fresh air. Not only do they add vibrant visual interest to vignettes, bookshelves, and tabletops, but they also work quietly to improve the air quality in our homes—a win-win for both aesthetics and health!

However, I know that the cost of plants and their containers can quickly add up, especially if you have your heart set on beautiful porcelain or glass vessels. So, how can we enjoy the lushness of indoor greenery without breaking the bank? The answer lies in a bit of savvy thrifting and sale hunting!

Take the plants in the picture above, for example—all five of them together cost just $7.50. These are all low-light, low-maintenance plants, perfect for thriving indoors with minimal fuss beyond regular watering. Every year, right after Christmas, Walmart puts its holiday plants on sale at 50% off, and that’s when I snagged this incredible deal. This particular arrangement came with a poinsettia in the center, surrounded by five lush green plants. For only $1.50 per plant, I couldn’t resist bringing them home, knowing they would be perfect for brightening up my space all winter long.

Next up was tackling the container dilemma. I headed to the store and quickly realized the prices were a bit steep—plastic pots started at $4.75, and porcelain ones ranged from $6.50 to $12.00 for a small to medium size. With five containers to buy, I wasn’t ready to spend $30 to $50 on pots alone! So, I decided to shop my home for some treasures I’d found at the thrift store. Although I had already used most of my outdoor pots last year, I got a little creative. I gathered a mix of containers, though none had drainage holes, so I came up with a clever solution. I remembered a collection of glass pebbles I had thrifted a few years ago. After thoroughly washing pots and pebbles I placed a layer of pebbles at the bottom of each container. Then, I added a layer of soil, broke up the plants, and carefully placed them in their new homes, topping them off with more potting soil.

I was really pleased with how the planted containers turned out, and now finding the perfect spot for each one was my top priority!

Placing the plants on the recently curated side board made a huge difference to the look and feel of the piece. The lush green of the plants made a nice counter-point to the white of the plates.

The first plant sits happily on the left-hand side of the hutch, framed by a set of beautiful white plates from Portugal with a charming raised rim. A delightful snowman, crafted by a potter friend, stands proudly nearby, his smile offering a warm approval of the plant’s new home. The second plant finds its spot in the middle of the hutch, right next to a special set of plates that depict the life cycle of the Canada Goose—one of my recent thrifting treasures. The Canadian moose still claims the center space for the winter, a steadfast and cozy presence.

On the upper shelf, a lovely Waterford crystal clock, discovered while thrifting and expertly fixed by my talented hubby, adds a touch of elegance. Nestled between two other plates, a hand-thrown pot in blues and browns sits perfectly, reflecting the colors of the Canadian Geese plates, creating a harmonious and warm display.

The next plant finds its place on raised blocks in the heart of a charming vignette in the front hallway. I arranged my white and white-and-black houses on a pure white runner, creating a soft, serene look. On either side, white pedestal candle holders hold pine cone candles, adding a touch of seasonal warmth. The crystal wreath, a keepsake from Christmas, continues to sparkle above the vignette, casting a gentle glow. The houses are nestled together like a cozy little village, with the plant taking center stage in the middle of the hunt board, drawing all eyes in its direction.

A bookshelf in the Great Room is a perfect spot for another small plant. This one is kept company by a beautiful Renaissance box settled on two vintage books. A colorful mouse shares the space. I love the plain gray pot and how it echoes the simplicity of winter.

The last plant rests on a white textured mat, quietly tucked behind a vignette with a newly thrifted pottery teapot and tray, adding a simple charm.

With five plants, five containers, and just $7.50, these little vignettes bring a touch of greenery to brighten up the space. In the depths of winter, they remind us that Spring isn’t too far away. It’s a small, hopeful nod to the rebirth that each new season brings. Thanks for joining me, friends!