Bertha Heathcote
Wondering how to display a Christmas tree in a decorative container or vintage brass planter? Learn how to use quick-setting concrete and a wooden dowel to create a sturdy stand for your tree — without damaging your container.
When my mother-in-law gave me a gorgeous vintage brass planter she was no longer using, I knew immediately I had to put a Christmas tree in it. For this project, I started by looking at artificial trees on the Nearly Natural website.
Get our delicious recipes, latest posts and exclusive content delivered straight to your inbox. I chose the 6-foot Belgium Fir “Natural Look” Tree because it has a very traditional feel and realistic look.
The tree I chose is 38 inches in diameter, which works really well with my container. But if your container is raised, like an urn, or has feet, it could make your tree too tall for your space. I tried nestling rocks and pavers around the center pole of the tree. We poured quick-set concrete into a plastic bucket and mounted a dowel rod in the center. The hollow pole of the Nearly Natural tree slides right over wooden dowel. Once the concrete had set and hardened, we placed the concrete-filled bucket inside the planter.
Then, we cut the dowel rod so the bottom of the tree would skim the top of the planter. It’s so realistic and full, and I’m loving how it looks “naked” — undecorated except for the pretty ribbon woven through it.
