Create Chic Winter Front Porch Decor With An Easy Dollar Tree DIY That Looks High-End

When the air turns biting and cold, having a cozy, inviting front porch can be all the motivation you need to convince yourself to leave your warm car and head inside. From lights and garland to miniature evergreen trees and even little elves, there are all kinds of outdoor winter decorations, but finding chic decor can be quite expensive. If you are looking to save your money for budget-friendly DIY holiday gift ideas your friends and family will love, then a minimalist DIY winter tree is the perfect way to make your decor look high-end with nothing more than a stackable tree and some spray paint.

For the base of this project, you will need Dollar Tree's Christmas House Stackable Decor in the Christmas Tree shape. This item is 24 inches tall when assembled, and costs $7. There are also snowman and stacked gift box varieties that can be similarly transformed. You will also need some spray paint formulated for plastic. Choose a nice neutral tone, a color that matches your house's exterior, or a metallic option for a stylish result. For best results, you should also find some fine-grit sandpaper, primer, and a clear top coat. 

Primer for plastic costs about $6, but some formulations double as primer for under $7, such as the Krylon Fusion All-In-One Metallic Spray Paint. A clear topcoat can give you a matte or glossy finish and better protect your DIY project from the elements, and fine-grit sandpaper can be purchased for only a couple of dollars, so you can complete this project for under $25, even if you need to buy all new materials.

Once you have all of your supplies, start by thoroughly cleaning your plastic tree pieces with soap and warm water to remove any dust or dirt. Allow them to dry completely. Next, although it is not absolutely necessary, you can lightly sand the pieces using fine-grit sandpaper to create a rougher surface that's easier for the spray paint to adhere to. Use a dry cloth to wipe away any debris from sanding before applying a thin coat of your primer or spray paint with primer built in. Add thin coats of color until you achieve your desired coverage level, and be sure to allow the paint to dry between each coat; on plastic, this typically takes 30 minutes to one hour. Finish with a clear top coat and allow the paint to cure for up to 24 hours before assembling the pieces. 

You should have a stylish tree that looks far more expensive than it was, and you can replicate the process or combine it with other items snagged from the Dollar Tree for festive holiday decor on a budget, creating a complete look. If you want to upgrade the DIY even more, it is a good idea to add rocks, sand, or weights inside the base of the tree to prevent tipping. Adding string lights or other lights inside the stackable compartments can also give the trees a warm glow if the spray paint is not too opaque. This gorgeous decor should last all season, not just for the holidays, and it will complement any cozy winter holiday front door decorations.