There’s something wonderfully theatrical about oversized candy décor on a front porch. This project turns humble dollar store plastic bowls into big peppermint-style ornaments that read from the sidewalk, and the payoff is far bigger than the effort. I love a project like this: inexpensive, repetitive in the most soothing way, and dramatic once you group several together.

If you want cheerful holiday porch décor without hauling home specialty supplies, this is a smart evening craft. The method is simple—glue two bowls together, paint the classic swirl, then wrap the disc in clear cellophane and tie the ends with ribbon—yet the finished candies look full-scale and polished, especially displayed as a set of three along a porch rail or tucked into a large planter.

Dollar store bowls, paint, cellophane, and ribbon laid out for making giant porch peppermint candies
Dollar store bowls, paint, cellophane, and ribbon laid out for making giant porch peppermint candies

Materials

6 white plastic bowls, 8 to 9 inches wide, lightweight and matching size
3 sheets clear cellophane, 30 x 30 inches each
3 lengths wide ribbon, 1 1/2 to 2 inches wide x 36 inches long each
8 oz plastic-compatible white spray paint or 4 oz white brush-on paint, only if bowls are not already solid white
4 oz plastic primer or adhesion-promoting primer
4 oz red acrylic paint for plastic or outdoor multi-surface paint
6 to 8 oz strong clear craft adhesive or hot glue sticks, for gluing bowl rims together
1 roll painter’s tape, 3/4 inch wide
1 foam brush, 2 inches wide
2 small paintbrushes, one medium flat and one small round
1 pair scissors
1 black fine-tip marker, optional for sketching swirl guides on the back
1 soft cloth or paper towels, for cleaning bowls
1 tbsp dish soap and warm water, for washing bowls before painting
1 clear outdoor sealer spray, 6 oz, optional but helpful on a covered porch

Instructions

1. Wash the bowls with dish soap and warm water, dry them fully, and wipe away any dust or sticker residue so the paint and glue will grip well.

2. Pair the bowls by size, then glue each pair rim to rim to make three round discs; press the rims together evenly and let them set until firm.

3. Prime the outside of each disc with a thin, even coat, covering both curved sides and the rim seam; let the primer dry completely according to the package directions.

4. If needed, paint the primed discs white so they have a clean candy base, then let them dry fully before adding any stripes.

5. Mark the center point on each side lightly, then sketch six curved peppermint swirls radiating outward so the red stripes spiral evenly around the disc.

6. Paint the swirl stripes red, keeping each stripe about 1 1/2 to 2 inches wide and tapering slightly toward the center for a classic peppermint look; add a second coat for bold color.

7. Repeat the red swirls on the opposite side, lining them up as closely as possible with the first side so the candy looks finished from every angle.

8. Spray or brush on a light clear sealer if you want extra scratch resistance, then allow the discs to dry completely before wrapping so the finish stays smooth.

9. Center one painted disc on a 30 x 30 inch sheet of clear cellophane, pull the cellophane up around it, and gather the excess at both sides like a wrapped hard candy.

10. Twist each side snugly but not so tight that the cellophane tears, then tie each twisted end with ribbon and trim the ribbon tails into neat angles or forked ends.

11. Make two more candies the same way, then fluff the cellophane gently and adjust the bows so all three look equally full and polished.

12. Display the finished candies on a covered front porch along a rail, inside a large planter, or leaned in a grouped arrangement where they’ll stay dry and out of strong wind.

Three giant porch peppermint candies made from plastic bowls displayed on a covered front porch
Three giant porch peppermint candies made from plastic bowls displayed on a covered front porch

Variations & Tips

Make a fuller display: A set of three looks best because the scale starts to feel intentional rather than scattered. I like varying the heights by propping one in a planter and leaning two along the rail.

Use the right paint: Paint on bare plastic scratches surprisingly easily, so don’t skip the primer or a paint specifically labeled for plastic. In my kitchen, I’m always preaching good prep for ingredients; craft surfaces are no different.

Try wider swirls for bigger bowls: If your bowls are closer to 10 inches wide, increase the stripe width slightly so the candy doesn’t look skimpy. Big porch décor needs bold contrast to read from a distance.

Choose cellophane with some body: Thicker gift-wrap cellophane holds the candy shape better and looks crisper outdoors. Thin party wrap can tear when you twist the ends.

Secure for windy spots: On a breezy porch, tuck a small loop of floral wire or clear fishing line behind the ribbon and anchor the candy to a rail or planter handle so it doesn’t roll away.

Change the color palette: Red and white is the classic peppermint look, but pink, white, and silver ribbons make a softer candy-shop version. You can also use green swirls for a mint-inspired porch set.

Keep them covered: These are best on a covered porch because cellophane can trap condensation and shred in bad weather. If your entry is exposed, display them only for parties or nice weekends and bring them inside afterward.