I love a project that takes something awkward to store and turns it into something that actually earns a place on the porch. If you have a few old hula hoops tucked in the garage, this is one of those easy builds that looks surprisingly grand once it’s dressed up, and it doesn’t take fancy tools or woodworking skills to pull off.
This is a wonderful weekend project for anyone who wants a big seasonal statement without wrestling a full tree frame or spending a fortune on outdoor décor. I’m always looking for decorating ideas that give a lot of impact for the effort, and this one does exactly that with simple supplies, plenty of fullness, and just enough finishing detail to make it look polished.
Materials
Instructions
1. Spray paint the pole if needed, then let it dry completely so the finished piece looks intentional instead of pieced together.
2. Set the pole upright in the center of the planter and fill around it with quick-set concrete, keeping the pole straight until the mix firms up according to the package directions.
3. Slide the largest hula hoop over the top of the pole and lower it to sit about 10 to 12 inches above the planter, then secure it tightly to the pole with 3 or 4 zip ties spaced around the center point.
4. Add the medium hula hoop 12 to 14 inches above the large one and zip tie it firmly in place, then repeat with the smallest hoop another 12 to 14 inches higher to create a tapered tree shape.
5. Tighten every zip tie fully and trim the tails so the frame is sturdy, neat, and ready to wrap.
6. Starting at the bottom hoop, wind the first garland around the hoop and upward around the pole, attaching it every few inches with small zip ties or floral wire so it begins to fill in the tree form.
7. Use the second garland to continue wrapping upward, tucking branches outward and downward as you go to hide the hoops and create dense, even coverage on all sides.
8. Step back and fluff the garland all over, pulling tips forward to cover any bare spots and adding short leftover pieces anywhere the frame still peeks through.
9. Wrap the string lights from top to bottom in an even spiral, tucking the wire deep into the garland so the bulbs show but the cords disappear.
10. Tie on the bow near the top or front center, then nestle ornament picks, berry stems, or pinecone sprays evenly through the greenery for color and fullness.
11. Cover the concrete at the top of the planter with pinecones, moss, mulch, or extra greenery so the base looks finished and blends with the tree.
12. Place the completed piece by the front door or on porch steps, plug in the lights, and make any final fluffing adjustments so the whole tree looks full, balanced, and bright from the curb.
Variations & Tips
For a fuller look: If your garland is on the thinner side, use a third 9-foot garland or weave in loose greenery picks. I always say fullness is what makes a porch piece look expensive.
For picky decorators: If your family doesn’t love bright holiday colors, keep it simple with just warm white lights, pinecones, and a burlap or velvet bow. It still feels festive without being too busy.
For extra height: Use a 7-foot pole and raise the smallest hoop a little higher, but keep the bottom hoop low and wide so the shape still feels generous and balanced.
For windy porches: Choose a very heavy pot and make sure the concrete fully cures before decorating. A few extra zip ties where the garland meets each hoop also help everything stay tidy in bad weather.
For different seasons: Swap the evergreen for fall leaf garland, spring faux eucalyptus, or summer greenery with florals. The frame itself is reusable, which is my favorite kind of project.
For easier storage: Cut the zip ties off the decorated frame after the season and store the hoops flat. Save the pole in the planter if you have space, and next year the rebuild goes much faster.
For a polished finish: Keep all tie ends trimmed, hide cords toward the back, and decorate in clusters instead of scattering picks one by one. Those little finishing touches are what make homemade décor look truly put together.