Flocked Christmas Tree: 15 Snowy Looks You Can DIY for a Fraction of the Store Price

A flocked Christmas tree looks like it was carried in straight from a snowy forest, and that soft white frosting makes any room feel calm and cozy. The catch? Store-bought flocked trees can cost hundreds of dollars. The good news is that you can flock a plain tree yourself with a bag of powder and a spray bottle of water. Better Homes and Gardens even walks through two easy ways to flock a tree at home. Ready to make your own winter wonderland? Here are 15 snowy looks, plus the supplies and simple steps for each one..

The Classic Full Snow Flocked Christmas Tree

This is the look everyone pays big money for in stores, and you can make it in an afternoon. Start with a plain green artificial tree, the kind you may already have in the attic. Flocking powder mixed with a light mist of water turns into soft, fluffy snow that sticks right to the branches. Work one section at a time and build it up until the branches look heavy and white. Once it dries, it looks just like a pricey designer tree. Add clear glass ornaments, a few frosted pine cones and a wide cream ribbon, and you are done. Doesn’t it look like it snowed right in your living room?..

You will need: Plain artificial tree, flocking powder (like Sno-Flock), spray bottle of water, drop cloth, fine sieve.

How to make it: 1. Fluff the branches and set the tree on a drop cloth. 2. Mist a section with water, then shake powder over it through a sieve. 3. Repeat until the snow looks full. Let dry 24 hours.

Light Dusting: The Just-Snowed Look

Not ready to go full white? A light dusting is a softer choice that still feels magical. You only frost the tips of the branches, so the green still shows through. It looks like the tree has been standing outside after the first snow of the season. Canned snow spray is perfect for this look, since you can control exactly how much goes on. Hold the can about 12 inches away and use short, quick bursts. Less is more here, so step back often and check your work. This style pairs well with natural wood, plaid throws and warm lights. It is quick, cheap and very pretty. A light frost also hides a few bare spots.

You will need: Aerosol snow spray, drop cloth, gloves.

How to make it: 1. Set the tree on a drop cloth in a spot with good airflow. 2. Spray short bursts on the tips of the branches, working top to bottom. 3. Let it dry for a few hours before you add lights.

Flock a Thrift Store or Old Tree

Here is a secret: flocking hides a lot of flaws. That thin, tired tree from the thrift store or the back of your garage can look brand new with a coat of snow. The white powder fills in gaps and makes the branches look thicker than they really are. Thrift stores often sell old artificial trees for $10 to $20, so this is a huge money saver. Before you start, fluff every branch and tuck in a few extra floral picks where it looks bare. Then flock as usual. You would never guess this tree came secondhand. Why pay full price when a little powder does the trick? Fluffing alone makes a huge difference.

You will need: Thrifted or old artificial tree, flocking powder, spray bottle of water, extra pine floral picks.

How to make it: 1. Fluff the tree and wire extra picks into any bare spots. 2. Mist and flock one section at a time. 3. Add a second coat on thin areas.

Flocked Tree With Pink and Vintage Ornaments

Pink and white is such a sweet holiday combo, and it looks extra pretty on a snowy tree. Think of Grandma’s shiny glass ornaments in pink, mint and silver, all popping against soft white branches. Add a little tinsel and a few pink satin bows, and the whole tree looks like a vintage Christmas card. This look is perfect for a bedroom, a girls’ room or a dining room with a softer style. Check antique malls and thrift stores for real vintage ornaments, or buy new ones made to look old. The white flocking makes every color look brighter and more cheerful. Isn’t it charming? Pick one accent color so it stays sweet, not busy.

You will need: Flocked tree, vintage style glass ornaments, silver tinsel, pink satin ribbon.

How to make it: 1. Hang ornaments in small clusters. 2. Tie short pink ribbon bows onto a few branches. 3. Drape thin strands of tinsel last for sparkle.

Red Velvet Bows on a Flocked Christmas Tree

Red and white is the classic Christmas look, and it is one of the most saved ideas online. Deep red velvet bows stand out beautifully against the snowy white branches. Tie 20 to 30 small bows and tuck them all over the tree, then add a few red berry picks for extra color. A flocked Christmas tree with red bows feels cheerful, timeless and a little bit fancy. You can find red velvet ribbon at any dollar store, so this look costs very little. Want it even richer? Add a big red velvet bow at the top instead of a star. It is simple, festive and always a hit. Your family will smile every time they walk past.

You will need: Flocked tree, 2 rolls of red velvet ribbon, pipe cleaners or floral wire, red berry picks.

How to make it: 1. Cut ribbon into 18 inch pieces and tie simple bows. 2. Wrap a pipe cleaner around each bow and twist it onto a branch. 3. Tuck berry picks in between the bows.

Woodland Flocked Tree

Bring the forest inside with a woodland theme. A snowy tree is the perfect base for natural pieces like pine cones, birch slices, wood bead garland and little felt animals. It feels cozy and calm, like a cabin in the mountains. Kids love spotting the tiny foxes and owls, and adults love how warm the whole thing feels. Gather pine cones from your yard, rinse them, and let them dry before you use them. Felt mushrooms and animals are easy to find at craft stores, or you can make your own. Keep the colors natural: browns, creams, soft greens and a touch of red. Kids can help hang the felt animals, too.

You will need: Flocked tree, pine cones, wood bead garland, birch slice ornaments, felt animal ornaments.

How to make it: 1. Drape the wood bead garland in soft swags. 2. Wire pine cones deep in the branches. 3. Hang birch slices and felt animals.

Gold and White Glam Flocked Christmas Tree

If you love a little sparkle, this one is for you. Gold ornaments and champagne ribbon on a snowy white tree look elegant and very high end. It is the kind of tree you see in fancy hotel lobbies. The secret is sticking to just two or three shades: bright gold, soft champagne and maybe a little cream. Mix ornament sizes, with big ones deep inside and small ones on the tips. Add a few glittery gold picks for height. This flocked Christmas tree looks stunning next to white walls, mirrors and brass accents. Your guests will think you hired a decorator. Mirrors and brass will bounce the light around.

You will need: Flocked tree, gold ball ornaments in mixed sizes, champagne wired ribbon, gold glitter picks.

How to make it: 1. Loop champagne ribbon down the tree in loose cascades. 2. Hang large gold balls deep inside and small ones on the tips. 3. Tuck gold picks in at the top and sides.

Plaid Farmhouse Flocked Tree

Plaid and snow just go together. Red and black buffalo check ribbon looks crisp and bold against white branches, and galvanized metal stars add that farmhouse touch. A little burlap ties it all together. This look fits right in with shiplap walls, wood beams and cozy throws. It is relaxed and homey, not fussy at all. You can make loose ribbon loops instead of perfect ones, which makes it even easier. Pick up galvanized stars at the dollar store or a farm supply shop. Would this look great in your family room? Probably, since it goes with almost any style. Do not worry about making every loop perfect, either. Relaxed is the goal.

You will need: Flocked tree, buffalo check wired ribbon, galvanized metal stars, burlap ribbon, floral wire.

How to make it: 1. Make loose loops of plaid ribbon and wire them into the branches. 2. Add a few burlap loops in between. 3. Hang galvanized stars in the open spots.

A Flocked Christmas Tree for Small Spaces

Short on space? A slim pencil tree is the answer, and it looks adorable flocked. These narrow trees fit into apartment corners, small entryways and even beside the sofa. A light coat of canned snow is all you need, since the tree is so small. Keep the decorations simple: white lights, a few small ornaments and maybe one ribbon. A flocked Christmas tree in a slim size gives you all the snowy charm without taking over the room. Place it in a basket or a pretty pot for a finished look. It proves you do not need a big house to have a big holiday feeling. Use a warm white strand of lights to keep it cozy.

You will need: Slim pencil artificial tree, aerosol snow spray, small ornaments, a basket or pot.

How to make it: 1. Spray the tree outside in light bursts. 2. Let it dry for a few hours. 3. Add lights and a few small ornaments, then set it in a basket.

Flocked Mini Trees on the Kitchen Counter

Why stop at one tree? Small flocked trees in crocks and jars make your kitchen feel festive in minutes. Line up three or five in different heights on the counter, the open shelves or the windowsill. Trees from 12 to 24 inches work best. You can flock them yourself with the same powder you used on the big tree. Set them in stoneware crocks, enamel pots or wide glass jars for that cozy country look. They also make lovely hostess gifts. Imagine walking into the kitchen for your morning coffee and seeing a little snowy forest. Wouldn’t that put you in the holiday mood? Best of all, they take up almost no counter space.

You will need: 12 to 24 inch artificial mini trees, flocking powder, spray bottle of water, stoneware crocks or jars.

How to make it: 1. Mist each mini tree and shake on flocking powder. 2. Let them dry overnight. 3. Set each one in a crock.

Flocked Garland to Match the Tree

Once your tree is snowy, the rest of the house may look a little plain. Fix that with flocked garland. Take a basic green garland and give it the same treatment as your tree. Drape it along the stair railing, over a doorway or across a mantel. Now the whole home feels connected, like one big winter scene. Plain garland is cheap, and a bag of flocking powder covers a lot. Add a cream or red ribbon woven through, and tie bows at each end. It is such an easy way to make your holiday decor look planned and polished. You will be amazed how much it changes the room.

You will need: Plain artificial garland, flocking powder, spray bottle of water, ribbon, zip ties.

How to make it: 1. Fluff the garland on a drop cloth. 2. Mist and flock the top side, then let it dry. 3. Hang it with zip ties and weave ribbon through it.

Flocked Wreath for the Front Door

Your front door deserves some snow too. Grab a cheap wreath from the dollar store and give it a few coats of canned snow. In minutes, it goes from basic to beautiful. Add a big velvet bow at the bottom or the top, and maybe a few frosted pine cones. A snowy wreath welcomes guests and gives your porch that cozy winter feeling, even if you live somewhere warm. It also matches your flocked tree inside, so the whole home feels pulled together. Spray it outside and let it dry fully before you hang it. Simple, quick and so welcoming. Neighbors and guests will notice it right away, too. What a warm hello!

You will need: Dollar store wreath, aerosol snow spray, wide velvet ribbon, floral wire, pine cones.

How to make it: 1. Spray the wreath outside with light coats of snow. 2. Let it dry, then wire a few pine cones on. 3. Tie a big velvet bow and wire it to the bottom.

Blue and Silver Frosted Tree

For a true winter wonderland, try icy blue and silver. These cool colors look like frost and snow, and they shine on a white tree. Mercury glass ornaments add a soft, old fashioned sparkle. Mix light blue, silver and a little white, and use plenty of warm white lights so it still feels cozy. This look works well all winter long, so you can leave it up after the holidays. It also suits families who celebrate Hanukkah or just love a calm, cool palette. Pair it with gray or white walls, and the room will feel like a snowy morning. Add a faux fur throw and it feels even cozier.

You will need: Flocked tree, light blue and silver ornaments, mercury glass ornaments, warm white lights.

How to make it: 1. Wrap the lights deep in the branches first. 2. Hang larger blue and silver balls inside. 3. Add mercury glass pieces on the tips.

Mess-Free Flocked Christmas Tree Tips

Flocking can get messy, but a few smart tips make it easy. Do it outside or in the garage on a big tarp, never on your carpet. Wear gloves and a simple dust mask, since the powder is fine and floats in the air. Work on a calm, dry day, so the powder sets well. After flocking, let your tree dry for 24 to 48 hours before you bring it inside. It will shed a little at first, so keep a vacuum nearby. When the season ends, cover your flocked Christmas tree with a storage bag so it stays white for years. A little care goes a long way. Patience is the real secret to clean flocking.

You will need: Large tarp, gloves, dust mask, shop vacuum, tree storage bag.

How to make it: 1. Set up on a tarp outside or in the garage. 2. Flock, then let the tree dry 24 to 48 hours before moving it. 3. Store it in a tree bag after the holidays.

Flocked Christmas Tree on a Budget: The Cost Breakdown

So how much can you really save? A lot. A pre-lit flocked tree from a big store often costs $300 to $800. A plain artificial tree can be found for $40 to $100, or even less at a thrift store. Add one or two bags of flocking powder for about $20 to $40, and you are done. That means your flocked Christmas tree can cost under $150 total, and it looks just as good. Use the money you save on ornaments, ribbon or a fun night out. Isn’t it nice to know the pretty look does not have to come with a big price tag? Your flocked Christmas tree will look like a showroom piece.

You will need: Basic artificial tree, 1 to 2 bags of flocking powder, spray bottle of water, drop cloth.

How to make it: 1. Buy a basic tree on sale or secondhand. 2. Flock it at home using one or two bags of powder. 3. Spend the savings on ribbon and ornaments.