Hmm...let's see: depending on your decor or likes and dislikes, how about a large wooden box with greenery and red berries in it, maybe a few vintage ornaments, etc. Another country idea is a galvanized tub or bucket.

More modern? a wire basket type container - either left as is or painted red or white.

If you have room, a child's old wooden sled with greenery and perhaps a red bow on it would look neat.

Good luck. Let us know what you decide on.

Next? LOL

Just thought of something else - how about a wicker clothes basket with greenery in it?

I would recommend you either "curb-shop" on the night before garbage pick-up or if that is not possible or productive just go to some thrift shops with an open mind and see what they have. Many thrift shops have lots of inexpensive baskets.

It seems when I am looking for a specific item it is nowhere to be found but when I just go "window-shopping" in TS's with nothing particular in mind I often find a treasure.

Rather than using a container you could tie the branches together with ribbon or strips of fabric cut to work as ribbon and make a bow or just let the ends hang down.

Oh, thank you so much for the ideas....and they were good, I absolutely should be able to find something from the suggestions. AND as for my tastes and decor.....Shabby Chic, romantic, country....country....oh I said country didn't
I?? :-) I am going out tomorrow looking...to hunt. Then I will let you know what I came up with. Never heard of curb-shop...what a great idea! This site is new to me, and now I can't get off of it!!!!! I am constantly checking!
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Maddya

Thank you for the good ideas. I am still unsure how to use the site.....catching on though....I posted a follow-up on the site that I asked the initial question saying thank you....
I'm going out tomorrow and "hunting". Very new to all of this so I need all the help I can get.....oh, I love shabby chic,country and romantic....and there are great pics on this site, and everyone seems so nice.
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Maddya

Every year for the last four or five I've put evergreens in my flower boxes. ALL the evergreens I use come from the curb. Seems there's always someone cutting down a pine tree for one reason or another.

As far as a container you can use almost anything....how about a pair of old boots, a a metal bucket painted a nice red, even a few of those large food can eatting places have could look cute if you rusted them out or painted them with a holiday scene.

I love using old paint cans (maybe not large enough though). Make sure the paint inside is dry or it is empty. Fill with water and freeze. You can tin punch a Christmas design on the outside with a large nail and hammer. Then let the ice thaw, and throw a bow around the top and fill with greenery. Oh, and you will want to spray paint the can after you punch the holes, so it is pretty!

I have a pair of child size-denim bib overalls. I've lined them with plastic that I poked a few drain holes into and stitched up the bottom legs. They look very cute when planted with flowers and hung on a fence post in the summer. Something like this might work for winter if you have a spot to hang something?

How about a cardboard box? Sprayed with a spray water proofer and glazed with color...I think gold would be great. And you could Gorilla Glue on cardborad cutouts.
It won't last more than the season....but that's enough isn't it?
Linda C

My husband buys a new "shower Scrubber" to use in the shower (the one made out of large net tulle)at least 1 per month. They are all different colors. I want to make inexpensive gifts out of them for a Kids Christmas shop next year. Any Ideas?????