With the New Year comes the urge to refresh, declutter, and find a sense of peace after the hectic holiday season – but my enthusiasm for entertaining hasn't faded yet. In fact, I've had one of Joanna Gaines' DIY centerpiece ideas on my mind for days now, and I'm desperate to try it out at my dinner parties this month. The secret? Bright, colorful floral arrangements that bring spring joy to your winter table.
If anyone is green-fingered enough to encourage spring flowers to bloom in early winter, it's Joanna Gaines. This, at least, was my first impression of a video posted a few days before Christmas, which showcased a collection of arrangements featuring bright and cheerful poppies. It seems that these mild-weather flowers have arrived a few months early at the Gaines' farm, and they make an unexpectedly gorgeous winter centerpiece.
Joanna uses a variety of handsome vessels as a foundation, from Magnolia's vintage-inspired pedestal vases to rustic alternatives like a floral etched glass vase. Then, she fills each one with a glorious selection of poppies in shades of purple, pink and white. Pastel-hued seasonal florals might be a key table decor trend for 2026, but these uplifting centerpieces just proved that vibrant blooms can transform any table, at any time of year.
Perhaps it's thanks to such stunning Magnolia vases, or the stylish backdrop provided by Joanna Gaines' modern rustic kitchen, but these picture-perfect arrangements have well and truly won me over. I don't exactly associate the winter garden with a riot of color – when January rolls around, I usually stick to a more subdued palette – but Joanna has reminded me that flowers like these absolutely deserve a spot on my winter table. I might not be able to find poppies in my own backyard, but from now on, I'll be searching for ways to bring the magic of spring to my dining setup, even on chilly January nights.
Recreate Joanna Gaines' Poppy Centerpiece
Hot pink poppies feature heavily in Joanna's arrangements, but if you can't find any in your own garden at this time of year, I'd opt for faux stems like these. The vivid cerise shade is so joyful.
Barrel-shaped Weck jars (from Magnolia) are always a reliable choice for a floral arrangement, but if you're after a different kind of look, I'd invest in a glass vase like this one.
Bring some visual interest to your floral arrangements by contrasting brighter shades with soft neutrals like these faux white poppies. They're the key to creating a refined and balanced centerpiece.
Alongside her selection of poppies, Joanna incorporates a handful of more delicate stems into each arrangement to mix up the look. These white magnolia blooms are a wonderful finishing touch.
A showstopping centerpiece requires a showstopping vase, and Joanna uses vintage-inspired pieces like this one. I love that the textured stoneware gives a subtle nod to the scalloped decor trend.
Purple flowers really steal the spotlight when it comes to Joanna's arrangements, and I'd get the look using these gorgeous indigo stems. My winter tablescapes will be full of color in no time.
If you're looking for more centerpiece tips, try Joanna Gaines' Thanksgiving centerpiece hack. I use it to create all of my table arrangements, not just Thanksgiving – it reminds me to curate a look that's stylish without feeling too extravagant.
