Holiday Decorating on a Budget

A lot of extra money is wasted over the holiday season. Conveniences such as professional gift wrapping and novelty attachments can really add up. By creating your own holiday spending plan, you can organize your inventory of items for each person on your list. Also, it becomes easy to see how much you are actually spending versus the estimated cost. For more information visit: Decking the Halls: Decorating on a Budget


When Decorating For the Holidays:

1.  Decorate with holiday ribbon. The ribbon can be tied to curtains, banisters, windows, and placed on mantles with a few unlit candles.

2.  Bring the outdoors indoors. Don't be afraid to use pine cones and needles for decorations. The cones can also be painted or dipped in glitter for unique ornaments

3.  Want a unique table runner? Use an old holiday scarf instead!

4.  Wrap your doors in Christmas wrapping paper and attach large bows make from fabric or purchased at your local craft store.

5.  Use a holiday pop-up book as a centerpiece. Just open the book up to a desirable picture and place the open book in the center of your table.

6.  Trim door frames, window frames and the edges of mirrors with Christmas garland.

7.  For convincing "snow" on your tree, lay lengths of rolled cotton, available at drugstores, on the branches.

8.  Stuffing potpourri into bowls or baskets is another great idea to make a beautiful centerpiece.

9.  Tie cinnamon sticks with ribbons and hang them from the mantle, Christmas tree, etc.

10.  Make your own garlands with the help of popcorn, buttons, beads, cranberries, charms, candies, etc. Use these garlands for decorating the house.

11.  Consider inexpensive decorating strategies, such as children's artwork and crafts

12.  Inspect and inventory holiday decorations and only purchase items to enhance current decorations

13.  Check light strands for cracked or broken bulbs and replace bulbs. The bulbs are less expensive.


Staying organized with the things you have on hand will save you both time and money at Christmas.  Christmas Decorating Chart:  Document where Christmas Decorations are stored and the year they were added to your collection.