When the holiday season arrives, the displays in the stores are so seductive we want to buy everything new to decorate our homes. Beautiful wreathes made of fragrant greens, lights twinkling in a multitude of colors, ornaments glittering each one more beautiful than the next… It is all so tempting but there are ways to make your home look spectacular without breaking the bank. Here are few simple strategies to try:
Take stock of what you already have - Before you run out and buy anything, get out all your decorations and see what you have. Chances are you have forgotten some of things you purchased last year when decorations were on sale. Assess your inventory and think about what you really need to buy to refresh your holiday look. Make a list if possible and take it with you. You may be able to update and freshen your decor with only a few simple additions.
Look outside and at the local nurseries - You may have plants with beautiful red berries or red flowers (Christmas Cactus), pines cones littering your front yard or even attractive grasses which can be used for decorations. One of our local plant stores had 1 gallon rosemary plants on sale for a dollar a piece. These plants could be grouped together in an inexpensive decorative pot for a cheap christmas decoration.
Have a theme – Choosing a theme will simplify your decisions. You won’t be tempted to buy things just because they are “cute” or “pretty.” If they don’t fit the theme, you don’t buy. This is a good strategy to follow with interior design also.
Check out local holiday bazaars - You can find unique decorations at holiday bazaars and craft fairs that are not too expensive.
Use kitchen items or food for decorations - A display of red and green apples or red and green pears on a festive plate for example makes a lovely holiday decoration. Gingerbread houses are so much fun to make (use a kit – so much easier) and can be displayed on your table. Cinnamon sticks bundled with a red ribbon – you get the idea.
Want more great ideas to save money on the holidays? See our post Cheap Christmas Gifts at Cheapskateliving.org
Consider having a swap decorations party with friends – find items that don’t fit your theme, decorative gifts you were given you didn’t want or even items you have a surplus of and have a swap party.
