10 Great Holiday Decorating Ideas On a Budget
by
Kathleen Wilson
1.First things first. Set a plan or a theme for your Christmas decorating. It
doesn't cost a thing to have a good plan, and when you are working with budget
ideas, this is what pulls your ideas together, and makes everything you do look
purposeful, and personal. Some theme ideas for Christmas? The rustic lodge Xmas,
a Toyland Xmas, countries around the world, Victorian, country, Santa, snowmen,
old fashioned, the list goes on and on!
2. Make garlands out of felt scraps. Cut Xmas shapes out of felt in miniature,
mini stockings, holly leaves, mittens, and string together with needle and floss
or strong fishing line to hang all over the house. Remember when you string each
shape, tie a knot on both sides of the shape to hold it in its place. You can
add more dimension to the shapes by cutting two of each, stuffing them lightly,
them sewing the two together. Glue would work also if you aren't a sewer. Saved
used dryer sheets are perfect for this kind of stuffing, or even tiny fabric
scraps that are too small for other uses.
3.Drop a tea light candle in your cleaned out glass mayonnaise jars, tie a
holiday ribbon around the neck, and you have a beautiful candle with Xmas charm.
You could nestle the candle in peppermints, nuts, or even sand if you wish. Try
grouping several together for a dramatic evening effect. These also make great
luminaries.
4. Start a Christmas collection. This can be a great tradition to initiate in
your home. My girls and I starting collecting Santas 3 years ago, and it's
something they look forward to, choosing our yearly Santa together. I know it
will be a fond memory for them, and I plan to let each child choose a Santa to
take with them when the day comes that they leave the nest and start their own
home. By the way, this doesn't have to be expensive, or even store bought. Try
sewing or crafting a new decoration each year together for even more memories!
Or check out your dollar store. They have some really cute ceramic holiday
decorations for a buck or two. Remember, it's the memories you're interested in
here, not a collectable based on monetary value.
5. If you are looking to do a Toyland theme for your Christmas decorating this
year, try searching out teddy bears and dolls at your local thrift stores. Wash
them in a pillowcase and put them in your dryer for at least 20 minutes, then
dress them up with ribbons and holiday fabrics. Group them under your tree, on
mantels, and on windowsills. Stack small squares of cardboard together and wrap
as a tiny present, then tuck them under a teddy's€™s arm, or wrap an empty box
and use it as teddy's seat by the front door.
6. Place a few inexpensive glass balls in a bowl and embellish with a few sprigs
of greenery or some leftover ribbon. If you don't have an extra bowl (it is the
holidays, after all!) try decoupaging a box with leftover Christmas wrap, or
cover with a little fabric and glue.
7. Take down your pictures and wrap them like a gift, then hang them back on the
wall for great holiday cheer! You don't have to do this all around the house,
how about just in the entry, or maybe the dining room?
8. Tie greens or ornaments to the chandelier with a little Christmas ribbon,
just make sure they don't hang low enough for any candles on the table to catch
them on fire.
9. Make your own gift tags out of leftover paper. Ok, this is not a new idea,
but try punching it up a bit. Add details by layering shapes over the base
paper, use paper punches and scalloped scrapbooking scissors to add style, use a
gold calligraphy pen to add names. Or use the scalloped scissors to make old
holiday cards into tags.
10. Sponge stars or other seasonal shapes on your window with paint! No, I'm not
nuts. Just add a teaspoon or so of liquid dish soap to acrylic craft paint, (I
like white or gold metallic) and after the holidays you should be able to wash
it off with window cleaner. Use a non- scratching dish scrubber if you come
across a stubborn spot.
There it is, the 10 best budget decorating ideas for Holiday decorating! Always
remember the most important reason we celebrate, and the reason we take the time
to make our homes warm and inviting¦ our loved ones! Have a wonderful holiday
season!
Kathleen Wilson is an author, national columnist, and editor of The Budget
Decorator. You can find more free ideas and projects, and sign up for her free
newsletter at
http://www.TheBudgetDecorator.com.