10 Great Holiday Decorating Ideas...On a Budget!

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 tealight 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 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!