Holiday Decor on the Tightest Budget

Holidays & Special Occasions Christmas-Yule-hanukkah-Kwanzaa-Winter Solstice Holiday Decor on the Tightest Budget

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      Jane

      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 a budget, this is what pulls your ideas together, and makes everything you do look purposeful and personal. Here are some theme ideas for Christmas: The rustic lodge Christmas, a Toyland Christmas, countries around the world, Victorian, country, Santa, snowmen, old fashioned, and the list goes on and on!

      Make garland out of felt scraps. Cut Christmas shapes out of felt and string them together with needle and floss or strong fishing line to hang all over the house. When you string each shape, you should 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, and then sewing the two together. If you do not sew, glue would work as well. Used dryer sheets make the perfect stuffing for this craft.

      Or you can use tiny fabric scraps that are too small for other uses.

      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 Christmas 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.

      Start a Christmas collection. This can be a great tradition to initiate in your home. My girls and I started collecting Santas about three years ago, and they look forward to choosing our yearly Santa together.

      I know it will be a fond memory for them. I plan to let my children choose a Santa when they leave the nest to 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 that you’re interested in here, not a collectable based on monetary value.

      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.

      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.

      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. Try this just in the entry, or maybe the dining room.

      Tie greens or ornaments to the chandelier with a little Christmas ribbon. Make sure that they don’t hang close to any candles. You don’t want them to be a fire hazard.

      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.

      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).

      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, which is our loved ones!

      Have a wonderful holiday season!

      .

      Kathleen Wilson is the author of “Quick Decorating Ideas Under $20:The Budget Decorator’s Bible”

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Holidays & Special Occasions Christmas-Yule-hanukkah-Kwanzaa-Winter Solstice Holiday Decor on the Tightest Budget