The Christmas season is near at hand and you find yourself lacking in funds? Not to worry. Read on for some suggestions on how to decorate beautifully on the tightest of budgets.

Christmas Tree

Real Christmas trees are beautiful to look at and smell good but they can be a fire hazard and a hassle, with the constant watering and the sap getting on everything. Not to mention the fact that the needles begin dropping only a few days after Christmas. Consider investing in an artificial tree. They come in different sizes (even different colors), look like the real thing, and most importantly, they last for years so in the long run you’re saving money.

Do It Yourself

Decorations can be pricey so why not make your own? It’s a great way to save money and keep Christmas expenses low. Here’s an idea- go out to your backyard and pick up fir boughs that have fallen from trees. Attach the boughs to a wire wreath or tie them end-to-end with florist wire to create a pine garland. The boughs also look lovely in a more simplistic kind of way- lay them on a mantle; use them as a centerpiece for a table or add them to a Christmas bouquet. Add small ornaments to jazz them up if you like. You’ve just created instant appeal to your home!

Another backyard suggestion is to collect acorns, nuts and pinecones and spray them silver or gold to make candleholders (on a round cardboard base). Very pretty!

While we’re on the topic of centerpieces, if you’re looking for a cash conscious yet attractive centerpiece for entertaining, try this- place small pine boughs down the center of the table and place a bowl of apples, oranges, plums or grapes (or a combination thereof) in the middle of your table. Place a few pinecones and small glass votives with tea candles amongst the boughs. After you light the candles the centerpiece will look amazing and will create quite a conversation piece among your guests.

Garland

Don’t throw away your broken garland. Use it to drape over doorways and/or windows. Add ornaments for an added touch.

Use broken and/or last year’s garlands to make stars or wreaths. Construct the shape you want from a wire hanger, and then twist garland around it. Decorate it or leave it as-is. It’s your choice.

Chains

Both paper chains as well as popcorn chains are still very popular and are inexpensive to make.

Paper chains: Make paper chains and stretch them down your hallway or down either side of your staircase. Or perhaps drape them around your front door, back door or bedroom door. Be creative, it’s the season for it! Use all one color or mix and match colors. Use regular paper or even better, construction paper (it’s sturdier).

Popcorn chains: Chains made out of popcorn are fun to make, especially for children. Consider adding a splash of color to them with cranberries. Popcorn/cranberry chains are eye catching, inexpensive, easy to make and are an activity that the whole family can participate in!

Creative Pursuits

Do you like to draw? Do your kids? If so then you’ve found another frugal way to decorate your home for Christmas. Bring out the artistic side of your nature by making your own pictures of brightly lit Christmas trees, Santa Claus, nativity scenes, wreaths, reindeer, sleighs, bells, snow scenes, stars, etc. Use plain paper, colored paper, fancy markers, colored pencils, and sparkles. Let your imagination be your guide!

If you’re not artistic in the least, you have other options. Cut out pictures from the newspaper and decorate your refrigerator, closets, windows and walls.

Kitchen Items

For your own snow scenes look no further than your kitchen cupboard. Grab your saltshaker and use it instead of glitter. It’s cheaper and looks just as good.

Do you have old jars you are about to throw out or recycle? Don’t. Turn them into Christmas candleholders instead. Place a tea light candle in your cleaned out mayonnaise jar (which you’ve cleaned with white vinegar to get the smell out of), tie a holiday ribbon around the neck of it and what do you know- you have a beautiful Christmas candle that is every bit as appealing as a store bought one. To increase the charm of your candle consider nestling it in nuts, or peppermints. Make a few candles and group them together for added effect. It’s Christmassy and eye catching at the same time!

Another “ribbon” idea is to tie green, red and gold ribbons on your lamps, chairs, bedposts, chandelier and just about anywhere they will attach to. Elegant and effortless is sometimes the way to go.

Another Idea

If making your own decorations is not your style, then plan a trip to your nearest thrift store, second-hand shop or dollar store. You can find lots of nice decorations at very affordable prices at any one of these places. Shop around and see what different kinds of decorations they each have to offer.

So now that you’re armed with some frugal ideas and money saving tips, go decorate your home beautiful this Christmas! And have a wonder-filled holiday season!