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 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!

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. Copyright 2004 K. Wilson