Deck Your Halls with These Free and Inexpensive Ideas

by Ashley Eneriz · 4 comments

christmas ornament
There are so many things to love about Christmas. I especially love that you can transform your home into your own winter wonderland. However, walk into any home decor store or craft store and it is easy to spend hundreds of dollars on Christmas decorations that are only going to be on display for one month of the year (unless you are that one person who keeps decorations up until March).

While there are many gorgeous holiday pieces available, the truth is that you don’t have to spend a lot of money to get the look you want. Here are a few ideas for you this season.

Shop Your Home

Before you buy anything new, shop the items you already have. For example, if you have old picture frames or candlesticks, you can easily transform them into Christmas decorations with spray paint or ribbons. Old vases can become whimsical with glitter spray paint and a stretched out sweater can be transformed into a cute winter pillow. Also, don’t forget to save old jars and other containers, instead of throwing them away. With a little help from Pinterest and craft supplies, you can give them a whole new Christmas life.

Give The Thrift Store a Chance

This is the time of year that the thrift store puts out all of their Christmas stuff. I have found boxes of stringed lights for about $2, which is perfect for decorating a window. I’ve also found ornament sets and a small nativity scene there. In fact, I use a set of IKEA snowflakes and icicles on my tree each year and receive a lot of compliments and questions about them. They only cost me a few dollars for a big unopened box at the thrift store.

Give Dollar Stores a Chance Too

Normally Dollar Tree and the 99 Cents Only Stores is filled with cheap quality items. Sometimes they do have nice chargers, bows, candle holders, and other little decorations however. The 99 Cents Only Stores and Dollar Tree usually have nice glass containers that can be up cycled into cute Christmas decor too. Just Google “Dollar Tree/99 Cents Only Stores Christmas” for more ideas.

Don’t Forget The Simple

If you take a closer look at most holiday decorating spreads in magazines, you might notice that a lot of the elements are simple and cheap. Take a closer look at them. Do you notice a lot of pine cones, twigs, and leaf accents? Most of these things can be found free if you go for a walk outdoors. Collect pine cones and twigs and paint them white or with glitter for a wintry look. Another cheap idea is to string fake berries or popcorn to make a garland and drape it across windows or door frames. I also like the idea of making holiday signs with leftover wood planks and pieces. Check your hardware store’s free section for wood scraps.

Christmas season is a special time, but decorating your home for the occasion shouldn’t ruin your budget. Try these tips and look for coupons to your favorite stores to save the most money.

What is your best frugal holiday decorating tip?

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  • Wealth Kept Blog says:

    Going to a thrift store will always score you the best accessories and equipment for your home. You will always find something unique and beautiful.

    • David @ MoneyNing.com says:

      Thrift stores can definitely offer a treasure chest worth of home goods. And now is the time to go check the stores out for holiday decorations since this is when everybody is thinking about the holidays!

  • Jess says:

    Every year I just add a little to my collection so I never go crazy over board. And my kids love craft so I always decorate with their special hand made items!

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