Christmas Decorating: Fun, Festive, and Frugal

Description: Tips for decorating your home for the holidays on a limited budget.

The Christmas season is upon us, and retailers nationwide are hoping to offset the economic struggles they've experienced this year. You don't have to spend thousands of dollars on Christmas decorations, though, to decorate your home for the holidays. Create lifelong memories - and save a bundle - with these inexpensive and easy decorating ideas.

What do you like best about the Christmas season? Choose a winter theme, opt for a religious motif, or create Santa's workshop right in your own home. Select something that most appeals to you and your family, or choose a theme that works best for your home.

Don't have the money to invest in expensive custom Christmas cards this year? Create your own using computer software and recycled paper, or recycle the cards you received last year by cutting out pictures and pasting them onto recycled paper. If you enjoy crafting, use bits of card stock and ribbon to create your own unique designs. Of course, you can also send e-cards for free through the Internet.

Don't spend hundreds of dollars on wreaths and garlands to brighten up your home. If you are fortunate enough to have a pine tree, or know someone who does, negotiate for a few pine boughs and custom make your own. Add scrap ribbon or buy a few dollars' worth of plastic berries and flowers at the local craft store to spice it up.

Pine cones are another great source of holiday decorations. Use them in a wreath, or put them in a bowl adorned with fabric remnants, and use them as a centerpiece. Rub cinnamon or clove oil over the surface to add a pleasant fragrance that will last throughout the holiday season.

Do some window shopping, and check out upscale department stores to get decorating ideas. Or, surf the Internet to find holiday crafts that are attractive and easy to make. Then, browse through secondhand stores or discount stores for bargains buys that you can use to make these ideas a reality.

Are you short on tree ornaments? Make your own out of paper, card stock, yarn, or fabric. Years from now, you'll look at these ornaments and remember the fun you and your children had making these. Give yourself and your family the gift of memories that will last a lifetime!

Rather than spending lots of money on holiday candles or baskets, purchase plain candles, glass bowls or dishes, and baskets at a craft store. Use bits of fabric, as well as leftover lace or pieces of pearl, sequins, or beads to create elegant designs that will make your family and friends wonder how you can afford to spend so much money. (Whether or not you tell them your secret is up to you!)

Don't curtail your holiday fun or hospitality because you don't have extra money to spend on decorating this season. The extra time and attention you spend crafting these Christmas treasures won't go unnoticed, and it's sure to be appreciated. Entertain on a smaller budget - and enjoy the holidays without the guilt!

This article was provided courtesy of PebbleZ.com - the natural stone home décor store, and was written by artist and stone designer Joey Pebble.

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