HOW TO DECORATE FOR CHRISTMAS ON A BUDGET
This year, Pinterest searches for 'handmade Christmas' have increased 100% and searches for ‘cheap Christmas decorating ideas’ have increased 125% compared to this time last year,' says Leanne O’Malley, who works for online retailer Studio. 'Fortunately, you don’t have to be an expert at arts and crafts to create charming Christmas decorations. For the amateur enthusiast, there are some super simple methods that are both low effort and low cost.' From foraging to Christmas craft ideas, keep scrolling for ideas on how you can create a stunning festive display while keeping a keen eye on the budget.
1. GO FORAGING FOR A FABULOUS FESTIVE LOOK
Foraging will be your best friend for a frugal Christmas centerpiece on any hallway or table this season. You can create a beautiful Christmas scene by using foliage in vases, on garlands and wreaths, or on your tablescape. Look out for pine cones you can put into bowls on the kitchen side or on a console, or holly berries you can add to your Christmas displays - try creating a holly berry garland like the pretty kitchen idea above
'Foliage can be a great way to elevate the festive mood and create a statement piece in your home,' says Jess Martin, Christmas decoration expert at Ginger Ray. 'Weave it into a wreath with pinecones and dried orange slices, or hang baubles and ornaments on it for a more minimalist look. 'Alternatively, place strands of foliage over your mantle or dinner tablescape, and intertwine it with fairy lights. 'Holly berries are a great way to make a colorful festive impact,' she continues. 'Build pops of red into your color scheme with berry-laden garlands and sprigs for tablescaping or even try arranging some seasonal branches in a vase to replace your usual florals. Red candy stripes, ribbons, and paper ornaments are great to tie the color in further and can be picked up in charity shops cheaply.'
Wayfair's Resident Style Advisor, Nadia McCowan Hill, adds: 'Weave foraged finds with your favorite Christmas decorations or everyday household items for a reinvented Scandi take on festive decorations. 'Start by placing the more significant pieces first; think of small faux or real pot fern plants on either side of the table to create a structure to work with. 'For central focus, place two large glass vases and scatter smaller plants in a line. You can go on to fill in the gaps with foraged moss, dried thistles, and small baubles. To add some freshness, spruce with a few flowers for a fruitful centerpiece.'
2. DECORATE TWIGS FOR A COOL SCANDI VIBE
Pick up some large statement twigs on your foraging trip for an easy Scandinavian Christmas decor idea with a high impact on aesthetics and a low impact on your purse.
3. CREATE A BRANCH CHANDELIER
If you really want to impress your guests without breaking the bank, install a homemade festive branch chandelier to instantly elevate your Christmas dining room decor.
4. PAINT YOUR OWN BAUBLES - AND DON'T FORGET THEY'RE NOT JUST FOR THE CHRISTMAS TREE
If you're about to splurge on a fancy new set of baubles, press pause because paint expert Annie Sloan says we could be making our own.
5. PLAY WITH PAPER
Paper decorations such as honeycomb balls, stars and pinwheels are a great way to add instant impact to the home without spending a fortune.
6. HANG A WREATH INSIDE
A wreath is a quintessential part of Christmas decorating, but it doesn't have to be confined to the front door.
7. GET CREATIVE WITH YOUR ADVENT CALENDAR
Make your own advent calendar and it can double up as a statement piece of Christmas decoration in the house, too.
8. DECORATE WITH 'PRESENTS' MADE FROM EMPTY BOXES
Don't throw that empty shoe box away - it's got the potential to become part of your Christmas decorations by adding some beautiful wrapping and ribbon.
9. HANDCRAFT CHRISTMAS STOCKINGS
Christmas stockings can add a magical festive touch to any room, whether hung above the fireplace or in a bedroom. But you don't have to splash out on store-bought Christmas stockings to create a visually pleasing finish.
10. DRESS WHAT YOU ALREADY HAVE
'There are lots of ways you can work with what you already so you don't have to spend a fortune on new decorations,' says Jane Rockett.
11. LIGHT UP
Nothing quite adds to the festive cheer like fairy lights and candles. You can use any lights you already have in the cupboard to give anything that Christmassy touch.
12. KEEP IT SIMPLE
You don't have to go mad with tinsel and Christmas decorations to create a magical ambiance at home. All it takes to create a beautiful festive feeling is some foraged greenery, some strategically placed fairy lights and candles for atmosphere, and perhaps some paper honeycombs strewn around the home, placed loosely on sideboards, hung from the ceiling or peppered across the floor.