One of the best ways to keep Christmas decorating costs down is to purchase or make items that can be used for more than one type of decoration or used in multiple places in the home. Items that are non-perishable or can be kept from year to year are also more cost effective over time than are use and dispose of items. Some tips and tricks for keeping Christmas decorating budgets low include:
1. Use live plants instead of cut flower arrangements. Live plants, with proper care, will last over the entire Christmas holiday and New Year's seasons whereas cut flowers will usually only last 5-10 days at the very most. Live plants such as Christmas cactus and amaryllis can be cared for over the year and used every year as a centerpeice or accent to Christmas decorating.
2. Plastic or cloth table coverings that can be washed and stored for another season are often more reasonable than the very expensive paper coverings and are more durable. For buffet tables a thin sheet of roll plastic can be used over the tablecloth to keep it clean and free from food stains.
3. Use themes. Themes for Christmas decorating are both fun and practical. If you have a theme for decorating you can continually watch for items throughout the year that you could add to your collection. Many items can be easily adapted for the Christmas season. For example if you collect miniatures they can be used in everyday displays for the year and then added to Christmas villages or other displays specific to the holiday season.
4. Use what you have. Large clear glass bowls and vases can be filled with garland, tinsel, Christmas balls or even pinecones and dried fruits and berries to make festive looking centerpeices for coffee tables or buffet tables. In addition rice can be used to give a layered effect to tall glass vases and containers. Dye uncooked white rice red, green, gold or any other color you wish. To do this sprinkle a few drops of food coloring over rice that has been placed in a bag. Shake vigorously and add any additional coloring needed. Place colored rice in a single layer on a cookie sheet and heat at 250 degrees until the rice is completely dry. Alternate layers of the colored rice with plain white uncooked rice in the jars. Use a collection of various sizes of jars as decorations on tables or shelves.
Look through the house and see what you have on hand. It is amazing how many items you probably already own that could be used to make simple and easy Christmas decorations. Even last year's Christmas cards can be cut out and glued onto a poster board and put into a cheap frame for a unique collage type presentation. If the frame is unfinished try gluing small beads or marbles to the surface to add that extra touch.
There are many websites, books and even TV shows that focus on using everyday items to make beautiful and inexpensive Christmas decorations. Keep an eye out for what others do in their homes and don't be afraid to ask how others make their Christmas decorations.
Another great idea is to keep a notebook of ideas for Christmas decorating. Just jot down a quick note or take a picture of what you want to remember so that when Christmas times comes around you can refer to your book for some easy and inexpensive Christmas decorating ideas.
Anything that you can do to lower your costs of Christmas decorating and Christmas gifts will leave you additional funds for splurging on some treats for yourself or perhaps additional help with food preparation or even catering the party. Once you decide on your expenses and costs it is easy to plan where you can add a bit extra and possible even trim the budget a bit as well. Again, advanced planning is the key to being able to bring it all together and keep your costs low.
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