1.Take Stock – Before deciding on what to buy, sort through any holiday decorations you have in storage (if any). Taking stock of your choices will allow you to make a more informed decision about new purchases.
2.Friends & Family – Check with close friends and/or family members to see if they have any items they want to get rid of or loan out.
3.Style File – Save images or clippings from magazines that you can use as inspiration. These can be a guideline or reference to help you understand what components you need to help achieve your desired look. Keeping within the same style will also make your decorations look more cohesive and stylish.
4.Concentrate Your Resources – If you have a very limited number of items for decoration, consider grouping them together in a single room to maximize their impact. Or spend your money to create a concentrated display. This will have more of a wow factor, than items scattered throughout many rooms.
5.Fresh Greenery – Homeowners have the advantage of yard ownership, making the collection of natural items for decorating a bit easier. Here are just a few things you might consider incorporating into a seasonal display: moss, sticks, evergreen clippings, Spanish moss, magnolia leaves, pine cones, holly leaves, red berries, and wild grape vines are just some of the items I’ve used in the past.
6.’Seasonalize’ Existing Items – Try to come up with ways to transform everyday items with simple accessories like red ribbon or wrapping paper.
7.Special Sales – Many stores have special Thanksgiving Sales. I always love to go to K-Mart on Thanksgiving Day to get some ornaments from the Martha Stewart Line.
8.Discount Stores – Shop now for the greatest selection of Christmas Décor. Stores like Marshalls, TJ Maxx, Homegoods, Tuesday Morning, and Big Lots have great seasonal items to fit almost any budget.
9.Online Resources – Consider using an online price comparison shopper like NexTag, which will show prices of different vendors for similar items. Also check out ebay where sellers offer new and used Christmas decorations.
10.Recycle Your Tree – A Christmas tree is often the most expensive item in your holiday decorating plan. Not just because of the tree itself, but the ornaments, lights and other accessories that make it beautiful. One option is to select a tree size that will work for the amount of ornaments you already own. Another good thought for consideration is to buy a small living tree. Small Norfolk Island Pine trees are great as Christmas trees and can be re-used for many years. Though the expense of an artificial tree may seem steep, the purchase of one can save you a substantial amount over time.
