The Christmas season is near at hand and you find yourself lacking in funds? Not to worry. Read on for some suggestions on how to decorate beautifully on the tightest of budgets.

Christmas Tree

Real Christmas trees are beautiful to look at and smell good but they can be a fire hazard and a hassle, with the constant watering and the sap getting on everything. Not to mention the fact that the needles begin dropping only a few days after Christmas. Consider investing in an artificial tree. They come in different sizes (even different colors), look like the real thing, and most importantly, they last for years so in the long run you’re saving money.

Do It Yourself

Decorations can be pricey so why not make your own? It’s a great way to save money and keep Christmas expenses low. Here’s an idea- go out to your backyard and pick up fir boughs that have fallen from trees. Attach the boughs to a wire wreath or tie them end-to-end with florist wire to create a pine garland. The boughs also look lovely in a more simplistic kind of way- lay them on a mantle; use them as a centerpiece for a table or add them to a Christmas bouquet. Add small ornaments to jazz them up if you like. You’ve just created instant appeal to your home!

Another backyard suggestion is to collect acorns, nuts and pinecones and spray them silver or gold to make candleholders (on a round cardboard base). Very pretty!

While we’re on the topic of centerpieces, if you’re looking for a cash conscious yet attractive centerpiece for entertaining, try this- place small pine boughs down the center of the table and place a bowl of apples, oranges, plums or grapes (or a combination thereof) in the middle of your table. Place a few pinecones and small glass votives with tea candles amongst the boughs. After you light the candles the centerpiece will look amazing and will create quite a conversation piece among your guests.

Garland

Don’t throw away your broken garland. Use it to drape over doorways and/or windows. Add ornaments for an added touch.

Use broken and/or last year’s garlands to make stars or wreaths. Construct the shape you want from a wire hanger, and then twist garland around it. Decorate it or leave it as-is. It’s your choice.