Reportedly, the average North American will spend over $200 per year on decorating for the holidays, and it’s hard to say if that seems high or low but all I know is that if you’re spending that every year it’s going to add up fast! Christmas decorating on a budget can be tricky but I’m going to share my best ways to save money on your seasonal decorating while staying in the holiday spirit!
First things first, the tree. A pre-cut fresh tree can range from $50 to $150+ versus artificial christmas trees you can find for $80 to $300+ and use for years and years to come. I advise buying an artificial tree that is pre-lit (no buying and detangling strings of lights either), if you can wait, the best time to purchase is immediately after the holidays as most places will mark their trees down quickly to make more space on their shelves!
Next up is themed decor! Typically when you choose a specific motif or pattern to match for your holiday decor the price can climb because you have less to choose from. My advice? Stick to a colour palette or broad theme to follow to widen your options. Some of my favourites are metallic (gold, silver, bronze accents), red and white (mix and match your items easily), greenery and cranberries (easy to sprinkle faux cranberry in fluffy greenery pieces), or the very modern trend and choose neutrals (natural textures like different wood pieces).
Accessories and small items are what really tie your holiday decor together and can also add up! Shopping for things like strings of beads, ornament balls, and faux greenery at your local dollar store, thrift stores or marketplace to keep your accessories on budget.
When in doubt? Craft it out! Doing DIY projects for your decor collection can be not only a great memory if you have littles, but also a time to get you in the holiday spirit. Doing crafts like hand painting ornaments, making your own wreaths/ outdoor displays, or painting old decor to give it new life will make a huge impact on your home’s holiday decorating.
I hope this helped inspire your own holiday home decor on a budget! Feel free to share your holiday decor and tag me @edithdacostarealtor