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Yes, your home can feel magical without overspending!
You don’t need to buy into the “more is more” mentality and you don’t need a big budget to make your home feel warm, festive, and full of holiday cheer. With a little creativity (and maybe a few things you already own), you can transform your space into a cozy winter wonderland.
Here are some of my favorite simple and frugal holiday decor ideas.
Start with Nature
Start with nature and you can get the cutest, mostly FREE holiday decor! Some of the best (and most expensive looking) stuff comes straight from nature.
- Evergreen branches and pinecones: Gather a few from your yard or a nearby park, grab a glue gun and there are tons of ways to make adorable decor!
- Dried citrus garlands: Slice oranges or lemons, bake them at a low temp until dried, then string them with twine. The look is timeless, the smell is incredible and it’s a great way to make memories with older kids.
- Cinnamon sticks or twigs: Make ornaments for the tree, wreaths, table centerpieces and more.
- Bonus tip: grocery stores and tree lots often sell fresh greenery bundles for under $10. These are perfect for making wreaths, swags or table arrangements.
21 Adorable Pinecone Crafts for Christmas by CraftsyHacks
How to Make a Dried Orange Garland by Better Homes and Gardens
Cinnamon Stick Ornaments by All Free Sewing
Rustic Twig Ornaments by Happy Hooligans
Repurpose What you Already Have
Some of the most charming decor ideas don’t have to cost a thing.
- Repurpose a new tree skirt: A plaid scarf, chunky blanket or tablecloth adds instant texture and warmth. This is perfect if you want a new look without spending.
- Old ornaments: Have ornaments that no longer fit the tree? Fill a glass bowl or large jar for an easy and adorable centerpiece.
- Wall decor: Temporarily fill or wrap your picture frames with wrapping paper, sheet music or old Christmas cards to add holiday flair to all your decor!
Glass Jar Centerpiece by BonBon Rose Girls
Foam Board Wall Decor by Pens and Needles
DIY Tree Skirt From A Table Cloth by Mom Can Do Anything
DIY Ornament Garland by My Humble Home and Garden
DIY Your Favorite Designer Looks
Pull your favorite ideas from those gorgeous decor magazines and get creative on how to can find that look for less.
Salt Dough Ornaments by Miss Mustard Seed Interiors
Mini DIY Wreaths by Jennifer Maune
Discount Stores, Thrift Shops and FREE from Friends!
Shop smart, not expensive! Sometimes being frugal means knowing where to shop.
- Thrift stores: Vintage candlesticks, festive mugs, classic glassware and even old Christmas decor are treasures waiting to be found and put to work in your space!
- Dollar Tree: Discount stores are perfect for ribbons, filler, tablecloths and napkins and more that you can customize.
- Aldi, Trader Joes and Similar Stores: These scores often carry fresh greenery and poinsettias for a fraction of what the big box stores charge. Last year Aldi had poinsettias for just $3.99 each!
- Host a decor swap: This can be a fun party or even just a casual text chain. Host a decor swap! Gather your friends and show what’s not working for you anymore. Have everyone else do the same and swap stuff for new-to-you decor!
Candy Canes Garland by Sarah Scoop
Make an Impact, Not Clutter
The magic of Christmas is not in how much you use but in how it FEELS. Don’t feel the need to swap every space for Christmas.
- Choose 2-3 focal areas like your mantel, entryway or dining room table.
- Soft lighting: Use candles, simple strings of Christmas lights and even dimmer/warmer bulbs in your lamps can create an instant cozy feel.
Frugality doesn’t mean boring or behind the trends – it just means using things creatively. Look around your existing decor and home with fresh eyes!
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