Buzz
Certain holiday decor items are worth investing in, like a durable tablecloth made from natural fibers for easy stain removal. However, others don’t require a hefty budget.
While it might make sense to splurge on elegant tableware for special occasions or durable outdoor lights that endure multiple seasons, artificial trees are a great option if you’re willing to pay a bit more for a fuller, more realistic look. But where can you cut costs after prioritizing these essentials? Here’s how I manage it.
Save money on Christmas tree ornaments
When it comes to Christmas tree decoration, there are essentially two approaches: some prefer a cohesive, polished look with matching ornaments that could grace a design magazine, while others favor a tree filled with sentimental, eclectic decorations collected over the years, including milestones like "baby's first" Christmas.
As someone who isn’t particularly sentimental or a parent, I lean toward the first option, though I admire those who meticulously preserve their memory-filled ornaments year after year. Personally, I opt for visually harmonious, color-coordinated decorations, but I’ve learned that expensive ornaments aren’t worth the investment.
When I first started decorating my own tree, I splurged on high-end gold ornaments, only to find they broke easily and lost their appeal over time. Now, I choose a new color theme each year and purchase affordable ornaments, like a 24-pack for around $15, which works perfectly.
Affordable essentials for your Christmas tree
Garland from the dollar store is a smart choice, as even pricier options tend to deteriorate over time. After scrutinizing a $129 garland, I’m convinced no one could distinguish it from a cheaper one in a lineup.
A fancy tree-topper is prone to damage in storage and is barely visible from the ground. Instead, go for two glittery stars priced at $6.25.
For variety beyond traditional ornaments, consider 36 snowflakes for $9.99. These can double as winter decor, extending their use into January and February.
Glittery sprigs and twigs, often marked up to $59 at high-end stores, are available for just $9.99 on Amazon. Since they’re fragile and not essential, there’s no need to overspend on them.
However, there’s one area where splurging makes sense...
When it comes to the tree, investing in a high-quality tree skirt is worth it. Whether you have a real tree shedding needles or a fake one with an unattractive base, a cheap felt skirt won’t lay flat or clean easily. A well-made fabric skirt drapes beautifully, folds neatly for storage, and doesn’t have to break the bank—especially if you snag one during post-Christmas sales.
Affordable home decor ideas
Saving money doesn’t mean sacrificing style. I prefer decorations that are simple to clean, set up, and take down. While plastic can look tacky, I aim to spend minimally without compromising on appearance, striking a balance between cost and quality.
Snowflake window clings (around $5 for 138 pieces) are perfect for adding holiday charm to windows, mirrors, and tiles throughout the house, eliminating the need for expensive room-specific decor.
If you’re a fan of the gnome trend popularized on Pinterest, opt for resin figurines instead of fabric ones—they’re more affordable and easier to maintain.
Target’s "$5 decor" section offers charming, vintage-inspired pieces like wooden light-up houses, which are typically pricier at specialty stores. These affordable finds can become cherished family traditions or add a touch of elegance to your decor.
Indoor wreaths don’t need to be pricey—save your budget for sturdy outdoor ones. Walmart sells a 20-inch artificial wreath for under $4, making it easy to replace each season without worrying about storage.
Plan your shopping strategically (and think outside the box)
The key to affordable decorating is starting early—ideally, a year in advance. As suggested by seasoned decorators on online forums, take advantage of post-holiday sales to snag high-quality items at discounted prices for the next season.
If waiting a full year isn’t an option, consider thrift stores. Avoid items like garland or wreaths that may deteriorate, and instead focus on building your collection of figurines, ornaments, and other durable trinkets.
Transform everyday items into festive decor
While saving money is important, I’m not a fan of storing holiday-specific decorations for 11 months. Instead, I recommend repurposing items you already own. By choosing versatile, year-round pieces and giving them a seasonal twist, you can create a festive atmosphere without overspending.
My apartment is adorned with LED strip lights, which cost around $14 for a 130-foot strip and can be controlled via a smartphone app. I typically keep them pink but switch to red or green during the holidays for a festive touch.
Puck lights, priced at $20 for a set of six, serve a similar purpose. I use them year-round and simply change their colors to match the holiday theme, eliminating the need for seasonal lighting purchases.
Consider using green or red refills for air fresheners, like the Bath & Body Works Wallflowers, currently $27 for five. These double as subtle holiday decor, replacing costly themed nightlights seamlessly.
For a quick festive upgrade, tie bows everywhere. A 50-yard spool of one-inch ribbon costs just $6.99 and can be used to decorate candles, storage boxes, tissue boxes, and more. This simple addition transforms everyday items into holiday-themed decor without taking up storage space.
There’s no need to splurge on specialty items, especially when there are other decorations you’d rather invest in without compromise.
