When the holiday season arrives, you may find yourself tremendously excited about decorating your living space yet your bank account might be a little thin. Here’s a few low-cost options that can brighten your home without clearing out your wallet!
1. Look in the Surrounding Area for Nature Items
The world around your apartment building may provide you with the perfect holiday decorations. Some people live in an area with trees and grass; if this is the case for you, you may want to take advantage of the fact. Walk around the yard surrounding your apartment building and look for leaves, pine cones and other debris. If you do not have anything around your home, go to a local park. You can take these items and paint them to look festive. You may also leave the items in a natural state and place them on tables or windows. This takes a little crafty talent, but gives a very earthy and authentic look if done properly. I have a special spot in my heart for these type of decorations as this is how my Grandma always decorated her house for the holidays.
2. Draw or Print a Tree
It is not always possible to buy a tree. Even fake trees may stretch a wallet to its fullest extent. Do you have a printer in your home? It may be possible to print your own holiday tree. Look around for notebooks that you do not use anymore. Once you locate at least one book, tear out pages and color them. If you cannot color the pages by hand, look for holiday tree patterns on the Internet and assemble the paper on the wall. These patterns are usually free, and you may find something that fits the mood and theme of your living space. Or you can find a big enough pine cone again and give it a DIY paintjob to look festive. I found this photo on pinterest, just click on it to follow it to see more designs.
(Editor’s Note: I’m still partial to the real deal, but then again I’ve always lived rurally and cut my own trees (one of the perks of having a dad that is a lumberjack). Getting dressed up in the red plaid and coming back with a few trees for our extended family was a valued tradition that I remember fondly).
3. Stick to Holiday Themed Colors
When all else fails, you may want to stick to a specific color theme. What colors usually have an association with the holiday season? Do certain colors evoke a happy or strong emotion? Think about this before you start to arrange your decor. Look around your apartment for items of a certain color. Once you do this, gather the items together and create something that will demand attention. You do not have to stick to a specific plan; if you decide to change the arrangement at a later date, this is acceptable. Ask friends or family members for help if you are not sure about the right steps to take.
4. Turn Bottles into Candle Holders
Many people associate candles with the holiday season. Candles add light and personality to a dark or otherwise bland room. You may allow guests to feel comfortable, and it does not cost a lot of money to purchase candles. You may use green, red, or gold candles that emphasize the theme. However, if this is not possible, you may use white candles. Once a few candles are inside of your home, place them in a used wine or beer bottle. You may also use general glass bottles.
Not everybody can afford the most expensive holiday decorations on the market. If this is the case for you, the information above may prove to be useful. Do not be afraid to experiment, and if you cannot develop any ideas of your own, always check out Pinterest!