7 Tips for Holiday Decorating on a Budget

The holidays are a fun, festive time of year, but let's face it: They can also put a substantial dent in your budget. Fortunately, when it comes to decorating, you don't have to forego festive decor to save some money. With a little creativity, you can deck your home out for the holidays while staying on a budget.

Our real estate agents suggest the following seven budget-friendly ways to decorate your home for the holidays:

1. Arrange a swap.  
   Plan a holiday swap with friends and family so you can trade some of your holiday decorations for ones that are new (to you). Get everyone together with some cookies and eggnog, and swap away! This is also a great opportunity to get some advice from the group about how you could use the decorations you swap for.
   
   
2. Make liberal use of ornaments.
   You probably have some shiny ornaments in colors like blue, green, red, silver, and gold. If not, or if you'd like to boost your supply, they're readily available for an inexpensive price. Once you have some ornaments, buy some live garland and attach the ornaments to it using floral wire for a nice wreath. You can also put the ornaments in glass bowls or jars to add some Christmas color to any room.
   
   
3. Wrap some extra boxes.
   Even if you don't have many presents to put under the tree, wrap some boxes and make them a little more special by adding bits like berries and greenery. Ribbons and small ornaments can also be used to spruce up your wrapped boxes. And if you have a mantle, wrap a few very small boxes in the same paper and ribbon to your display there.
   
   
4. Buy decor at thrift stores.
   You can often find ornaments, garland, and small decorative holiday items at thrift stores. Not only will they be priced well, but they'll probably include some vintage decor you won't find at other stores. If items need a little sprucing up, you can use spray paint or a glue gun to add a new color or to make repairs.
   
   
5. Repurpose what you already have.
   Display what you already have in a new way by repurposing or refurbishing your decor. You can, for example, use lanterns on your mantle or tuck string lights into a glass vase. And several cake stands stacked on top of one another can make a beautiful holiday centerpiece. Decorate them with beaded strands, dried fruit, and other miscellaneous baubles to create a festive one-of-a-kind look.
   
   
6. Bring out cozy throws and holiday pillows.
   Pretty throws and pillows in holiday colors such as gold, green, or red make your home more festive and practical. Choose ones in holiday colors or those with plaid designs or Christmas patterns, and snuggle up in comfort.
   
   
7. Use fallen tree boughs.
   Head to a local Christmas tree lot and ask if you can pick up some of the branches scattered on the ground. Place them along your mantle with stocking holders, lanterns, or other decor. You can also wire them together to create swag for your stairs and mailboxes. And when you're eating a holiday meal, decorate the table by creating mini trees from some of the branches. Simply put them in a tealight votive and dress them with mini baubles.

Contact us if you're interested in buying or selling a home in the Long Island area. Our agents know the area well and can help you get the best possible price if you're selling or assist you in finding your dream home if you're looking to buy.