(ARA) – You may enjoy a rousing rendition of “Deck the Halls” when the carolers come a calling. But many time-starved hosts struggle to get the house decked out for the holidays while still having money left over for gifts.
Those boughs of holly aren’t as cheap as they used to be, but decorating your home for the holidays doesn’t need to break the bank. These five simple design tricks from the decorating experts at Country Door, an online and catalog retailer offering affordable, contemporary country decor for all seasons, can help you take your home from modest manger to holiday hotspot in no time.
1. Seasonal swap-outs
Minor, near-effortless seasonal decor changes can usher in a fresh new look for any room in minutes. “Look for items that are reversible, such as quilts or throws – they can do double duty in the bedroom as well as the living room,” suggests Ann Bush, president of Country Door. “Centerpieces and other tabletop tableaus are also easy to reinvent for the holidays and can make a big impact when you get creative with your arrangements. Items for display can be collected throughout the year.”
2. Get crafty
If you give gifts for the holidays, you likely have a box of wrapping paper and ribbon set aside for the occasion. Make that ribbon do double duty – create simple bows and sprinkle them in key locations in your living space. Ribbon also makes a wonderful Christmas tree garland and can be reused year after year. Smart shoppers know ribbon goes on sale the day after Christmas. Stock up and save big at the register and you won’t regret it when the next holiday season arrives.
3. Mother Nature meets Father Christmas
Many of us take for granted the natural beauty that surrounds us each and every day. Even if you live in a big city, you can still find inspiration – and decorations – nestled amongst the nature. Small stones and pinecones might seem common, but with a little imagination they make great holiday decor. Simply collect small items like stones or acorns and arrange them on a tabletop with artfully placed votive candles. Arrange pinecones around your display. Voila – instant centerpiece. Take your display to the next level by adding height and contrast. Elegant glassware, like monogrammed tumblers from Country Door, calls attention to your favorite treasures and gives the entire display more impact.
4. Seasonal tabletop swap
As the seasons and holidays change, so can your table setting. Anyone can create a breathtaking holiday table setting with their existing dinnerware by adding some festive touches. Use fresh greenery from your Christmas tree or borrow some from your trees outdoors. You can tie a few small stems together with a ribbon and put a bundle near each place setting. Arrange the sprays around a large bowl as a centerpiece and fill the bowl with fresh fruit and greenery. Oranges, apples, and pears are versatile accents; consider putting dried cloves in the oranges and mixing sticks of fresh cinnamon into your creation for a subtle holiday aroma. Add a few candle holders in the center of the table to complete the scene. For an extra special touch, consider changing the color of your dinnerware set to reflect the holidays. Rustic Red Rooster dinnerware from Country Door is an affordable swap out that doesn’t leave you with an extra set of plates you only use once a year.
5. What’s in your closet?
You probably have a junk drawer in your home, but that’s where you can find decorations in the rough. Assorted odds and ends can take on new life when covered with a quick coat of silver or gold metallic spray paint and arranged tastefully on the table. Look for household items you can repurpose for decorating and you’ll be surprised what inspires you. “Consider using stemmed glassware like dessert pedestals to create whimsical holiday tableaus,” suggests Bush. “Simply arranging a few pinecones or metallic Christmas ornaments under glass can make a big impact for very little money.”
At the end of the day, no home is holiday-ready without your welcoming smile. This is the most dazzling decor you can offer your guests when they walk through your door. With these budget-friendly design tips to inspire you, it’s easy to bring the holidays into your home and still have money left for gifts. After all, ’tis the season for giving and receiving.
