Christmas decorations on a budget

Decorating the tree, hanging up the stockings and generally making things feel a bit festive helps you to really feel the fun of the Christmas season! But with pressure to spend more and more, decorating for Christmas can sometimes feel like more of a struggle than a joy - especially if you’re on a tighter-than-usual budget.

However, here’s a variety of ways you can transform your home without over-spending. From upcycling existing decorations to second-hand shopping, and even turning your hand to crafting, we’re here to show you that it’s more than possible to deck the halls without spending a fortune.

The importance of Christmas budgeting

December brings with it the buying of baubles, hanging of lights, and decorating the trees – with many people feeling the pressure to buy new decorations each year. Costs can quickly add up, not to mention the extra expenses associated with festive food and gift giving.

So, if you’re looking to build a budget, cut back on Christmas expenses, and save a few extra pounds, we’ve got you covered with a variety of ideas. Whether you’re hosting the whole family or having a smaller celebration, we’ll show you how to add a festive touch for a fraction of the price.

Low-budget Christmas decorations

First things first, let’s dive into a couple of ideas for getting your hands on new decorations without breaking the bank:

1. Head to your local charity shop

Shopping second hand is a fantastic way to save money, especially when it comes to Christmas decorations. Whether you’re after baubles, fairy lights, or festive throws, you’re bound to find what you’re looking for in charity shops during December.

With an eclectic mix of items on offer, you’ll be able to elevate the cosiness of your home with one-of-a-kind pieces. Many will be as good as new, but even if they’re a tad worn, this will only add to the homely, rustic look of things. Plus, with many decorations costing significantly less than high-street alternatives, you can stay within budget.

Not only is this option a sustainable one, there’s also the added benefit of supporting a fantastic cause – a great way to spread joy at Christmas time!

2. Get crafting

Next up, there’s the option of having some fun with Christmas crafting. Get as creative as you like with this, but here are a few options if you’re looking for a little guidance:

Cardboard gingerbread houses

It’s likely you’ll have a few cardboard boxes lying around at Christmas time – and if not, then pop down to your nearest supermarket and ask if you can use whatever they don’t need. Try to go when it’s not too busy, explain what you need the cardboard for, and most supermarkets will be happy to part with used cardboard boxes in whatever size you need.

Once you’ve got your cardboard, put it to use by making some ‘gingerbread’ house decorations! Simply open up the cardboard boxes, lay them flat (brown side up), then grab a pen or pencil and get drawing.

Sketch a mix of different houses (with thatched roofs, frosted windows, and of course festive wreaths) then cut them out ready to display as you wish. You could even try sourcing some twine or spare string, then attaching your houses to it with glue to make a garland. Or, if you prefer, glue a loop of twine onto the back of each house and hang them separately.

Regardless of how things turn out, you’ll be making some truly memorable decorations! You’ll also prove there’s really no need to spend a fortune when you’ve got a creative eye!

Simple paper chains

Next up, we’ve got perhaps the cheapest option of all – making a bunch of bright, bold paper chains. All you’ll need to do is gather your paper, scissors, glue, and anything else you’d like to add!

You could make your paper chains out of anything you have to hand – why not try:

• Magazine pages

• Newspaper

• Leftover wrapping paper

• Coloured paper

• Old Christmas cards

Start by cutting strips of paper, then glue these together, interlinking them as you go. Kids are bound to love this activity, so you’ll be able to make some treasured memories in the process. What’s more, paper chains help you achieve a vintage, lived-in look, providing you with truly unique Christmas decorations.

Citrus garland

If you’re eager to dive into crafts but more a fan of understated decorations, how about creating a festive citrus garland? For this, you’ll need a selection of fruits (oranges, lemons, and grapefruits are great), then source some twine and optional extras like cinnamon sticks or cranberries.

Look for discounted fruit or so-called ‘ugly’ or ‘wonky’ fruit that sells for a little less – once they’re sliced, you won’t be able to tell the difference!

Start by slicing your fruit into thin rounds, then bake these on a wire rack until they’ve dried out. Baking times vary by fruit thickness, but they typically only take around half an hour. Finally, allow your fruit to cool, then punch through small holes with a needle and twine.

You can sprinkle them with glitter, add some ribbons, or just leave them as they are. Then, all that’s left to do is hang them around your home. When the fruit is freshly dehydrated, the garland will smell wonderfully festive – it’s the oils in the peel that give the scent. As the oils dry up the scent will fade, but don’t worry, the garlands themselves will still look lovely.

No-spend Christmas decorations

While the above options make for some great decorations, why not have an extra-frugal Christmas this year and avoid spending anything?

3. Rely on your network

There’s no harm in asking around – perhaps on local Facebook groups or with family and friends – to see if anyone is getting rid of any decorations. People are often eager to do a pre-Christmas declutter, and you’ll find they’ll be more than happy to give some of their older decorations a new home. You could always bake them a batch of Christmas cookies in return as a thank you!

You could also try setting up a Christmas decoration swap shop with loved ones. Particularly great if you’re eager to give your home a Christmassy refresh without buying anything new. Get everyone to fill a box with any unwanted decorations and swap everything around with each other for a refreshed collection!

4. Take inspiration from nature

One of the best ways to decorate without spending is to head outside and collect gifts from nature. Whether it’s your garden or the local woods, you’ll be able to pick up pinecones, twigs, and holly – all of which are ideal for adding into festive garlands and wreaths.

If you notice any evergreen branches in your garden, why not snip a few off for an authentic centrepiece for your Christmas table? Lay them down, then weave fairy lights or berries for some truly impressive decorations.

Plus, if you don’t have the funds to fork out for a Christmas tree this year, green foliage makes a fantastic alternative. Just grab a vase and arrange your greenery, adding a final festive touch with battery-powered lights.

5. Upcycle existing items

It’s surprising how many everyday items can be transformed into festive decorations with just a little bit of thought. For instance, if you’re looking to revamp your Christmas tree, try tying any leftover pieces of ribbon to its branches. Jewel-toned ribbon looks particularly great, but absolutely any colour will do (perhaps gold, silver, red, or blue).

For an extra tied-up touch, why not make a bow garland to decorate your fireplace, or add some bows into your natural foliage centrepiece? Super simple yet effective, this might even be a new tradition you stick with for years to come.

Some final thoughts…

If you fancy adding some finishing touches when decorating for Christmas, here are a few final thoughts:

1. Candles: You certainly shouldn’t underestimate the impact of candles when creating a cosy, festive space. It only takes a few dotted around to elevate the homeliness significantly. Just be careful of any dangling Christmas ornaments, and don’t leave them unattended around little ones!

2. Free printables: Another low-cost idea is to use on festive printables, including garlands, paper baubles, and banners. There are various free templates online, so it’s definitely worth seeing if any catch your eye.

3. Hang your cards: Finally, try grabbing some ribbon and pegs to make a banner out of your Christmas cards – adding another homely touch to your Christmas decorations.

So, there we have it. These are our top tips on Christmas decorating on a budget. From natural table toppers to bold paper chains, it’s more than possible to deck the halls without the lolly.

And remember, while it can be easy to compare yourself to others at Christmas time, don’t let comparison be the thief of festive joy. Now, all that’s left to do is choose your favourite from the above ideas, put on the festive tunes, and get decorating!

Next, why not head over to the Moneyboat blog and dive into a few more insights? There you can read about effective monthly budgeting tips and simple ways to save money – both of which are bound to help as January approaches.