Are you feeling it yet? That indescribable "Christmassy" feeling? No? We don't blame you. After a year like this, it's difficult to make the switch to those warm and carefree Yuletide vibes. But, maybe we can help.
Even the stubbornest of scrooges can't help but feel warm and fuzzy when surrounded by a generous spread of Christmas decorations. But while they're great, they can be expensive. To help you break out the baubles without breaking the bank, we've compiled a list of ways that you can get those Christmas vibes at a very reasonable price.
Read on to find out how!
Wrap your front door with ribbon
Let all those who enter know that your home is a Christmas zone by adorning your entrance with a seasonal red ribbon. All you need is a reel of ribbon! Just cross two lengths across the door, one smaller strip horizontally across and one larger piece to go from top to bottom. Use drawing pins to secure in place.
Create a bauble display
Christmas trees are so mainstream! Branch out from the traditional and create your own bauble display using a wooden twig or branch. Grab your baubles and attach them to the wood, then display in a vase or using an existing picture hook.
Make a wreath of foraged materials
Ready to raid your local green spaces? Strap on your Wellington boots, forage for holly, pine cones, herbs, sprigs, and twigs. Use them to create a wreath, garlands, or sprayed twigs - they all create a fantastic Christmas vibe at very little cost!
Suspend decorative stars
Paper is one thing that's never hard to come by, and the good news is that it can be a great material for creating decorations! Large paper stars are some of the best: look up some how to's online, then suspend them at windows and up high to spread festive cheer.
Make your own gift wrap
Create ultra-personalized wrapping paper and save money in the process with this clever technique. Slice a large potato in half and carefully score a motif. Cut away the potato around the scored section, creating a stamp. Dip this in paint and blot it onto a sheet of brown paper. Stamp several times on your paper to create a roll of charming and unique wrapping paper.
Up-cycle food tins
Think your empty cans belong in the bin? Think again! These pieces of rubbish can be given a new lease of life with an injection of Christmas cheer. Peel the labels off then give them a good clean. Then fill with water and pop them in the freezer. When they're frozen, draw a heart or star on paper and tape it to a can. Then, with a hammer and nail, pierce holes in the shape desired.
After thawing the tins, wash them out and add a handle using aluminum wire. Then light a tealight inside and enjoy the natural charm of these wonderful decorations.
Dry fruit to make decorations
Go mega traditional and say no to plastic baubles and the like, and yes to 100% natural. By drying out fruit like clementines, you can add a splash of warm color as well as seasonal fragrance to your Christmas ensemble. Make cuts around the outside from top to bottom, then thread string through the top to fashion a loop. Hang on your tree, wreaths, or garlands.
Countdown to Christmas
Tired of the same old chocolate advent calendar? Us too! Mix things up and get the personal touch with this lovely alternative advent calendar. To make it, buy 24 plain brown envelopes and emboss or print each with a number from 1 to 24.
Fill each envelope with a treat or clue to where a small present is hidden. Peg the envelopes to four short lengths of cord and fix them to your wall. Use a red ribbon for an added festive touch!
Say goodbye to the usual this year and embrace your own DIY, frugal options. These neat ideas are bursting with charm and character, allowing you to create Christmas cheer at a fraction of the cost.
Enjoy.
