Holiday Decorating Ideas

This is my first Christmas as an official adult (let’s face it, college doesn’t count), so I don’t have much in the way of decorations yet. My entire holiday decoration collection consists of my Mom’s unwanted stuff and a few strands of burnt out Christmas lights. I certainly don’t have the money to buy a ton of new decorations, so I’ve been in search of inexpensive and easy ways to decorate for the holidays.

Here are some of my favorite finds so far:

• Recycle empty mayonnaise jars by using them as votives for tealight candles. You can surround the candle with nuts or peppermints, and wrap the jar with a ribbon for extra holiday appeal. See Rubyglen.com for more information.

• Use holiday wrapping paper around your home to add holiday flare. You can cover your front door, or just wrap empty boxes like gifts to “stage” around your house. Even a simple bow tied around a mirror or picture frame will create a seasonal feel in a room.

• Fill an empty glass bowl with some inexpensive holiday ornaments, pine cones, candies, or whatever you have around the house.

• Use luminaries to decorate the exterior of your home for a classy look. Simply buy white paper bags and tall candles. Fill the bags about ¼ of the way with sand, and a candle, and line your driveway or sidewalk with the bags. When they are all lit, the effect is extremely elegant!
  

If you want more tips for decorating on a budget, check out The Decorating Diva and Amazing Christmas Ideas.