Frugal Christmas Decorating Ideas

I was excited when I was asked to be a part of BlogHer's Getting Noticed This Holiday editorial series. I wasn't sure what I wanted to write about. Then, I realized that what gets me noticed are my outside-the-box Christmas touches,  ideas that require very little money, but make me smile, and inspire others.

 

 

I started reviewing some of my Christmas ideas, past and present. Here is a small selection that I hope will spark your imagination, and some holiday decorating of your own.

Do not run through life
so fast that you forget
not only where you have been,
but also where you are going.
from "Peace", author unknown

This is one of my favorite quotes.  I used it in a post at the beginning of the year, and as this year winds down, I've found myself reading it over and over again.  Peace is what we should have this season.  Some stressful situations can't be avoided, but Christmas decorating shouldn't be a source of stress.  Take time to enjoy the season.

Because I buy and sell for a living, my decor usually changes constantly.  Seriously, the only thing in my house that's sacred are my husband and kids. Things come and go. Using my imagination, I decorate with whatever I have on hand.

I created the vignette you see above recently.  A galvanized pot, filled with silver beads, and a plastic rose sprayed with silver paint add a festive touch, that is also simple and economical. The beads were from a garage sale.  I bought a huge bag full for $1.00.

In the background is the large glass vase I've used in multiple ways.  Right now, it holds white Christmas lights.

Last year, I used it in a different vignette.

The glass vase was from an estate sale. It was originally in a metal base.  Here, I placed it inside a stone base. There was a little space left over. So, I filled in the gap with jingle bells, and inserted a pillar candle. Three white frames, and a silver leaf frame provide the backdrop. To add a touch of color, I hung an ornament from the center frame. I considered it my wreath. I placed some jingles bells on my cherubs as well. 

One of my favorite, and very simple, ideas is a gift-wrapped footstool. I painted the legs silver, and criss-crossed green burlap over the top.

A sprig of greenery lightly touched with gesso.  That's right, I just brushed the gesso on.  It's like a kiss of snow.  If you don't have gesso, slightly watered down white paint will work as well.

I filled a pot I painted white with gauze, and inserted the evergreen. I kept it simple, but you could add ornaments, glitter, garland, etc.

Do you have clingers?  You can see I didn't pay much for these at the local thrift store.  They're used to decorate windows,

but I used them to decorate a hurricane,

and bottle.

Crystal knobs are one of my favorite things to decorate with.  They make a great base for mini trees.  Because I redesign furniture, I always have some around.

Last year, I added sprigs of pine.  Sitting on a sheet of gauze, they look like chunks of ice.

They were a part of this vignette I put together on top of a cabinet.  I don't have a mantel.  If you don't either, this is a good alternative.  White gauze, and various painted metal pieces made for a nice little winter wonderland.

This year, I placed bottle brush trees in the knobs.  The silver tray adds a little reflection.

Some of my silver beads are draped around my little tree.  Instead of a star, my tree has been crowned.

My Christmas decor is somewhat monochromatic this year.  Actually, is has been that way the last couple years.  After my sons grew up, I was able to narrow my color choices.  When they were young, I had to decorate with all the traditional Christmas colors, and feature every ornament they ever made.  EVER.   It was whimsical and fun, but I'm going for simplicity now.  I find simplicity peaceful.

I created this vignette last year.  Very serene.  It says Christmas, but it didn't require many elements. A vintage mirror reflects my tree.

I used one of my photos of this nativity to create a Christmas card.  It was very personal, and everyone loved it.

I could go on and on, but you get the idea.  Christmas decor doesn't have to be stressful.  Make it fun, and used your imagination. Think outside-the-box, and get noticed for your awesome creativity.



This post is part of BlogHer's Get Noticed For the Holidays editorial series, made possible by Cover Girl.