Dust off those wreaths, ornaments and the holiday candles from
last year’s Christmas storage box and add a lot of pizzazz with a
little cash
By Julie Englehart Special to South Valley Newspapers
Christmas and Hanukkah are just around the corner, and most of us are done decking our homes. Ornaments, garland, wreaths and menorahs that have been packed away in the garage or attic year after year are pulled out to adorn our trees, banisters, front doors and windows. Although these trimmings may have a familiar homey feel, some may be showing their age. Though tattered trim may leave us wanting to splurge on new decorations, after buying presents, food, holiday cards and more, who has extra cash to spend?
Fear not! There are ways to make your home feel festive without dipping into your savings account. It takes a little imagination and time, but before you know it, your home could look like a page out of a Martha Stewart magazine.
“Affordable does not have to mean cheap,” said Karen Ross, president of Montgomery’s Florist in Raleigh, North Carolina. “Don’t be afraid to be unique when using decorations.”
For example, Ross said, jazz up an old, green wreath by attaching some ornaments, then weaving patterned ribbon through the boughs. Inexpensive ribbon can be found at dollar stores, the grocery store or at craft stores such as Michael’s or Joann’s.
Ross said ribbon can also be used for other embellishments throughout the house. If you’re tired of tinsel and garland for the tree, go wild and use lime green ribbon instead to make the colors on your tree really “pop.” Think bows are only used to top presents? Ross suggests making your own ribbon bows and placing them on the tree.
Since the holidays are all about family being together, why not have the kids create some inexpensive holiday decorations? The National Confectioners Association has a wide range of ideas on how you can make yummy – yet thrifty – treats. For example, make a gingerbread family by using different size gingerbread cookie-cutters that are readily available at grocery, discount and craft stores. Once the cookies have cooled, the kids can use icing and candies for garnish. Then arrange the cookies on a plate from a thrift or dollar store to make a special centerpiece.
Sweet treats can be used to make tree ornaments as well. Place red and white peppermint candies in a circle on a piece of aluminum foil, making sure that the edges touch. Put them in a conventional oven at 350 degrees and bake for one to three minutes – just until they stick together. Cool the ornament, then tie a ribbon to the top and hang it on a tree.
More ideas come from nationally-known relationship expert and best-selling author April Masini.
“Fill a bowl – think clear glass, although any will do – with a single fruit or vegetable,” she said. “A bowl full of lemons or a bowl full of apples gives a monochromatic, festive look to your coffee table or dining room table.”
Masini also suggests taking clippings from your yard, such as pussy willows, fir tree branches or holly.
“These can be used in one place or draped along the mantel,” she said.
Have lots of candles from those home candle parties? Masini said this is the perfect time to take that stash of votive or other candles and place them around the mantel piece, kitchen table or window sills for a beautiful, warm and decorative boost.Â
If the house is looking good, it may as well smell good, too. Take advantage of cinnamon, cloves and allspice by making a pot of tea with these spices in them, and your home will smell delicious for hours on end.
Finally, craft stores carry dozens of craft books that will give you ideas on how to decorate, or look online at sites such as FamilyFun.com. Before you know it, you’ll have the best-decorated house on the block.
