With the rising cost of everything from coffee to clothing, you’re probably anticipating that holiday gifts and dinners will eat up a good chunk of your budget this December.
At the same time, you don’t necessarily want to forego the Christmas trees, holiday wreaths and other decorations that keep the winter nights merry, so follow these steps
Here are some tips to help you add some cheer to your home without breaking the bank.
1. Make a plan
If your goal is to maximize holiday cheer in your home for minimal cost, you’ll need a plan. Write down how much you can spend on the project and how much available time you have. Then look through your idea pictures and notes and deduce which projects are actually within reach.
Do research when you’re in the planning stage. Check out crafting websites and video tutorials to discern which ideas best fit your budget, time frame and skill level. If part of your goal is to build up your DIY skills, then be on the lookout for holiday craft workshops at local craft stores and nurseries. Check the schedules at your local library, park or recreation center for workshops, as they are good resources for low-cost workshops for adults, children and teens.
2. Take inventory of what you can reuse and what you can repurpose.
Don’t even think about shopping until you’ve taken an inventory of what you already have. After scrolling through TikTok and Instagram, it can be very tempting to go out and buy all new holiday decorations in line with this week’s Influencer trends. Resist the urge. Replacing your old decor with brand new items every year is terrible for both your wallet and the planet.
This inventory, though, isn’t just about reusing what’s still in perfect condition. See what can be easily repaired and fix items as needed. Then look through your home and find what can be adapted for holiday use. Do you have old jewelry that can be repurposed as ornaments? Maybe there are cinnamon sticks and popcorn in the cupboard, which you can use for garland. Or perhaps everything you need for a centerpiece is growing in your yard. Walk through your neighborhood, too. You might need some of those pinecones lying on the sidewalk.
3. Borrow what you can
Hosting this year’s family get-together? Don’t be shy to ask to borrow what you don’t already own. Especially if you’re the one cooking dinner, there’s nothing wrong with asking your sister to bring her serving trays or your cousin to provide the festive coffee set.
Borrowing tools and supplies can be the way to go when you’re crafting or setting up your decorations too. Before you run out to buy needle-nose pliers, see if any friends or neighbors can lend you a pair. Also, inquire about local programs with equipment available for loan or on-site use. Some libraries lend tools, which include hot glue guns, sewing machines and other equipment that can be used for crafting projects.
4. Go thrifting
For decorating on a budget, steer away from pricier vintage and antique shops and head straight to the thrift stores. Outposts like Goodwill typically have sections reserved for seasonal items, like Christmas decorations, that are stocked with items that are in very good, if not near-new, condition. Thrift stores tend to be a good place to find holiday-themed dishes, vases, cookie jars and other household items, as well as ornaments, but they can go quickly, so the earlier you visit your local thrift, the better. While you’re there, take a look throughout the store for other items that can be used in your holiday craft projects.
5. Head downtown
If you live or work anywhere near downtown Los Angeles, consider heading to the Fashion District and the adjacent Flower District and Piñata District. Along 9th Street, you’ll find loads of fabric vendors stocked with everything from cute Christmas prints to luxe, jewel-toned velvets. Be prepared to do some digging because the best deals are often found in scrap bins set up on the sidewalks. If you don’t sew, keep looking because there are vendors here who sell items like ready-made holiday tablecloths and cloth napkins at prices that beat big box retailers.
Keep walking down 9th St., which will turn into Olympic right around Towne Ave., and you’ll find the Piñata District. As the name implies, this is the spot to find piñatas, plus all the candy and toys you need to fill them. However, it’s also a great spot to find everything you need to build your own nativity scene. You’ll also find stockings, lights and other odds and ends.
In the Flower District, roughly around San Julian and Wall Street at 8th Street, you can find everything from potted poinsettia to silk flowers to all the fresh blooms and supplies you need to make your own centerpiece. You’ll also find plenty of florists with a wide variety of ready-made arrangements available at better prices than your local grocery store.
The one catch with visiting the Fashion, Flower and Piñata Districts is that there are a lot of places to explore and you should set aside at least a few hours, if not a full morning or afternoon, to shop here.
6. Hit up the local discount store
It’s always worth it to take a look inside your local discount store for any odds and ends you might need for the holidays. Daiso, for example, is a good resource for inexpensive gift-wrapping, and some of those supplies, like festive boxes, can be incorporated into tablescapes. The store also typically carries items like ball ornaments and tinsel, as well as fun pieces like small elf figures and Santa plushies.