20 Ways to Decorate for the Holidays on a Budget

Instead of spending money on store-bought decor, work with two things you probably already have on hand — holiday cards and wrapped gifts. Not only will this help cheer up a dull spot in your home, but it will also keep your mail pile from overflowing and your Christmas tree base from overcrowding. Here, a tree-shaped cardholder is stacked on a gift-filled bar cart, adding holiday cheer to an otherwise basic foyer.

Don’t throw away those seemingly useless scraps of gift wrap! Put them to work to give everyday items, like basic serving plates, a holiday makeover. Cut the leftover paper to size, and use it to line serveware. For a display that will last all season long, fill the festive dishes with holiday knickknacks or long-lasting snacks, like whole nuts or individually wrapped candies.

Whether they’re your kid’s old toys or your grandmother’s old decorations, inexpensive plastic figurines can become an elegant part of your holiday decor with a quick makeover. All you need is basic glue and German glass glitter to make these simple objects look high-end.

It doesn’t get much more affordable than this, friends. These shimmering ice lanterns only require water, plastic containers and a chill in the air. Make them as large or small as you’d like, and watch your front porch come to life without purchasing a thing.