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10 tips to decorate on a budget this Christmas

Deck the halls and get into the holiday spirit with these cheap hacks.

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Alexandra Hourigan

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Gabrielle Pastorek
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Want to turn your home into a magical winter wonderland this Christmas without blowing your entire holiday budget? Get the lovely look you want for a reasonable price with these game-changing hacks.

Top Tips for 2021

1. Save on lights with a pre-lit Christmas tree.

Your home wouldn’t be decorated for Christmas without a tree, would it? But these things can get pretty pricey, plus you have to buy strings and strings of lights — or do you? Snap up a pre-lit tree to take the hassle and the sky-high price tag out of setting up your home’s Christmas centerpiece.

Target is known for slashing prices on pre-lit trees as the holidays draw nearer, so scout out one you love while saving dough for Christmas gifts.

2. Buy ornaments in bulk — and go for small ones.

Ornaments are must-haves to adorn your Christmas tree. But purchasing a whole bunch can break the bank pretty quickly.

Rather than buying individual ornaments, try buying these in a bulk pack to save heaps. And petite ornaments look just as lovely on your tree, but are usually cheaper. Easily shop tons of adorable small ornaments on Amazon for under $10.

3. Try a Christmas tree skirt.

These pieces are cheap as chips and instantly make your house look more festive — plus, these things will last for years.

Browse through the handmade offerings on Etsy for a special touch, or snap up a pattern for $5 or less and make your own!

4. Know where to buy affordable lights.

Outdoor lights are some of the priciest pieces on the Christmas decoration list, but there are a few places you can buy them at a steal of a deal.

Try sites like , Amazon and Walmart to find some of the best prices on holiday lights this year.

5. Dress your table.

Are you the lucky host of this year’s Christmas gathering? Deck out your holiday table with adorable table settings and decorations without spending a fortune. Surprisingly, setting the perfect holiday table can be as simple and effective as a few festive placemats and an eye-catching centerpiece.

Look to Etsy for unique, handmade items, or see what discount sites like Wayfair and Overstock.com have to offer on sale.

6. Fill your own Advent calendar.

If you’re not into the cheaper cardboard advent calendars that come pre-filled with mediocre chocolate, go ahead and opt for a cuter wooden version and fill it with small treats yourself. This will help you manage the cost, and you can reuse it for next year!

Etsy has some adorable options for under $30.

7. Grab a Santa sign.

If you don’t put a Santa sign out, then how will the big man know where you are? But if you’re shopping at your local fall festival, these handmade pieces can be on the pricey side.

Instead of splurging on impulse buys, compare prices online first. Chances are, you’ll be able to snag a much better deal from sites like Etsy, Oriental Trading and Amazon.

8. You don’t need a pricey wreath.

Wreaths are the first Christmas decoration guests will see when they come to visit. They’re also one of the most overpriced pieces of holiday decor out there.

Luckily, you can find super-cheap wreath options that will still make your door look prettier than ever from stores like Walmart and Wayfair. Or, do one better and head to Michaels to stock up on supplies to make one yourself.

9. Personalize stockings on the cheap.

Christmas stockings hanging on the mantel are a key holiday decoration, but buying enough for each family member — pets included — can quickly add up.

Scoop up personalized stockings for the whole family from Shutterfly without breaking your holiday budget. Plan your purchase near Black Friday and Cyber Monday, and you could keep even more change in your pocket.

10. Try a non-traditional tree.

Small apartment? No spot for a tree? Just don’t feel like shelling out holiday bucks on a big ordeal?

Give a non-traditional Christmas tree a try. Pinterest is filled with loads of pretty ideas like this minimal tree idea and this rustic tree option. All you need is a few craft supplies and an imagination!

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