The best way to decorate for Christmas on a budget? Don’t buy anything new! Growing up, many of us remember our parents pulling out the same decorations year after year. The tree always went in the same spot, the village always took over the same corner, and the only new additions were our school crafts proudly hung on the tree. While I admire their restraint, it’s also fun to shake things up.
This year, I challenged myself to rearrange my decor in fresh ways. Granted, our ongoing renovations made this a necessity—our usual living room setup wasn’t an option—but it was a creative exercise. I pulled out my (laughably small – that’s what she said) collection of Christmas decor, determined to work with what I had, despite the influence of social media urging me to start fresh.
Here’s how you can do the same.
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How to Use Your Existing Christmas Decorations
Step one: take inventory of what you have. Drag out those storage bins, empty them onto your kitchen counters, dining table, or any flat surface you can commandeer. Let the chaos reign for a moment—it’s worth it. Once everything is laid out, start by creating a mood board (you can check out my Pinterest guide here) to clarify your vision for the season.
Then, assess your collection:
- What pieces still spark joy and align with your current style?
- What feels outdated or doesn’t fit this year’s aesthetic? (For me, it was glitter-covered bottlebrush trees. Cute, but they left my toddler perpetually dusted with sparkles.)
- Are there sentimental items that you’ll keep regardless of trends?
For anything that doesn’t make the cut, consider selling, donating, or discarding it responsibly. Now, take a step back and identify gaps. Do you lack garland? Are your ornaments looking tired? This is your moment to shop intentionally, keeping your list specific to avoid impulse buys.
First things first: the paint. I decided to go all-in with color drenching. For those unfamiliar, that means painting the ceiling and walls the same color. I chose a rich, bold hue that screams creativity and energy. The result? A stunning, cohesive look that’s both dramatic and inviting. To balance things out, I used a creamy white paint for the trim, which adds just the right touch of elegance without stealing the show or being too stark of a contrast. The wall color needed to match my clothing style too, I wanted the backdrop of what I see in the mirror to compliment my skin tone and clothing color choices.
Easy, Budget-Friendly Christmas Decoration Ideas
If you find yourself needing to fill a few gaps, here are some affordable ways to spruce up your space without overspending:
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Velvet Ribbon
Velvet ribbon is the star of this year’s decor trends! Use it to tie simple bows on cabinet handles, artwork, or even picture frames to give your everyday decor a subtle holiday touch.
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Bottlebrush Trees
These mini trees are budget-friendly, versatile, and perfect for completing vignettes on shelves, mantels, or tables. Use them in groups of three for a balanced look.
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Candles
Festive candles instantly create ambiance. Try holiday-colored taper candles or a seasonal scented candle like pine or cinnamon to bring warmth and coziness to your space.
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Digital Art Prints
Swap out your usual framed art with a few holiday-themed prints. Download affordable digital art files, print them at home or through a service like Shutterfly (don’t forget to use Rakuten for a discount), and store them behind your usual artwork for easy reuse next year.
A few things I would do differently next time for the peel and stick flooring, is add a new subfloor layer. If I wasn’t on such a tight timeline to get back into my space for work, I would have liked to add this in. Because it’s such an old farmhouse, I can feel the very slight inconsistencies in the original flooring between planks.
Christmas Decorations For a Hallway
In our house, the hallway has become the surprise star of Christmas. With ongoing renovations limiting my usual decorating spaces, I leaned into creating a festive vibe here. Using velvet ribbon, bottlebrush trees, and seasonal candles, I brought Christmas cheer to an otherwise overlooked area. It’s proof that you don’t need a grand tree or elaborate setup to feel festive.
Embrace the Charm of What You Already Own
Decorating for Christmas doesn’t have to mean maxing out your credit card or embracing every new trend. By reassessing what you already have, you can create a holiday vibe that feels personal, cozy, and entirely you. Whether you’re working with a toddler underfoot, limited space, or simply a desire to shop less, this approach invites creativity and sustainability into your holiday traditions.
So, take a moment to rediscover the charm of what you already own. You might be surprised at the magic you can create with a little creativity and a fresh perspective. After all, Christmas isn’t about perfection—it’s about the warmth, joy, and memories we create in our homes.
What trendy items are you eyeing up this year? I’d love to know in the comments!
