Holiday Decorating Without Buying "New"

By Val Sharp, Author

Go outside

There are so many things you can do with what you find outdoors.

Cut greenery from any kind of evergreen tree or shrub. Put it all across your fireplace mantle, or on top of a buffet. Then insert candles and Christmas ornaments in amongst the greenery.
Cut tall twigs and put them in vases filled with cranberries or espresso coffee beans.
Bring in plants from outdoors and decorate the pots with ribbon.
Tie big branches of greenery together with a huge bow and hang from your front door or in the window of your back door. (easier than making a wreath).

Think of a theme

If you keep to one or two colors for a tablescape and keep the theme the same, you will have a cohesive display.

Decorate table tops or buffets using a theme such as stuffed animals/teddy bears, or crystal with blue ribbon, or lots of candles. (remember you can put greenery with anything).

Think of a theme for your tree. Pick one or two colors and decorate the whole tree with just those colors. Try to use fewer large pieces instead of numerous small pieces. It will give the tree a contemporary feel. Use ribbon from previous years, branches of berries, or string pieces of potpourri together with fishline.

Wrapping Gifts

Use old scarves or other pieces of fabric to wrap gifts and decorate with old jewellery. Great way to recycle and looks gorgeous.

The bottom line is to be creative. Think outside the box. Just keep the number of colors to a minimum and try to use large and fewer items as much as possible.

Wishing you a holiday season filled with love, laughter, and good times.