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e With Christmas right around the corner and a tight economy, “How do we do this?” is on the top of our minds. How many times have you put up the same decorations for years, you look at it and think…. “hmmmm, cute, but boring.” Or maybe you think it’s getting old, or you’re envious of how awesome those homes are decorated on the Christmas tree lane route. No matter what your position is on why you need a change in your decorating this year, I am here to tell you it’s not hopeless or the end. With a few tips and tricks, a few old things, and a few new, you can give your home a stylish new décor for the holidays that would wow any budget conscious household.

e If you’re going for a more elegant look for your tree this year and you’re wondering how those trees always look so elegant then try these tips. Use white lights it gives that classic simple elegance look, but use bright ones and plenty of them. Be careful not to go over the top with them though, were not shooting for doubling the electric bill. According to http://www.associatedcontent.com/, one of the best ways to make a tree look elegant is to “stick to colors such as red, gold, and white for your Christmas tree decorations. Use ornaments that consist of red bows, gold beads or ribbon.” Colors like deep reds and golds are very elegant.
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Try using a bow for a topper too. Places like Dollar General and Wal-mart have rolls of ribbon for a dollar. I know at Dollar General you can get metallic and Christmas themed sparkly wire ribbon for a dollar a roll. Buy 5 or 6 rolls and make a large bow with lots of loops, you can find examples and instructions at http://www.ehow.com/how_4601934_christmas-tree-bow-topper.html. If you choose a color like gold for the bow, then try something like taking clear bulbs, that you can buy cheap from any store that sells holiday decorations, and jazz them up. Take a twenty-cent bottle of Elmer’s glue and draw a snowflake on it. Dip it in white or gold glitter. Go around the top of the bulb also and the area where you put the hook with glue and dip that also. Try doing words that are important to you (peace, love, generosity). Just write them in cursive on the bulb and dip. You can take a two-dollar box of glass bulbs and turn them into elegant standouts for a few cents each. So something as simple as white lights, some clear ornaments and a sparkling metallic ribbon bow can turn your plain old family tree to pure elegance for twenty bucks.
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e If you would like more of a country theme to your tree then think about things like berries and pinecones. If you have a room that is more lodgey or woodsy feeling then try this idea for a cute tree with class and budget in mind. If you live near a country area or somewhere there is pinecones and berries then it’s almost free. For the top of the cone, you will need a hook. Take two hooks and twist the ends together so they intertwine. Then twist one the end so it curls. Hot glue that to the end of the pinecone. Some easy cheap ideas to alter the pinecones a little add glue and glitter, add a cheap homemade simple bow to the top of each pinecone, or even paint them. Let your imagination run wild. Now we have all seen those green bushes with red berries on them this time of year. Pick some with the green included on them. Then spray them with a spray can of polyurethane sealer, bunch a few together and tie with a bow, slide a hook to the back of the bow and poof, instant decoration, shhh for free, well almost.
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So no matter what your idea is for your home, no matter what your style is, and no matter what your budget is I know that we can find a solution that will wow you. Join in with me in discussing cheap easy ways to create a plethora of creative, interesting, and unique ideas to make your home the talk of the community. If you want more ideas for your home inside and out let me know, I’m here to help you through holiday decorating!

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Definitely, some clever and affordable ideas!

Thanks for sharing them.  I know, my Christmas tree is going to look a lot more elegant as a result. 

Honestly, I dread decorating the tree - every year, I go through the same process of trying to avoid it, coming up with excuse after excuse (I don't know why) and every year, I end up really enjoying it after I get started.  Maybe, with all these new and easy-to-do ideas you've provided me, I'll not only be able to trim the tree but trim a little time off my procrastinating and avoidance time.  :)

I love classy holiday decorations and so your elegant decoration ideas are right on target for me and so I appreciate your writing this.  Thank you.

This is great advice for someone starting out.  Its definitely a good idea to focus on a theme while choosing ornaments so you don't end up with boxes of things that don't go together (trust me).  One trick that has worked for me since my children were toddlers is having a small, inexpensive tree that they can use for all those masterpieces they make at school and all the charming Spongebob ornaments they collect.  This allows the kids to be kids while I get to maintain some elegance in the rest of the house.  I'm looking forward to more of your tips!