If you’re looking for that “big WOW!” in your home this Holiday season (and NOT on your credit card statement!), here are some simple ways to “frugal-ecorate” your home:
1) Say “cheers” to your glassware. Give your glassware 12 days of Christmas fame (or more) when you give them center stage. First, dust them off a bit (we know they’ve been sitting around just waiting for center stage!) to get them ready for their big debut. 
Then, find colorful objects that evoke the Holiday spirit and display them in your glassware, placing them around the house in unexpected locations, or all together on a table for a stunning table display. Pine cones (free!), candy canes, colorful ornaments (free!) and small votive candles (get a set of 10 for under $5, or a set of 12 battery-operated votives for around $10 for guaranteed fire-safety) will add a festive touch. Try them in wine glasses, jars, your finest crystal or hurricane lamps if you have them on hand. Tie a decorative ribbon around the outside and voila! You’ve made a centerpiece or accent sure to warm your guests’ hearts.
2) Tie one on! Festive-colored ribbon can go a long way during the Holidays. Tie a ribbon around throw pillows, mirrors, photos of your children (they ARE your favorite Holiday gifts after all, right?), vases, the staircase and more! For under $10, you can get 10 yards of Christmas ribbon at one website. Check your local fabric store for other deals closer to home!
3) Get scrappy with fabric. There’s “sew” many things you can do with fabric! But even if you can’t zig-zag a single whipstitch, there are things you can do with plain old fabric. 
Check online or with your local fabric stores to see if there are any Holiday-colored fabrics in the clearance section. Often times, these leftovers (called “remnants” in the sew biz industry!)are offered to shoppers at greatly reduced prices, making them really affordable for home use. For instance, some designer quality fabric can run $10-$15/yard or more. But if there’s only a yard or two left, some stores will offer it half price. With two yards of red, green, gold or silver fabric, you can make no-sew envelope covers for your throw pillows or no-sew napkins, or even a no-sew table runner. “Envelope-style” pillow covers are great ways to add a removable touch of Holiday magic that is washable and reusable year after year.
4) Frame it up. Got an extra photo frame laying around? Have the kids paint a Holiday scene and display it on your mantel or a side table during the holidays. 
Or have them make a collage using last year’s Christmas cards that fits the frame just perfectly! How about a simple red or green handprint? Or frame up the kid’s note to Santa? When you’re all done framing it up, don’t forget to add a touch of that Holiday ribbon (maybe use it as a gift for Grandma or Grandpa?).
5) Play with your cards. Use the free gift that comes to your house daily during the Holidays! Grab some twine or thin rope from your garage or basement (or local hardware store), punch a hole in the corner and string them up end to end. Hang from your fireplace mantel, down a staircase or on just about any wall. Low on Christmas ornaments? Nestle your favorite cards in your tree so you can be surrounded by the love of family and friends all Season long! Enjoy the simple things this year when you “frugal-ecorate” for the Holidays!
What are you doing to “frugal-ecorate” for the Holidays?
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How our members "frugal-ecorate"
Save the bottom branches that you cut off of your tree to decorate your mantel or table. Add a little Holiday ribbon and a few ornaments and you are all set! - Denise
