Christmas decorating on a budget with household items | Tenant news

Christmas can feel expensive, but festive cheer doesn’t have to come with a hefty price tag.

A little creativity and some everyday household bits and pieces can transform your home into a cosy winter haven without breaking the bank.

Homemade garlands

Paper chains aren’t just for school classrooms - they’re a budget-friendly classic that still look great.

Never hang paper or plastic decorations from light fittings as they can catch fire.

Take old magazines, newspapers or scrap paper, cut into strips and loop them. They add colour and a cosy feel and making them can be a fun activity for the whole family.

If you want something a little more modern, try stringing together dried orange slices. Slice an orange thinly, bake on a very low heat until dry, and thread them onto string.

Old buttons, fabric scraps or even pasta shapes can also be turned into quirky garlands. It’s inexpensive, easy and kinder to the planet than buying plastic decorations.

Lighting tricks

Good lighting is half the magic of Christmas and household items can make your home feel warm and festive.

Clean jam jars make great lanterns when you place a tealight inside. Wrap the jars with ribbon or twine for extra sparkle. Battery operated ‘fake’ tealights are the safest option.

You can also reuse old glass bottles as glowing centrepieces. Pop in a set of cheap LED bottle lights or simply place them near an existing lamp so they catch the glow.

Mirrors are another handy tool. Place lights near them to double the shimmer without doubling the cost.

Nature-inspired decorations

Pinecones, twigs, holly (handle carefully) and evergreen sprigs can be arranged into simple centrepieces or popped in vases.

Most parks allow you to collect fallen plants, twigs and pinecones for personal use, but it’s always best to check the rules of your local park and ask permission if you’re unsure. Get in touch by visiting the park’s website, calling the council, or asking at the park office.

Give pinecones a light brush with white paint for a snowy effect or dab on a bit of glue and sprinkle salt for a frosty sparkle.

If you have leftover wrapping paper from last year, fold it into small origami stars or cut out snowflakes to hang in windows.

Old cardboard boxes can also be turned into rustic ornaments by cutting them into shapes and decorating with string, paint or paper. And there you have it – gorgeous Christmas decorations, using household items.

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