12 Cheap Christmas Decorating Ideas
Beautifully Decorated Homes for Christmas on a Budget? It’s possible! There are easy ways to decorate for Christmas without spending a lot of money. With parties, family gatherings, food, and fun to plan, you need to save where you can!
Looking to add a sprinkle of holiday magic to your home without breaking the bank?
Well, you’re in luck because I’ve got a sleigh full of budget-friendly Christmas decorating ideas that will make your home shine brighter than Rudolph’s nose on Christmas Eve.
Whether you’re a seasoned DIY enthusiast or just looking to add a touch of festive flair, these 12 ideas will have your home looking like a winter wonderland without emptying your wallet.
What Supplies Will You Need?
When it comes to creating a cozy and festive atmosphere during the holiday season, decking the halls with DIY Christmas decorations can be incredibly satisfying and easy on the wallet.
The best part?
Many of the supplies you’ll need for these charming projects are likely already hiding in your crafting corner or stashed away in your home.
To make your holiday crafting adventure a breeze, we’ve put together a basic list of essential supplies that will serve as the foundation for a jolly and budget-friendly Christmas decor spree.
Here’s a basic list:
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12 Cheap Christmas Decorating Ideas
1. Decorate your porch columns.
Decking out your porch columns for Christmas doesn’t have to break the bank. Get creative with what you already have lying around. Don’t toss that garland and tinsel unless they’re completely falling apart!
Instead, wrap them around your porch columns for an instant festive touch. Throw in some twinkling lights and hang a few ornaments for that extra sparkle. We’re loving this brilliant idea we found over at Front Porch Ideas!
And if you prefer a hassle-free option, you can always snag some pre-lit Christmas garland like the Home Accents Holiday 18 ft. Pre-Lit Kingston Indoor/Outdoor Garland available on Amazon. Easy peasy!
2. Dress up the porch with some wrapped boxes.
Don’t just toss those shipping boxes, give them a festive second life this holiday season!
Grab some cheerful Christmas wrapping paper, and voila – you’ve got yourself some unique porch decorations.
Just stack them up, wrap ’em in that jolly paper, and place them on your front porch for an instant dose of holiday spirit!
Now, here’s an extra cool tip – you can even stack them in a topiary-style if you’re feeling extra creative.
Just make sure to use water-proof wrapping paper if you’re in a spot that gets lots of winter rain or snow. This way, your porch décor will stay looking merry and bright all season long!
TIP: Can’t find water-proof wrapping paper? Use outdoor tablecloths, such as these Shiny Iridescence Plastic Tablecloths and these Red Christmas Holiday Box (3-pack) Durable Indoor/Outdoor.
3. Make Giant Paper Plate Lollipops for the Yard
Want to add some festive flair to your yard this Christmas? How about making some jumbo paper plate lollipops?
All you need are a few simple supplies like paper plates, a wooden dowel, cellophane, ribbon, scissors, paint, and a trusty glue gun.
The best part? Kids can get in on the fun too! It’s super easy and a fantastic way to get them involved in holiday decorating.
You can pop these lollipops in your yard for some instant holiday cheer, or why use them inside the house to bring some extra holiday cheer?
However you choose to show them off, you’re in for a creative and budget-friendly Christmas décor project that’s sure to be a hit!
4. Santa’s Belt Cups
Looking to add a touch of whimsy and holiday spirit to your Christmas table decorations?
Well, you’re in luck because Santa Belt Cups are not only incredibly easy to make but also a fantastic addition to your festive setup! All you need are some red Solo cups and a crafty Santa belt.
To create these charming cups, start by crafting the Santa belt using black ribbon or paper and a shiny gold buckle.
Once your Santa belts are ready, wrap them around the red Solo cups. The contrast of the bright red cups with the classic Santa belt design instantly adds a playful and Christmassy vibe to your table.
5. Paint Chip Garlands
Not only is this craft budget-friendly, but it’s also a creative way to infuse some festive cheer into your home decor. You can use these charming garlands to adorn your walls, doors, mantle, or windows, making your entire living space feel like a winter wonderland.
Here’s how it works: head to your local paint store or home improvement center and grab some paint chips in various shades of red, green, and gold.
Then, let your imagination run wild as you and your little ones cut out fun and festive shapes like ornaments, stockings, or snowflakes. You can even add a touch of glitter or paint to make them sparkle.
Once your paint chip ornaments are ready, string them together using some twine or ribbon, and voilà – you’ve got yourself a delightful and personalized Christmas garland that’s ready to deck the halls.
Plus, it’s a great way to spend quality time with your kids while creating treasured holiday decorations that will fill your home with warmth and joy.
6. Holiday-Inspired Photo Backdrops or Booths
Here’s a wonderfully easy way to make tons of cherished memories during the holiday season – without any fuss or fancy preparations! You don’t need to go all out for this one.
Just pick a spot, whether it’s a blank wall or a cozy corner in your home, and sprinkle it with holiday magic.
You can use all sorts of festive decorations to set the scene. If you need inspiration, Pinterest is chock-full of adorable ideas for crafting a holiday photo backdrop or booth that’ll have everyone smiling from ear to ear.
Next, invite your family and friends to join in on the fun and snap away! Capture those merry moments, silly poses, and genuine smiles.
It’s the simplest recipe for creating heartwarming holiday memories that you’ll treasure for years to come.
So, don’t overthink it – just grab your camera, strike a pose, and let the joy of the season shine through!
7. Paper Snowflakes
Gather your kids for a fun crafting session and make paper snowflakes! It’s a creative and easy activity that allows your little ones to express their artistic flair and get into the festive spirit.
Once your snowflakes are ready, here’s a fantastic idea to take it up a notch: hang them in rows in your window. It’s a simple yet stunning way to decorate your space and bring the enchantment of a winter wonderland indoors.
If you’re looking for inspiration, check out the ‘Bugs and Fishes Snowflake Curtain ‘ for a beautiful example of what you can achieve with this craft idea.
The best part? It’s a budget-friendly project that’s sure to add a touch of holiday magic to your home.
8. Hot Chocolate Bar
Want to make your Christmas or holiday party even cozier and more festive? Look no further than a Hot Chocolate Bar! It’s a wonderful addition that adds a touch of warmth and indulgence to your gathering.
The best part? There are endless possibilities for how you can decorate your Hot Chocolate Bar and the toppings you can offer.
From whipped cream and marshmallows to chocolate shavings and candy canes, the choices are as varied as the smiles it’ll bring to your guests’ faces.
If you’ve never set up a Hot Chocolate Bar before, no worries! Check out Little Spice Jar for the best tips and guidance on how to set one up.
With a little creativity and a whole lot of deliciousness, your Hot Chocolate Bar is bound to become the highlight of your holiday party, creating sweet memories that everyone will cherish.
9. Glass Jars of Christmas Candy
You know what’s a fantastic idea for Christmas decorating on a budget? Setting up glass jars filled with Christmas candy all around your house.
It’s simple, it’s affordable, and it brings back this wonderful memory I have of my grandmother. She used to put out jars of Christmas candy during the holiday season, and it always made the house feel so warm and inviting.
Now, our personal favorite is filling those glass jars with round peppermint candy, but there are tons of other great options too.
You can go with candy canes, round spearmint candy, or even those assorted Christmas candies that come in tins this time of year. They not only look festive but also taste fantastic.
So, not only does it make your home look and feel more Christmassy, but it also brings a little piece of holiday nostalgia into your decor.
And of course, it’s a tasty treat for everyone to enjoy throughout the season. It’s like sharing a sweet tradition with your loved ones, just like my grandmother used to do.
10. Christmas Tree Charcuterie Boards
Creating Christmas Tree Charcuterie Boards is a fun and festive way to add a delicious and decorative touch to your holiday gatherings.
To create these edible Christmas trees, start with a large wooden board or platter as your base. Arrange an assortment of cheeses, cured meats, crackers, and fresh fruits and veggies in the shape of a Christmas tree.
Use rosemary sprigs or thyme branches to create the tree’s branches, and you can even add cherry tomatoes or olives as ornaments.
The best part is that you can customize your charcuterie board with your favorite nibbles, making it as unique as your holiday traditions.
It’s a fantastic conversation starter and a delightful way to please the palate and the eye. So, get creative, put together your Christmas Tree Charcuterie Board, and watch it become the star of your festive feasting!
11. Bowls of Pine Cones
Gather plenty of pine cones during your autumn nature walks and give them a holiday makeover! All you need is some spray paint in classic Christmas colors like silver, red, and green.
Once you’ve collected your pine cones, set up a crafting station outdoors or in a well-ventilated area. Lay down some newspaper to protect your surfaces, then spray those pine cones with the holiday hues of your choice. Silver, red, and green create a timeless and festive palette.
After they dry, you can arrange these colorful pine cones in bowls or baskets around your home. They make for a simple yet charming Christmas decoration that adds a touch of nature’s beauty to your holiday setting.
Place them on trays on your mantle or coffee tables. The dollar stores usually have some inexpensive trays that would work well for this.
12. Reindeer Cupcakes
Want to make your Christmas celebrations even sweeter and more memorable? Let the kids join in the fun by setting up a Reindeer Cupcakes decorating table!
It’s a delightful activity that allows young ones to express their creativity and satisfy their sweet tooth.
Start by baking the cupcakes ahead of time and giving them a good slather of chocolate icing as the perfect canvas.
Then, gather all the decorating essentials: pretzels for antlers, vanilla wafers for reindeer faces, red and white M&M’s for noses and eyes.
Place these goodies on a festive table where the kids can work their decorating magic. It’s a hands-on, imaginative project that not only keeps them engaged but also results in adorable and tasty reindeer cupcakes.
Once they’re done, give these reindeer cupcakes a special spot on your Christmas table for everyone to admire.
It’s a sweet way to showcase their creativity and make your holiday gathering even more delightful. So, roll up your sleeves, grab the decorating supplies, and let the reindeer cupcake decorating fun begin!
13. Sweater Trees
Don’t just let your ugly sweaters go to waste, grab some Styrofoam Christmas tree forms and a handful of floral picks or pins and make some Sweater Trees!
Here’s how it works: First, wrap your sweater around the Styrofoam Christmas tree form, securing it in place with the floral picks or pins. The sweater’s cozy texture adds an extra layer of charm to your holiday decorations.
You can use these sweater-covered Christmas tree forms as tabletop centerpieces, mantle displays, or even a fun addition to your holiday vignettes.
It’s a creative way to repurpose your sweaters while adding a touch of handmade and heartfelt warmth to your Christmas decor.
14. Vases with Christmas Ornaments
One of my all-time favorite budget-friendly ways to deck the halls for Christmas is to get creative with what’s already in your home.
How? By using glass vases and filling them with Christmas ornaments! It’s a clever way to expand on the color scheme of your tree and put all those extra ornaments you snagged on sale last year to good use.
Simply select some clear glass vases of varying shapes and sizes, and then pop in a mix of ornaments in complementary colors.
Arrange them on your mantle, tabletops, or anywhere that needs a dose of festive cheer. The result? Instant holiday magic that not only looks stunning but also lets you showcase your personal style.
It’s an eco-friendly and budget-conscious approach to Christmas decorating that proves you can transform your home into a winter wonderland without breaking the bank.
So, grab those glass vases and ornaments and let your creativity shine this holiday season!
15. Frosty Pinecones
Frosty pinecones with a touch of glitter are a delightful addition to your Christmas tree. They’re incredibly easy to make and add a touch of wintry magic to your holiday decor.
After crafting these charming ornaments, you can use them to decorate your Christmas tree or even create a festive pinecone garland to adorn your mantle or staircase.
The best part?
Once the holiday season is over, you can repurpose these frosty pinecones by adding them to your winter-themed decorations, wreaths, or table centerpieces, extending their charm throughout the colder months.”
Which Ones Are Your Favorite?
It’s wonderful to have a variety of cute and budget-friendly Christmas decoration ideas that everyone can enjoy.
Getting the kids involved adds an extra layer of holiday joy, and using items you already have is a win-win.
As for my favorite, it’s hard to choose—they’re all fantastic in their own way! Each idea brings its unique charm to the holiday season.
So, I’d encourage you to try a few or even all of them to create a memorable and festive atmosphere in your home.
Feel free to leave a comment and let us know which ones you decide to try this year. Sharing your experiences and holiday decorating adventures can inspire others and spread the warmth and magic of the season even further!
(Originally written November 29, 2017. Updated November 28, 2023.)
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