Have a thrifty, vintage Christmas
As you've no-doubt discovered, half of the Christmas lights you bought last year died in the box in your closet between January and November. Somehow, brand new Christmas lights have about the same shelf life as Christmas cookies, so why go broke redecorating each season?
This year, instead of buying your Christmas decorations brand new from the big box stores, where everything just looks like an upgraded version of last year's trends, take a little extra time and go scour the second-hand stores and vintage markets for special treasures. There might be a lot of ugly castoffs to wade through, but the more you look, the better your chances of finding treasure.
Vintage ornaments: Sometimes you can find vintage ornaments still in their boxes. The retro-color combinations can feel fresh and inspiring. Hang vintage pink glass balls with your existing silver and gold ornaments on your tree for a magical fairy tale vibe.
Eclectic candle holders: Group candle holders of similar colors or finishes and arrange them together on tables and countertops around the house. There are always a plethora of glass candle sticks or votive holders at second hand stores. Fit them with brightly colored candles for a fun and festive vibe or use battery operated LED candles for a child and pet safe alternative.
Used faux garland: Up close, they might not look so great, but these are perfect to use outside. Search for decorative sprigs of berries or glitter covered pinecones to tie into the garlands. Wrap them with strings of cheap white lights for a classic holiday feel.
Christmas dishes: cookie plates with christmas trees, dessert plates rimmed with holly and bows and cheesy holiday mugs mixed into your everyday dishes helps make an everyday dinner feel magical. Vintage glass punch bowl sets are often super low priced and a great way to add a festive, retro element to your holiday party.
Mini Christmas trees: Stick these in your kids rooms, bathrooms or at the end of dark hallways, and add battery operated fairy lights. Get your kids to make tiny paper chains, strings of beads or DIY decorations to trim them with.
Since these are all second hand finds, there's little risk. If you end up not liking them when you open your box of decorations next season, donate them back and let someone else give them a try!