Although Christmas is all about relaxing and festivity, one of the unavoidable parts is also the money that needs to be spent during this time. While spending on gifts is a given, people often neglect to take into account the money that goes into Christmas decorations.
Although all these financial commitments towards the end of the yea can feel quite overwhelming and even a bit stressful, it doesn’t have to be. A bit of planning and a bit of savvy can go a long way in helping you to make the best decisions when you go out to buy what you need.
What facets of Christmas decorations to take into account
When you think of Christmas decorations, you probably think of a Christmas tree and the accompanying Christmas lights. These two décor elements are stalwarts of the traditional Christmas look, with a bit of help from a few other elements. Whether you prefer baubles or tinsel, garlands, or bells, remember that your Christmas tree is YOUR space to express your holiday spirit, and actually, anything goes! Why not opt for a few DIY decorations to really make the look your own?
Do you have all the tools you need on hand?
Not just for making and putting together your Christmas decor, the right equipment can be invaluable in putting your overall look together. Struggling with baubles that keep crashing to the ground? Tie them down with gardener’s wire. The same is true for garlands and tinsel that won’t stay put – stabilize your look with a bit of wire, or even a few small cable ties. A small stepladder is also useful to help you reach all the out-of-range areas on the tree, and a few hooks can really be a great help in securing bits and pieces that just won’t stay on the tree. Don’t shy away from using a bit of extra help to make your tree come to life to its full potential!
Are indoor decorations as important as outdoor ones?
While your exterior decorations will be the first thing your guests see, remember that the indoor decorations are the key to creating the feeling you want in your home. Some people like to go all-out, covering the house in little Santa, spray-on snow and glitter. Others have more minimalist taste, and prefer decorations that allude to the festive season, rather than literally interpreting the theme.
You don’t have to blow a lot of money on interior Christmas décor – why not go for a piece of brown paper instead of a tablecloth? Leave a few pens or crayons at each place setting, and let your guests customize their own place setting. Best of all – when Christmas dinner is done, you can simply get rid of the paper, leaving you free from worrying about yet another tablecloth and where to store it until next season.
Oh Christmas tree, oh Christmas tree
When you think of a Christmas tree, do you think the stereotypical, super-symmetrical tree from children’s movies, or do you see a flexible and adaptable way to create a focal point in your Christmas décor? As the years have gone by, we have reached a point where perfection is considered predictable and even somewhat boring. Look for a Christmas tree with a bit of character – that is to say slight imperfection and a sense of uniqueness. Not only will this create visual interest within your décor, but it will also give you room to delve into exploring some quirkiness in how you put your Christmas look together.
Should I go for a real or artificial tree?
Although the answer to this question comes down to personal preference, you would need to weigh up the pros and cons of each option to determine what would be the most suitable option for you.
If you prefer an artificial Christmas tree, take a bit of time to really investigate the material it is made from. If it is too flimsy or too cheaply made, you run the risk of having it disintegrate before its time. It could also result in poor weight-bearing capacity, in which case you might find that even slightly off-center decorations cause it to topple over. The pros of such a tree are that it won’t shed needles, and packs away neatly until next season.
A real tree comes with the warmth and natural imperfections of a real tree, which will give it character!
