From The Pumpkin Patch

I have some very exciting news. My little sister is getting married next year!

My husband and I have booked our flights to New Zealand, where my family live, and needless to say I am extremely excited.

But this does mean I need to be a little more careful with money until then, to ensure I’m still meeting all my financial goals. So this year will be a smaller Christmas, and I’m really looking forward to it.

Even though I’m spending less this year, I still love decorating my house for the season. In fact, we’ve found it easier than ever to be thankful for what we already have and to get creative when we needed to.

Our home still looks as beautiful and festive as ever, so I wanted to share my tips and tricks for Christmas decorating on a budget.

Decorate with Christmas-themed books

I love, love, love using seasonal books for decorations. Whether it’s a pile of festive books on the coffee table or a Christmas cookbook in the kitchen, they’re a cosy and budget-friendly way to brighten up your home.

Of course, buying books brand-new can get a little pricey. But finding them at the thrift store? It’s a goldmine. There are so many. And then, when you’re sitting on your sofa with a hot chocolate and a mince pie, you have something Christmassy to read. It’s a win-win.

Decorate with Christmas-themed food

Now, I’m not recommending leaving food out for weeks on end. It’s there for eating, so this tip is only temporary unless you restock.

But if you’re planning a little Christmas party, having a plate of mince pies or a bowl of red-wrapped chocolates (I love the classic Lindor truffles) makes such a difference.

If you want something a little longer-lasting, may I recommend a homemade hot chocolate station? I’ve done this for the last few years, and it looks so cute in my kitchen. You don’t need to go crazy – I just put out two matching thrifted Christmas mugs, a nice tin of hot chocolate, a pretty jar filled with sugar and maybe some mini marshmallows if I’m feeling indulgent.

Thrift vintage Christmas ornaments

Until this year, I hadn’t experienced the joy that comes with thrifting vintage Christmas ornaments. But now? I’m hooked.

It can be a little difficult to judge whether something is vintage, so I err on the side of caution. This sweet little goose from 1988 (we named him Stockton!) was sitting on the shelf in his original packaging, and cost just £3.50. I’ve also found several vintage Disney baubles, which proudly boast the date on the front.

There’s something really lovely about imagining the past Christmases these decorations have witnessed. The films, the songs, the laughter and excitement… it’s truly magical.

Go back to nature this Christmas

Some of the most beautiful and festive decorations can be found in nature. Think pinecones, dried orange slices, bundles of cinnamon sticks, clippings from evergreen trees, clumps of holly…

These little touches can be found in most woodlands and parks, or picked up for next to nothing at the supermarket. They look just as good (or even better) than store-bought decorations, and they’re environmentally-friendly too.

Re-use your Christmas decorations

My husband and I have been living together for over a decade, so we’ve amassed a good collection of Christmas decorations. We really have no need to buy more, unless a string of lights breaks or a bauble takes a tumble.

This takes the financial strain out of decorating, as we only buy new (or thrifted!) if it’s something we really want.

This tip doesn’t really apply if you’re just starting out, but consider asking your family if they have any surplus decorations from your childhood that you could use. That way, you get all the nostalgia with none of the cost!

Make your own Christmas decorations

On a similar note, crafting your own decorations is so rewarding.

Even something as simple as stringing up your Christmas cards and hanging them across a window adds a nostalgic and cosy touch to any room. I’d love to decorate our living room with paper chains one year, or string up orange garlands.

If you’re more artistically-inclined, thrifting a painting and adding little Christmas touches would be so cute (we did this for Halloween!) and can be re-used year after year.

You don’t need to spend a lot to make your house feel like a beautiful Christmas wonderland. It’s amazing what a string or two of lights can do, and even the smallest tree brings everything together perfectly.

Before I go – I’m always amazed at how many visitors my little corner of the internet receives each year, so I want to say a huge thank you to anyone who reads my blog posts. I hope your Christmas is filled with joy, laughter and magic!