Inexpensive Decorating Ideas

Most of us want our houses to look nice during the holidays. But if you're like me, budgets are tight. And some of that Christmas stuff can be SO EXPENSIVE!

Here are some tips for some fairly quick, easy, and best of all, inexpensive decorating ideas...

*Dip pine cones in gold paint, or use a mixture of water, glue, and glitter for a sparkling effect. Place on side tables and use to fill baskets or bowls.
*Find a fun way to display all of those Christmas cards you receive. I use tape to secure them to the door frames between my living room and hallway. They make fun decorations, and remind you of how much you are loved each time you walk through the doorway.
*Dip the rim of some pretty stemmed glassware in water and then in sugar a couple of times, letting sit for a few seconds between dipping. Let dry. Fill glasses with some pretty Christmas candies. (See photo above)
*Tie ribbon bows around some bright red and green Christmasy throw pillows to throw on your couch. They will look like Christmas presents.
*Have some ornaments, small artificial trees, etc. that aren't looking too shiny and pretty anymore? Spray paint them white for an elegant sophisticated face lift!
*Fill clear vases, bottles, or bowls with cranberries for a splash of red wherever you need one. They aren't an extremely juicy fruit, so they will dry before they would ever rot and go bad.
* Fill clear vases with water. Add a few drops of green or red food coloring (just a couple drops!), and place a floating candle in each one.
*Tie jingle bells to the knobs on your front door, and then every time you come home, you are greeted with the sound of holiday cheer!
*Make holiday swirled glass candle holders. Put a few drops of red paint inside a clear votive holder, shake it up, and watch the paint splatter into a modern art swirl. Let dry. Do the same thing with green paint. Dry thoroughly before use. (See photo below)