Decorating Your Apartment for the Holidays!

You finally have your new apartment, and Christmas is coming! How do you decorate and still have money left for your gift buying? Here are eight hacks to help you be fun and festive and not break the bank:

1. Head to local thrift shops and flea markets. The vendors are usually decorated for Christmas and are ready to move their products. If there is something you really want for that perfect corner in your new apartment, but it’s more money than you were planning, don’t hesitate to negotiate. Most vendors will readily take 10% off and are often willing to give an even better discount on seasonal items they don’t really want to store again until next season. Just ask at the sales counter and they will contact the vendor for you. If the vendor doesn’t accept your offer, they might make a counter offer which could still be acceptable to you. Regardless, you could betaking home that one-of-a-kind item and a little extra cash!

2. Ask friends and relatives if they have any decorations they no longer want. You might be amazed at what they’re willing to give you! But it’s okay to be choosy about what you take. If you feel you need to take all that they are offering, you can make your own donation to the local thrift shop later. Get a receipt so you can deduct it from your taxes!

3. Be practical and use what you have. A tall, or bushy, plant can work great as a Christmas tree. Decorate with lights and ornaments.

4. Make your own decorations. Stringing popcorn for garlands is easy and inexpensive. Plan ahead and make some popcorn so you can string it while you watch your favorite holiday movie. (Don’t put butter or salt on the popcorn you string!) One cup of popped popcorn will string about three to four feet of garland.

5. Tie a small piece of ribbon or yarn around a cinnamon stick for a great smelling ornament or decoration.

6. Use a vegetable peeler to cut designs in oranges. Stick in whole cloves to add to the design and festive aroma. Arrange in a pretty glass bowl to set on the table or near your front door. Fill in the bowl with loose nuts and pine cones for an added bit of nature.

7. Channel your inner child and cut snowflakes from any paper you happen to have, even pages from catalogs. Tape to mirrors or windows, or hang from pieces of string or yarn.

8. A simple of string of lights can add warmth and joy to a corner of your home. Purchase new lights from your local discount store. Choose from battery or plug-in. 

Take time to sit back, relax, sip on some hot cocoa and enjoy the beauty of your new apartment and the peace that comes from knowing you are respecting the holiday season and your budget, too.

Written by Melanie Olsen