It's easy to ignore your budget when it comes to holiday shopping. Yes, there are the presents that you end up buying for everyone (along with those sale finds for yourself), but there are the other big and little things that add up: Shipping gifts, travel costs, groceries for parties, etc. So really, it's safe to say that most of us go beyond our budgets. When that's the case, it can be hard trying to justify loading up on decorations. After all, they are seasonal. You have to store them. And there are lots of tacky things out there.
The DIY route is usually a happy medium. You can create the decor you want, usually for much cheaper than buying those random Christmas-themed napkin rings that will annoy you whenever you open your junk drawer 364 days a year. If you're not normally the "crafty" type, don't glare at your screen. These simple DIY decor ideas are really, really, really hard to screw up. Like, you'd have to try to mess up. Or be about 3 egg nogs into your evening.
A Bowl Of Ornaments
Seriously. It's a bowl of ornaments. We hesitate to even call this a DIY.
Spray-Painted Wreath
Take an old wreath (or find one at a craft or thrift shop), then spray paint in the color of your choice.
Filled Glass Ornaments
Pick up plain glass ornaments, which usually can be found for under $5 at craft stores, then fill with rosemary. Or really, anything. You just pull off the top of the ornament, pop in the filler, then place the top back on. It's done in minutes.
Paper Chain
sprinkles101 on Pinterest.
The old-school craft looks a little less kindergarten when done in a fancy paper.
Pine Cones In A Bowl
Any glass container will work -- add ornaments for color, or not.
Snowman Fridge
Just cut out the face and accessories from gift wrap or construction paper, then attach with double-stick tape.
Teeny Stockings
Set a festive table by using teeny tiny stockings (you can find them at dollar stores) to hold flatware. Again, barely a DIY. But so cute.
Mason Jar Lantern
Take any large jar, then pour in sand (or even salt), pop in a candle and finish it off with a ribbon bow.
Cupcake Liner Bows
These frilly gift toppers are made by wadding cupcake liners together. That's pretty much it.