Let me admit this up-front: I can’t decorate like Martha Stewart! As much as I love her ideas, I don’t have her pocketbook. But that doesn’t mean my house will look like the Grinch came for a visit! So, how can you create that holiday spirit on a budget? Let me share a few tips from Kathleen Peters and Kathleen Wilson:

 

• Like your finances, good decorating needs a plan. What theme do you want to work with? Santas, snowmen, country, toyland? The best thing about a plan is it doesn't cost a thing, but it will help you save big bucks. • Everybody loves the glow of holiday candles. Clean your empty jars, purchase candles (check the clearance section), tie some ribbon around the jars, and set the candles in the jars with some wax at the bottom to keep them upright. • Hunt down those old glass ornaments that you no longer use and place them in a bowl garnished with greenery-artificial or real. • Wrap some of your framed pictures that are already hanging on the wall in holiday wrapping paper. • Tie bows of wired Christmas ribbon around various objects in your home. • Dig out those old vases and fill them with poinsettias or other seasonal flowers. • Cover your existing throw pillows with holiday covers.

Have fun with these tips and be creative. I’m sure you and your family will come up with many other inexpensive decorating ideas!