Christmas Décor Ideas That Don't Break the Bank

When the Christmas holidays roll around, our thoughts turn to the joys of the season, decorating the house, putting up the tree, and bedazzling the outdoors with lights. All followed with warm evenings by the fire sipping cardamom-spiced hot chocolate and nibbling cookies.

Until reality sets in and you realize as much as you love decorating – and maybe overdoing it a bit – for Christmas, you don’t love the outsized price tag that sometimes comes with it. If you look forward to decorating for Christmas all year long, but don’t relish the thought of overspending your budget, here are some Christmas décor ideas that won’t break the bank.

Christmas Décor Ideas on a Budget

The holidays can be stressful enough without having to worry about going over budget on your Christmas decorations. You can create a cozy, warm, and inviting home for the holidays with affordable Christmas decorations from Old Time Pottery. Overspending should not be a source of stress.

Inspiration for Christmas decorations can come from pretty much anywhere – your favorite Christmas movie, nature, and even your favorite city. You can mix old family favorites such as ornaments you had as a child with DIY projects and new items to refresh the look. With these Christmas décor ideas, you can not only fill your home with comfort and joy on a budget, but you’ll have a relaxing, peaceful oasis where you can decompress from the holiday madness.

Choose a Theme

First, choose a theme for your Christmas décor. Not only does this create a beautiful, cohesive look, it can also keep your budget on track. When you have a theme, whether it be color, a movie, a mood, or a feeling, narrowing this down will help you make your list. Making a list is key to staying on track and on budget. When you only purchase items that you need and that fit your theme, you’ll be less likely to overspend.

Movie Characters

The Grinch, Rudolph (like Madonna, he goes by one name), or even Yoda are all great additions to holiday décor. A Yoda greeter will delight Star Wars fans of all ages when they enter your home. Or choose a Grinch Waddler that can walk throughout your home to the delight – and sometimes dismay – of the kiddoes. Check out the entire collection of greeters and waddlers to find the right one for your theme.

Color Scheme

Choosing tree ornaments by color, such as red and white, can not only keep you on budget but help direct the rest of your decorations. Here are a few ways to choose a color scheme for your holiday décor.

Your Home’s Color Palette

This doesn’t mean choosing colors you already have in your home, but instead selecting colors that complement them. For example, if your style is coastal with a beachy color palette, consider white, blue, and silver ornaments that will not only go with your home’s décor but also bring in a wintery feel perfect for the holidays.

Nostalgic Colors

Christmas is often a nostalgic time, so why not go with it and choose colors that remind you of an idyllic childhood holiday to enhance that feeling. Or are traditional Christmas colors more your thing. There are plenty of red and green ornaments to go around.

Accent Pillow or Tablecloth

If you have a holiday accent pillow or tablecloth you love, why not use the colors and themes of these items to spread Christmas cheer throughout your home?

A Sentimental Christmas Ornament or Decoration

Do you have a sentimental Christmas ornament or decoration from your childhood? Make that the focal point of your theme, and use the colors from it for the rest of your decorations.

Wrapping Paper

You’ll see a tone of color combinations in Christmas wrapping paper, so if you are stumped, take a look at the colors, styles, and themes and see which ones speak to you. Choose a gift wrap that would go with your home and find more decorations to go with it.

Monochromatic Color Palette

If you love one color in particular and want to use it, then go for it. This doesn’t mean that everything is the same color, though. You can create a stunning Christmas home with many different hues of the same color. For example, if purple is your color, start with lavender and lilac and move on to amethyst, orchid, iris, grape, periwinkle, eggplant, magenta, plum, mauve, and violet. Find balls, garlands, bows, and other ornaments in every shade of purple in different finishes, from matte to shiny to sparkly. Use garlands and ribbons to give the theme texture and balance.

The Tree

The focal point of your holiday home is the tree, of course. You don’t have to spend a bundle to have a picture-perfect Christmas tree your family will love, and your friends will drool over. Creativity is free.

Flocked or Natural

If you are going for a wintery theme, a flocked tree or frosted tree will set the scene. You can find them pre-lit with clear or multi-colored lights. Pencil trees are popular this year and work well in small apartments or as an additional tree in niches inside or outside on the porch. Or you can add some whimsy with a Charlie Brown tree on a table in your entryway. Why stick to just one Christmas tree?

Color Scheme

Of course, we discussed choosing an overall color palette above, and your tree can be a part of the general theme. There are many colors to choose from, so if you are going for a winter wonderland feel, a white tree with clear lights might be just right. Really nail your color scheme with a 4’ turquoise tree or just about any other color you can imagine.

Accessories

Carry your theme throughout your home and outside onto the porch and yard with the right accessories. This can be natural pinecones, an old sleigh or skates, and lighted gift boxes – anything that echoes your theme.

DIY Bows

Anything you can make yourself is almost automatically less expensive, so add some homemade bows to your tree. It is an ideal way to add a personal touch and save money.

Tree Topper

Add a special touch with a glowing, 10-light silver star or a colorful, multi-stained glass star tree topper.

Tree Skirt

Finish the look with a special tree skirt. Sticking with the winter wonderland theme, you could choose a fluffy, faux fur tree skirt or a chunky white knit one. A holiday plaid is always nice, or a simple red and white velvet will work, too.

Front Porch and Yard

Decorating the outside of your home is just as important as decorating the inside. This area sets the tone for the rest of your home and lets people know what to expect. You don’t have to go crazy, although you certainly can, and that’s just fine, too.

Wreaths and garlands make a statement on the front porch and door, welcoming guests with their twinkling glow. Chose a lovely big wreath for the door and highlight architectural features with garlands. Wrap them around columns or railing and create swag for porch gables to add a special touch.

Holiday inflatables, from Santa with a dog to a blue holiday hippo, give the outdoor space a sense of fun. Create a beautiful display with net lights, white globe lights, and garland lights. Lighted sculptures are always a nice touch, choose either a lighted deer family for your winter wonderland or show your joy with a cute penguin.

Quick Tips for Affordable Christmas Decorations from Old Time Pottery

Below are some quick tips for affordable Christmas décor ideas:

1. Reuse the Christmas décor you already have. Get creative and repurpose things you already have in new ways. Hang ornaments from light fixtures or use them to make a unique centerpiece. This can make your old décor seem new.
2. Get inspired by nature. Branches and clippings from your yard can liven up your holiday décor.
3. Partner with a friend for a day of Christmas crafting and make some snowflake garlands, string popcorn, or make some salt dough ornaments.
4. Fill glass jars or vases with ornaments or pinecones
5. Frame mirrors and photos with battery-operated white lights

When looking for affordable Christmas decorations near you, shop Old Time Pottery for amazing holiday decorations for every inch of your home, from the kitchen to the fireplace to the front porch, at the best possible prices.