2020 has been a YEAR. Full of chaos, uncertainty, and for many - loss.
As many big companies - such as Amazon or Target are doubling and tripling their revenue this year, we are seeing small businesses that we know and love have to close their doors - and most with no hope of ever being able to reopen.
If you follow me on Instagram, you probably saw me confess something that (most people) definitely would NOT want to admit…let alone, publicly..
When I approach decorating my personal home for Christmas, I stick to a budget….and I also shop at……THE DOLLAR STORE. THERE I said it! 🙈
I am well aware this isn’t the popular store amongst bargain shoppers for holiday home decor - BUT more often than not, families are looking to save an extra buck when it comes to decorations (after all, they’re only up for at MOST two months!) .
Here are some ideas on how to keep your Christmas decor budget-conscious (without sacrificing the bright and merry)!
Make An Entrance
There is no (and I mean NO) budget that should exclude welcoming your guests to your doorstep with a festive wreath. If one is simply outside of your budget, consider tying a ribbon over the door in a statement bow. Both will be beautiful!
Curate A Captivating Centerpiece
Who says you need a ceramic arrangement? Just lay branches pine, cedar, fir or fresh balsam and line it with acorns and candles! Acorns are FREE (look in your backyard) and pillar candles (as well as the hurricanes to place them in) can be found at the dollar store! Voila!
Don’t Forget The Advent Calendar
Have a little fun on Pinterest as you look at all the ways you can DIY your very on Advent calendar! This is a fun idea to bring your whole family together to do something festive!
Wrap Your Christmas Presents!
A funny idea right? But you have to wrap them anyway! Wrap them as soon as you get them and put them out on display as props/decor! Layering three or four well-bow-wrapped gifts on an entryway table or next to a fireplace can add a feeling of excitement to your home - plus, its FREE!
DIY Dried Fruit Garland
My last tip can’t get any more cost effective as an alternative to garlands, and even Christmas ornaments! Buy bags various oranges, pears and apples, slice them up, and bake them at 150 degrees for up to 6 hours! The fruit will be dried at this point, and can be hung from twine across windows, on Christmas trees, or even hung individually with ornament hooks! This is another fun family craft that saves $$ and looks as pretty as it smells!
I hope these tips inspire your inner saver-spirit 💸 to decorate (without breaking the bank). If you use any of these tips be sure to tag me @brookesteuartswann on Instagram or Facebook so I can feature you!
With Christmas only 5 weeks away (!!) it’s time to start planning how you’re going to fill your home with Holiday cheer this season!
Scroll down to get inspired by Christmas decor that matches nearly EVERY home interior design style. I’ll provide my most important take-aways, and a handful of stores to shop the look!
The fun and whimsical
Do you love playing with colors, textures, and shapes when it comes to decorating your home? Then this design style is for YOU! Try decorating with mismatch stockings, trees of all different heights, textures, and colors and even considering buying decor thats PINK in lieu of red!
Look for your decor this year at stores like Anthropologie, Urban Outfitters, Etsy - or even checkout the “Opalhouse” brand at Target! Embrace the homemade, unique and custom pieces that speak to you!
The modern minimalist
If you tend to abide by the motto “less is more”, then this is for you. Think simple thoughts when it comes to outfitting your space for Christmas. Keep the color consistent through the home - for example, choosing three colors such as white, black and grey make for a clean and subtle aesthetic. My tip: mix metallics with your neutrals to give the room some dynamic. This could be done by even just taking a handful of bronze + silver geometric ornaments and clustering them on your mantel next to some tall pillar candles - voilà!
You might want to drive past the Homegoods and Kirklands and shop at places like CB2, AllModern, and Project 62 at Target.
The classic and traditional
If you find yourself drawn to neutrals, “playing it safe” when it comes to interior design - this might be your category! My tips for you are to hang identical mini wreaths from the curtain rods, AND your mantel for a cohesive look and aim to keep your larger tree ornaments in the color palette of white, silver, blush and gold. Want another layer of texture in the room? Consider adding a complementary garland! If you want to take it one step further - try to make 70% of the decor you put out SYMMETRICAL to complete the refined and elegant look.
Find your staple pieces at stores like Pottery Barn, Crate and Barrel, Balsam Hill, and the “Threshold w/ Studio Mcgee” line at Target!
The warm and welcoming farmhouse
There is just something about this design style that makes everyone feel warm and cozy coming into your home! If Chip + Joanna Gaines are your gurus - this ones for you! This home would be described in three words: rustic, woodsy and vintage. Draw your eyes to style pieces such as tin holiday-scented candles, red gingham patterns on stockings/blankets/pillows, bells, festive distressed signs, and bundles of berries + birch logs can make your home INSTANTLY charming.
Have fun shopping at places like Homegoods, The Reclaimed Farmhouse, and even “Hearth and Hand w/ Magnolia” at Target.
I hope this entry was able to help you identify your personal style, tickle your creativity, and stir you to get ahead on the shopping (as if we needed an excuse - am I right?!).
