'Tis the Season - To Not Spend Oodles on Viral Holiday Decor. . .

The Christmas Tree in your attic is fine, the stockings you've been using for years are sentimental, so let's just work on budget friendly fillers to refresh your look without dipping into your holiday gift budget.

A short guide on reinvinting what you have, with the addition of a few inexpensive "extras". Product links are underlined and "clickable" below.

As the holiday season nears, the ever looming presence of social media often hits us with the temptation to redecorate our homes with all of the #viral Christmas trends. This year, why not embrace the concept of using what you already have, and maybe if you really want to, add in a few budget friendly options to help elevate the look you are wanting!

Inventory and Assess Your Current Decor:

Before heading to the stores to rack up on the latest. viral items, unpack the Christmas decor that you already own. I've found that the best practice is to layout all of what you have in your living room, or whichever room in your house has the most space, and make a list of what you have. In this step you should start to brainstorm about what you can reuse as is, what needs to be repurposed into something new, what just may need new placement, and maybe you identify some pieces you can get rid of and replace for a new refreshed look for the holiday.

Embrace DIY Projects:

Tap into your creative side by incorporating do-it-yourself (DIY) projects to get the viral looks you want. You do not need the $10 bow when you can buy the $10 ribbon and make a handful of bows, my favorite this year so far has been this adorable Nutcracker Ribbon! Transforming old ornaments with a fresh coat of paint (and baking soda if you want a "velvet" look) or even just attaching them in groupings of three on the tree really can change the look! DIY projects express who you and your family are, and isn't that the best part about Christmas decor? That we are not all carbon copy's of each other? My rule of thumb: if it makes you happy, then it looks good no matter what any interior decorater says!

Invest in Key Statement Pieces:

If you feel the need to introduce something new into your decor, focus on purchasing a few key statement pieces that can serve as focal points in your holiday decor. This could include plain wreaths and garland that can be re-decorated each year (if you want) or a festive centerpiece that's able to be used throughout the year for other occcasions like these flameless taper candles and candlestick holders. By carefully selecting a few standout items, you can revitalize your space without breaking the bank.

Repurpose Every Day Items:

Look around your home for everyday items that can be repurposed for the holidays. Vases, plain colored throw blankets and pillows even. Sometimes just moving a few of your everyday decor around can add a little more to your space without it feeling like its always there.

Consider Second Hand & Thrift Shops:

Who doesn't love a good "vintage" find? Check out your local thrift or second hand shops for the most unique, and often times truly vintage decor. Thrifting often time leads to the most charming pieces to add to your collection, and with a little love you can make the pieces look straight out of the latest trend magazines!

Post Holiday Pack Up Time:

Now that the Holiday excitement has come to an end, and you are ready to pack away all of your precious Christmas decor, organize it! This step is crucial to unpacking less of a headache next year! Get some containers when they go on sale, bonus points for the clear ones, and snag this QR label system to stick to the rubber maids so that its a seamless planning experience next year!

This holiday season embrace the beauty of reusing and repurposing your existing Christmas decorations. With a bit of creativity and a few carefully chosen additions, you can give your space a refreshed and personalized look without the need for an entirely new set of decorations. Be sure to share your ideas with me on Instagram or Pinterest! Cheers to a joyful holiday season!

XO Alex