After a long day of lectures, work, the stress of deadlines, and juggling a social life, we all want to come home to a space that feels warm and welcoming...
And with Christmas now less than a month away, we’re [OFFICIALLY] giving you permission to deck out your halls to your heart’s content!
But we also get it... decorating can get expensive quickly.
So, here are our top 5 budget-friendly tips to transform your space into a festive wonderland, without taking out a small mortgage!
1. Get Your Green Thumb Out and Use Natural Decor
One of the best things about living in the UK is the abundance of trees, greenery, and natural materials at your fingertips. Mistletoe, holly, wreaths, and garlands look incredibly festive... but the best part is that they’re FREE if you have access to them!
Head to a local park, forest, or even your own garden to gather branches and pinecones. Maybe even Peel Park?
And if you’re not feeling too artsy, why not take a wreath-making class with friends? It’s a hands-on way to get into the festive spirit – and you’ll leave with a personalized decoration for your flat.
N.B. make sure to check that any plants you bring indoors are safe as decoration!
2. Choose a Theme and Stick to It
When decorating on a budget, less really is more. So when you're making/purchasing decorations, focus on a cohesive theme.
Whether it’s a color scheme (think gold and red, silver and white, or all things blue and snowy), or a motif (snowmen, penguins, or reindeer), sticking to one theme will make your room look curated and festive without feeling cluttered.
Not sure where to start? Decorate with your favourite Christmas movie as inspo!
3. Nab Some Decorations from Home (Shh, No One Has to Know!)
Let’s face it: sometimes the best way to save money is to simply not spend any at all! And your folks back home probably have a mountain of festive decorations they don’t need, so why not borrow a few items from them?
Maybe an extra string of fairy lights, or a forgotten box of baubles – chances are they’ll have some festive bits and bobs that you can ‘borrow’ until you go back home. After all, it is the season of giving!
They’ll never notice that little bit of tinsel went missing, right?
4. Share the Christmas Spirit and Go Halves with Your Housemates.
If you’re living with friends or housemates, this is the time of year to embrace the spirit of sharing (yes, EVEN THOUGH they stole some of your butter that one time).
One of the easiest ways to save money on decorations is to share them with your housemates. Splitting the cost of a Christmas tree, fairy lights, and even candles will make everything cheaper—and it’ll create a more festive vibe for everyone.
5. DIY Your Own Decorations!
DIY decorations don’t just save you money; they’re also a great way to personalize your space and make it truly yours.
From homemade gonks to crafting your own paper snowflakes, there are endless ways to add festive charm without breaking the bank.
Big tip: Pinterest is your best friend for inspiration! If you’re feeling really crafty, try making your own advent calendar, or upcycle old materials (like jars or fabric scraps) into cute decorations.
DIY is also a great stress reliever, so perfect for this time of year- and your space will look completely unique!
Decorating your home for Christmas doesn’t have to be expensive or stressful! Whether you’re gathering natural elements, borrowing decorations from home, or getting creative with DIY projects, there are plenty of ways to make your space merry and bright on a budget.
The festive season is all about creating memories- so embrace the spirit of the season and get your space looking like a cozy winter wonderland!