12 Days of Christmas: Tree Trimming On A Budget

And just like that, the weekend has come to an end.  If you’re like me, you spent the weekend relaxing and watching holiday movies (plus all the must-see television shows).  Sundays are my absolute favorite time to tune down and mentally reset before the start of a new week.  For me, the weekends are even more special during this time of year because I get to spend them cuddled up in good company, with loved ones or getting excited about upcoming holiday weekends.

Today, I took pride in showing my tree to a friend and wowed them with the minimal amount spent to decorate it.  Frugal Fran is what he called me and I love it.  ha!  Seriously speaking, holiday decorating shouldn’t break the bank.  Think about it.  We put up our trees for a month or so, we take it down and we put it away for about a year.  Not to mention, some of us change our decorations or holiday theme the following year.  Why spend an arm and a leg on items that we don’t use daily or items we might not even use the following Christmas?  Yes, you can call me Frugal Fran all season long because it’s the truth.  Lol!

Here’s a quick rundown of  how you can design on a dime and trim your Christmas tree on a budget too!

My Decor Inspiration 

Last year, I went for an island, beach theme with seashells and sand ornaments on my tree.  This year my holiday decor theme is a combination of “winter wonderland” meets “rosé all day.”  Don’t ask.  Just keep reading.  *chuckle*  Since my tree isn’t a flocked tree (pre-covered with artificial snow), I wanted to go for white, cream and ivory ornaments.  I looked for a variety of different shapes and textures, and felt inspired to add a pop of color.  Something subtle and a little more subdued.  A few months ago, after finding some beautiful rose gold poinsettias in the Dollar Tree, I knew that it would be the perfect accent color.  Some might say it’s overdone or trendy.  But it turns out, rose gold/pink was indeed the perfect pop to my snow day inspired tree trimming.

Stalk the Sales 

From Black Friday to Cyber Monday, big sales dates are some of the best times to purchase holiday decorations.  After stalking their sales flyer for a few weeks, I managed to get all of these decoration from Michael’s  at about 75% off.  Everything came to a total of about $33 and I was able to give a few ornaments to a good friend.  Michael’s annual sale for the win.  Yes please!

Shop Storefront 

From the minute you enter the door, the dollar section at Target is always packed with folks looking to find a good deal.  Even when I say that “I’m not buying anything I don’t need on this Target run,” I find myself perusing the “Dollar Spot” doing the just the opposite — finding deals.  This season, I scored a pair of sequin stockings in a pretty rose gold, as well as the cutest faux garlands (all to be featured later on in my upcoming holiday home tour). Drop a comment below and let me know what was the last Target Dollar Spot item you purchased.  I know I’m not the only one that gets caught in the Target web.

Go Low, When They Go High

Yes!  You read that correctly.  When there out shopping high prices, we go low and save a ton!  This one is for my dollar store lovers.  Whether it’s Dollar Tree or Family Dollar, you can find some of the best seasonal decorations for a fraction of the price at other retailers.  I like to utilize these two stores for basic ornaments and neutrals such a white, ivory, cream or beige tones.  I also love to look for metallic pieces like gold and silver round bulbs because they can be used with any color theme.  Here, I scored some wintry statements in white and ivory that will add texture and fun to my “winter wonderland” decor theme.  You guessed it!  All at $1 a piece.

Where’s the Plug?

Where’s the plug?  Where’s the outlet?  In other words, where’s the closest home decor outlet store?  Ha!  Chances are, you’ll find me there window shopping and taking note of what I can get for a dramatically lower price.  One of my favorite places to go to for discounted home decor or holiday accessories is Crate & Barrel Outlet.  I scored this gorgeous star tree ornament and three more for just $1.49 each  Yes!  Just $1.49 each!

Luxe on Sale

This “12 Days of Christmas” installment is all about decorating while saving.  But it’s totally okay to treat yourself.  I like to treat myself to a few luxe ornaments or signature pieces that are higher priced.  But if I can get them on sale, I will!  I found this fancy little pink glass octopus trimmed in pearls at Pier1 Imports on a one-day sale for 50% off.  I’ve had this pearl cluster ball for a few years, but I managed to get it at 60% off at Michael’s during one of their annual pre-Christmas sales.

Buy in Bulk

It’s simple.  Buy your ornaments and tree decor in larger amounts for added savings.  But when I say bulk, I’m not necessarily referring to places like Costco, BJ’s or Sam’s Mart (although they’re all great for finding good deals).  Walmart is a great place to accomplish this.  They have a variety of multipack ornaments in an array of colors, shapes and designs.  I grabbed this pretty pink cluster for just $4.88 and it was enough to adorn an entire tree.  Style for a steal!

Recycle That Ribbon

Finally!  If you’re feeling fancy, adding ribbon to your Christmas tree can add more layers and dimension.  A great tip is to save unused ribbon from previous years to create a beautiful whirlwind of tones and textures to your tree.  I like to select ribbon in various styles and textures from Michael’s during their annual pre-Christmas sale.  These linen and glitter trimmed rolls shown here were only $1.80 and $3.80 respectively.  Both will be used for a second Christmas tree project that I’ll be sharing with you soon.  Stay tuned!

Okay, it’s time for the big reveal!  Or should I say “big little reveal” because my tree is only 6.5 ft tall?  *LOL*  But I absolutely love it!  I’ll be adding some white bulbs to fill out any gaps.  But here’s a quick look at the finished product at daytime and at night.  What do you think?

DAYTIME 

NIGHTIME

Thank you so much for tuning in. Here’s what next in our holiday series.

Day 1: Welcome to 12 Day of Christmas 

Day 2: Christmas Tree Trimming on A Budget

 Day 3: Last-Minute Gifts They’ll Love (2019 Holiday Gift Guide)

Happy Holidays!

A dose of style and inspiration for living!™

Love and light,

Copyright © 2019.  Faith, Love, Life & Style.  All Rights Reserved.