Deck the Halls: $200 Holiday Challenge

Posted on November 16th, 2015

I had so much fun with my $200 Jewelry Challenge, so I decided to put together a similar guide for holiday decorations!

Christmas decorations are not a strictly necessary purchase… but they sort of feel that way to me.  I’m pretty open about my consistent homesickness, and during the holidays these feelings only intensify.  I realized this was in part because I felt cheated of the holiday season when I was living in a little dorm room and only got to come home right before Christmas, so since then I’ve done my best to make my own little home festive, too. It’s cheaper than therapy, after all.

This was my 7 foot Christmas tree in college.  I did not mess around.  We also had this mini tree and tree skirt on the coffee table, which I loved.

But decorating gets expensive– without careful planning.  If you choose to allocate $200 to decorating, you can fill any apartment to the brim with holiday cheer.  I haven’t included a tree and corresponding accessories here– that’s a different decision– but even without it this will make a huge difference.

One of my biggest secrets is bows– I stick these on doors and on the corner of picture frames, fill vases with them, scatter them on table tops…  Try Target for the big ones.

A pretty table can also make a big difference.  This plaid table runner is a bit of a splurge, but it’s so festive while still being neutral enough to work with other pieces, too.  (Our table was a little too big, unfortunately, so we ended up with this one instead).  It’s crucial to layer on other elements for texture, and this berry garland is the perfect touch– for less than $8.  I also filled a simple glass vase with this $3 assortment of mini ornaments for an instant centerpiece. Add festive candles, and you’re all set!

Of course, I would love to be hanging a big boxwood wreath on our front door, but given the budget we’ll be doing a tinsel version for 1/10th of the price instead.

See the rest of my selections below– stick with this and your home and wallet will be merry and bright! With promo codes, everything all together comes in under $200.

A little creativity– and tinsel– goes a long way in making spirits bright!