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Filled with simple DIY projects and thrift finds, this tutorial will teach you how to use inexpensive Christmas decor to create a beautiful holiday home!

Blue sofa with wood mantel and Christmas decorations

Christmas is a beautiful season of celebrating the gift of Jesus’ birth and enjoying family traditions and the coziness of a well loved home.

But often this holiday can also be a time of mourning what is no more. The death of a loved one, the loss of a child, broken relationships or the ending of a marriage.

Metal tray with Christmas decorations and china

(My Instant Russian Tea Recipe is a family favorite and a great way to welcome guests into your home.)

In these moments of loss we get to decide how we feel about decorating for Christmas and what traditions and memories need to be let go or rediscovered.

Sometimes you need a little perspective when you’re in the middle of hard times, holiday season or not. Many of you may have lost all enthusiasm for decorating your home this year. I get it. Truly.

tray with greenery in a pot with buffalo check ribbon and painted books

When I was in the midst of raising my adopted kids from trauma and shepherding my parents through their last years, often I did the bare minimum to survive during the holidays.

Then my life fell apart with an HIV/AIDS diagnosis and a divorce. (See my Youtube channel here for the whole story.) I bought my sweet cottage and have used these cheap Christmas decoration ideas as the foundation for a new home and a new life.

Here I’ll share both my previous home and my new cottage and you can see how I use many of the same decorations in a new setting!

Christmas tree with blue and red buffalo plaid accents with ornaments and presents

So these Christmas home ideas come with heartfelt wishes that you will be encouraged with hope for the future. Today is not the end of your story and if you need to scale back your decorations this year I support you! Hopefully these ideas will guide you not guilt you!

Christmas tree with black and white plaid ribbon and red and blue accents

If that’s where you are today big hugs and much love to you. My desire is always to encourage women in hard places with hope because I’ve lived through it and understand the struggle to just survive from day to day.

Use what you already have.

This is always my best tip when you’re trying to save money. Don’t get lost in the Pinterest winter wonderland and decide you need to change all the things. Use holiday decor that makes you happy and brings you joy!

closeup of Christmas tree decorated with black and white checked ribbon and red and blue accents

Go through all your decor at the beginning of the season and figure out what you like and don’t like, including bows, vases and crafts you and the family may have made together. If you’re changing or adding colors spray paint is your best friend! Also glitter is one of the most inexpensive crafting supplies and adds sparkle to pine cones and mason jars.

corner of Christmas room decorated with red and black buffalo plaid and rustic wood accents

I made this buffalo check tray for fall and I simply restyled it for Christmas. No matter if your style is vintage or modern, gathering a few accessories on a tray is a win win!

black and white buffalo plaid tray with metal sleigh filled with greenery and burlap ornaments

Black serving tray with red and gold accessories for Christmas

I also built my mantel around a framed cross-stitch my sister made for my mom many decades ago. This inexpensive church and frosted mini trees make me forget there’s no fireplace! (No fire place? No problem! Just hang a mantle directly above your sofa!)

The adorable garland was also purchased at the end of the season!

Buffalo plaid Merry Christmas banner with rustic mantel and decor

White china hutch with Merry Christmas banner

Merry Christmas banner hung on glass door

Pick up inexpensive decor from thrift stores, yard sales and after season sales.

One of the best ways to save money is to shop BEFORE you need something. This post with my top 10 yard sale bargains includes easy ideas for finding unique holiday items like Christmas trees and candle holders regardless of the time of year.

room filled with Christmas accents and ways to know how to decorate for Christmas on a budget

Small cottage home decorated for Christmas with blue and red accessories

There are many ways to use extra Christmas ornaments and filling a glass jar or lanterns is one of my favorites.

white hutch with lanterns filled with red, blue and white ornaments and greenery hung from an old window

Sunroom with Christmas tree, drop zone and red and blue decorations

Add texture with throws and pillows.

Inexpensive pillow covers, an old buffalo plaid scarf and a fluffy down coat add texture to the drop zone.

drop zone filled with rustic coat rack, a coat and red buffalo check scarf with Christmas pillows

Add some baskets with boots and a Christmas tin filled with greenery and this space is perfectly decked out for the season!

Drop zone in farmhouse style home with red and blue decorations

(Read here for 11 ways to add buffalo plaid to your Christmas decor.)

Place mat made into joy pillow for Christmas

DIY a Christmas wreath.

Creating a stunning front door is not my strong suit but I settled on a buffalo plaid Christmas hoop wreath. A seriously easy project that could be translated to any season with different fabric!

This wood shim wreath is also a favorite to simply decorate with buffalo plaid ribbon.

Wood shim wreath with buffalo plaid ribbon

Here’s a simple basic green wreath and premade ribbon and the perfect place to hang it on our vent hood. (You can find more easy DIY wreath ideas here.)

Simple green wreath hanging on barn wood vent in kitchen

Find creative ways to use all those extra Christmas ornaments.

Some of my favorite Christmas decoration ideas are to use extra ornaments and simple natural elements like pinecones and evergreens to create beautiful centerpieces for the dining room table. There are many ways to use extra Christmas ornaments and filling a glass jar or lanterns is one of my favorites.

Buffalo plaid Christmas table with blue accents

Gather your favorites in a bowl, dish or whatever you have on hand. I love using blue and red for my decorations and the tray has scrapbook paper on it for a seasonal touch. (Wrapping paper is also an inexpensive source for adding to a cute tray.)

Christmas tray with holly berries and ornaments in a container

Saving money around Christmas time allows some extra room in the budget for presents and family activities. I hope these ideas are helpful and the holiday spirit fills your home! Keep gingerbread and cookies on hand and open the door wide to spend with family and friends!

My favorite Christmas Home Decor:

(I’ve included some affiliate links for your convenience. Click here to read my full disclosure policy.)

Christmas Tree
Buffalo Plaid Ribbon
Pillow Covers
Large metal baskets (similar to the ones in the drop zone)
24″ Noble Fir Christmas wreath
6 Ft. Eucalyptus Garland
Red and Black Buffalo Plaid Throw
Black and white buffalo check rug
Red and black buffalo check doormat
Merry Christmas banner

More Christmas Ideas

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Take your Christmas decorating up a notch with these simple and unique ways to create the perfect holiday home.