Whichever way you look at it, it’s been a big year. For many of us, making it to the end of 2023 will come as a relief, with Christmas offering a much-needed excuse to celebrate. But how to make your house feel festive without breaking the bank? Here are our top tips for creating stylish, beautiful and surprisingly easy festive decorations on a budget.

The Wreath. A wreath on your front door officially heralds the holiday season. So, why not make your own? Start with a wire wreath base, which you can buy from floristry suppliers or craft shops and cut short lengths of floristry wire and use them to wind in flowers, twigs, and branches — whatever takes your fancy. And some sparkly baubles, tinsel or ribbon for extra bling.

The Tree. While we traditionally associate Fir Trees with Christmas, there are no rules dictating what type of tree you can use. Fresh or faux, it simply depends on your space, budget and personal style. For a no cost option, why not use a branch from a paddock or maybe even a small living tree in a pot?

The Decorations. Of course, the key to a beautiful tree lies in bountiful baubles and decorations. The more, the merrier. Why not mix up your existing ones with a few new baubles to for a fresh feel. Or consider decorating your tree with something other than tinsel. String together popcorn or pinecones or give your tree a vintage spin by upcycling old vintage lace and crocheted doilies into a unique garland.

The Table. Make an impact in your dining area by placing a lightweight tree branch in the centre of your table and draping it with natural foliage and baubles. Or opt for foliage, scattered pinecones, baubles or twined-together cinnamon sticks for a similar effect.

The Lights. To make your house feel festive and give it a special glow, string indoor fairy lights them up throughout. Check out Aldi, Bunnings and Amazon for Inexpensive options.