Holiday Decorating


on a Budget


with ProFlowers

Between the gifts, the parties, and the travel, the holidays sure can sure add up; so those looking for discount holiday decorations can look to ProFlowers’ team of experts who will help you turn your home into a holiday wonderland without breaking the bank. Following are a few budget-conscious tips that will help you and your family spread the warmth of the holidays throughout your home.

The magic of Christmas is in the red and orange flames of a cozy fire, the twinkle of brightly colored lights, the white snow and the silver and gold shimmer of shiny gifts and ribbons. Fill your home with additional holiday magic this year by adding even more color to your decor! An inexpensive way to do this is to start with materials you already have. For example, fill your favorite glass vases with colored stones, curled ribbon or other discount seasonal decorations you might find at your local craft store.

Spread these vases throughout your home on tables and mantles, and surround them with twinkling tea lights. For a look that will work from Thanksgiving into Christmas, give your candles more of a personal touch by melting leaves, flowers and herbs right into the wax. Or, take a plain candle and paint holiday images onto it such as snowmen, presents or wreaths - a great activity for the whole family to do together!

For discount holiday decorations that bring the merriment of the holidays indoors without overdoing it, place small evergreen wreaths or clusters of pinecones on your dining room table or coffee table with votive candles in the center. This innovative candlescape will smell great and look festive without screaming “HO! HO! HO!” so loud it annoys the neighbors. You can also try decorating your fireplace mantel with fragrant pines or topiaries in plain vases.

If you are striving for a more traditional, cozy, country cottage look this year, hang pinecone garland, bought or homemade, along your staircase or mantel to bring the outdoors inside. For an extra special touch, buy a bag of colored ribbons (large or small) at your local craft store to add to your garland. Go a step further and while you are out, pick up some fake white snow to sprinkle on top of the garland. Lucky for you, these decorations can all be found for free in nature or for discounted prices at local craft stores.

Whatever your holiday decorating style, fresh flowers on your tables are a perfect finishing touch. Besides adding to your home’s decor, they can bring in the scents of the holidays naturally! Here are a few tips and suggestions from the pros at ProFlowers to make your blooms last longer and help their fragrance permeate your home and hearth: If an arrangement will be made in advance, select compact blossoms that will open to full beauty by the day of your party.

Make beautiful and symmetrical arrangements by using flowers of different sizes. Space the flowers evenly by inserting the largest variety first and keeping a balance on all sides. Fill bare areas with smaller flowers. Accessorize! Use discount holiday decorations from your local craft store, such as colorful ribbons and/or miniature snowmen or miniature gifts to add to your arrangement, giving it flair and distinction. Most importantly, make sure your flowers receive lots of TLC! Keep your arrangements near sunlight and make sure they always have enough water.

For more budget-conscious decorating tips and discount holiday decorations, visit www.ProFlowers.com and view the expansive ProFlowers collection of flowers, plants, wreaths and more. View all Holiday Flowers Other sources: http://www.betterbudgeting.com/articles/decorating/christmasideas.htm http://interiordecorating.suite101.com/article.cfm/holiday_decorating_on_a_budget