| Last minute details can take a holiday home from ho | | | | teddy and tuck onto the mantle, use wooden blocks |
| ho hum to spectacular, and doesn't have to cost a | | | | to spell out Christmas words or sayings...create a toy |
| lot of cash! Here are some great quick, easy, and | | | | wonderland from your own "backyard" so to speak! |
| inexpensive ideas to wow your guests and comfort | | | | *Drop by your dollar store and pick up some |
| your family. | | | | Christmas wrapping paper. (Yes, it is just a buck!) |
| *Use those leftover bits of wrapping paper and a | | | | Wrap some of the pictures from your walls like gifts, |
| hole punch to make confetti. (Great job for the kids!) | | | | add a bow, then rehang. I like to do this just in the |
| Use the colorful confetti to sprinkle across holiday | | | | entryway for more impact using fewer dollars! You |
| tables for festive cheer, or save for that midnight | | | | could also "wrap" your front door or window with a |
| moment! | | | | bow and ribbon, and some packing tape. |
| *Invest in a large roll of wire edged ribbon in gold or | | | | *Cut simple holiday shapes out of paper or felt, then |
| silver, so that it can be used for all holidays right into | | | | hang with thread from curtain rods, hanging lamps, |
| New Years. Learn to tie fanciful bows, or just tie a | | | | doorways or over the outside of a lampshade. Try |
| simple bow to the backs of dining chairs, around | | | | your hand at paper snowflakes, and hang them in |
| stemware, or around your silverware. Let it ribbon | | | | groups in your windows. |
| through holiday centerpieces, over mantels, or | | | | *Stamp holiday shapes on your glass windows with |
| stream it across doorways. | | | | craft paint. Mix acrylic paint with an equal amount of |
| *Use graham crackers, a little frosting, and cookies | | | | dish washing liquid soap, then use to stamp |
| and candies from the dollar or discount store to | | | | snowflakes, stockings, and Santas on the inside of |
| create a wonderful Gingerbread House centerpiece in | | | | your windows. After the holidays, it will clean right |
| no time! This is one of those projects that make | | | | off with window cleaner and a non abrasive scrub |
| memories, so bring the kids to the table, make a | | | | pad. (You know, the kind that is safe for non stick |
| replica of your own home, or make replicas of friends | | | | cookware, so that it doesn't scratch your windows.) |
| homes and give as gifts! The best frosting to use is | | | | *Finally, light those candles, and bring the sparkle of |
| a stiff one, with no ingredients that will spoil. | | | | the holidays right to your table each and every night, |
| Remember, you can color some frosting to make | | | | don't wait for company! |
| grass and trees. | | | | Enjoy the joy of the season, and Happy Holidays |
| *Have your children pitch in with holiday decorating, | | | | from The Budget |
| and ask them if they have any toys that would like | | | | Decorator! |
| to watch for Santa! Tie ribbon around the neck of a | | | | |