All my neighbors have fancy holiday decorations, how can I keep up on a budget?

Dear Grace,

I’m new to my neighborhood, and I noticed that my neighbors all decorate their porches for every season and holiday. Everything looks so nice, I don’t want to be that house on the block that falls short, but I also don’t have the money to spend on fancy decorations. How do I join in the festivities on a budget?

– Discount Decorator in Dayton

Dear Discount Decorator,

You, my friend, have come to the right place.

Before I get too carried away by my not-so-hidden talent (budget magic making), I have to congratulate you on getting enough boxes unpacked to even think about holiday decorations. It sounds like your community really goes all out to spread some festive magic.

That magic can be expensive and unintentionally pull us into a cycle of keeping up with the Joneses. . .but it doesn’t have to! Our homes are a reflection of us and an opportunity to show the world what we love and care about. And although we’ve just been introduced, I can tell it means something to you to both contribute and belong, and I’m sure you will no matter how big (or small) the budget.

Here are some suggestions to show your neighborhood who you are: 

Soak up some inspiration. Consider this permission to do a Pinterest deep dive to help you nail down a theme – it could be an old childhood toy, or a fun pun or something that inspires you while watching your favorite holiday movie. Once you’ve landed the theme, spend some time online (holiday decoration listicles, Instagram hashtag searches, and YouTube are all good bets) absorbing inspiration from others. 

Buy once, use forever. Shop your own home first! Check your own stash to make sure you’re not doubling up, which, for me, is the biggest money-waster (am I the only one here who has ever bought tape and then found 7 rolls in a box after I got home?). Then, make your shopping list of the “must haves” to put your vision into action. 

Keep in mind, those neighbors with the elaborate festive decorations have been collecting decor and craft material for years. Most haunted houses (like Rome), weren’t built in a day. 

Shop for a bargain. Garage sales, estate sales, Craigslist’s free section, Facebook Marketplace, Buy Nothing groups, and thrift stores are all excellent places to dig for cheap or free supplies. You won’t believe the things that people give away just to clear up space. 

• Pro Tip #1: Shop the clearance rack right after a major holiday – red, white, and blue everything will be heavily marked down after July 4th and all that glitters will be up for grabs after New Year’s Eve. 
• Pro Tip #2: Focus on supplies that you can use throughout the seasons (like a variety pack of felt or spools of ribbon). 
• Pro Tip #3: Name something you can’t do with cardboard—I’ll wait. It can be cut into shapes, formed into 3-D decorations, used as a stencil, you name it. Rather than paying for it, pick it up for free at any convenience store. Simply ask, and ye shall receive, in large amounts. 

Don’t feel obligated to decorate for every holiday, Discount Decorator. Start with your personal favorites and build from there each year. After all, your neighbors will remember you over your wreath.

<3 Grace