The holidays are a greatest time of year, and also the greatest time of the year to be broke. Between all the holiday spending, gift shopping, home décor and grocery shopping, the holiday budget can go out the window. The holidays are a great time to get your creative juices flowing with some DIY- Do It Yourself projects and there are plenty of great ideas that can be simple, affordable and look amazing.
Do It Yourself Holiday Table Setting
The one thing that I absolutely love about DIY projects, especially center piece projects is the ability to have them be disposable. I live in a two bed-room New York City apartment and I can never find the room to store ANYTHING! I find that the easiest way to create a great looking centerpiece for the table that will please and excite your guests, is to incorporate everyday items that you use all year round, but to repurpose them using a holiday twist. Another great tip is to take advantage of all the freebies that nature has to offer, by bringing the outdoors in, you can add a element of cozy comfort to your surroundings, especially if the weather is indeed cold outside!
Pine Cones Glamour!
Pine cones are incredibly versatile, and they smell amazing. Pine cones are generally associated with Christmas, and no wonder, they do bear a striking resemblance to a Christmas tree. Because of their various shapes and sizes, pinecones make an excellent edition to your holiday centerpiece. On top of being every holiday décor MVP, pinecones are easily obtained or purchased, you can take a walk outside or foraging in your neighborhood park (make sure and wash them and let air dry if your using this route) or buying them from your local arts and crafts store. After getting the pinecones, all you will need is a glue gun and little candle holders, pots or bowls, shot glasses, glue the bottom of the pine cone and hold in place for 5-10 seconds. Once the pinecone is secure, you can add a little star for an added touch, or leave alone. There are also a variety of things you can do the customize your pine cones such as spray painting or adding some fake snow for an added Christmas touch.
Classy Cranberries!
This is a great way to make use of all the glassware that may locked away in cabinets, with the simple addition of a cranberry bush stem and a few tea lights can really make a chic and classy statement to your table center piece. One trick when submerging items such as flowers or various greenery in water, is that because of the bending of light beneath the water’s surface, objects appear to be bigger than they actually are. Try adding a few drops of essential oil to the water such as peppermint, and add a tea light, this is fill the house with a wonderful aroma. Try this with different ideas such as whole acorns or loose cranberries.
Captivating Cinnamon
This has to be one of my favorite projects can I do it every year in my household. I love the smell of cinnamon and it just warms me up from the inside out. Candles are run very high in cost, but they can be very affordable as well. This project is incredibly easy, and it tastes a few minutes of your time and a few materials. Whole Cinnamon sticks can be purchased from any supermarket or big chain wholesaler. Place the cinnamon sticks around your candles and secure with a colorful ribbon or garland, have fun with this and make it your own unique creation.
Remember, the holidays are about spending time together with friends, loved ones and family. Try out these DIY’s or try them all and make your very own creative, affordable, budget friendly table scape that is sure to impress.
