By ERIN TURNER
When it comes to decorating for Christmas I’ve determined I have a split personality. While I’m deeply ingrained in family and cultural tradition around the holidays, I can’t help but to shake things up every couple of years and change my decorating style. I better start apologizing to my mother for the years I would walk around the house as a young girl and point out decorations that were out of place. “Mom, this ALWAYS goes on this table and this Santa goes HERE!” She always humored me and let me arrange the decorations according to how I thought we ALWAYS did it!
Nowadays, I like to change it up and create new styles and looks for my own holiday house. I still love tradition but I like it to have a different look every so often. Recently, I’ve discovered a new little trick for giving my décor some new life while not spending very much money.
My little trick? Have you ever wandered down the wrapping paper aisle? Try it and take a look at the variety of adorable gift tags. My favorite ones I’ve discovered are the snowflakes in silver, white, red, blue or gold. They are all glittery and are one of my most versatile decorating tools! And at $1 for a package of 4, you will find these all over my house. They are perfect to tuck in to a pot of pine boughs. This year, I’m using them on top of a wall mirror which is serving as the centerpiece on our dining room table. They are simple yet elegant and really pack a seasonal punch!
The Christmas tree in our family room has always been a fun cowboy-themed tree but after 10 years, I was looking for a change. I found these really cute cut-out gift tags with deer and snowflakes. A pack of 6 for $3. Between those and my glittery snowflakes and new ribbon which was 60% off last week, I created a Winter Lodge themed tree. I think this is my all-time favorite tree ever! And for less than $10, it really is my favorite!
Who knew that simple gift tags could brighten your holidays for just a few dollars? Gift tags are a fun and unique way to shake up your typical holiday decorating! Plus, if you decide to change décor in a few years, you won’t feel guilty about not using your inexpensive gift tags. (Hint: don’t get rid of them right away…you may find a new use for them. Maybe even as a gift tag?!)
Being frugal during holiday time isn’t about being cheap or getting stuck in a rut. It’s about being creative and having fun. I’ve used everything from napkin rings to gift tags to old jewelry in my holiday décor! It’s fun, creative, resourceful and frugal!
Grab some gift tags this year as you deck the halls but be sure to stock up after Christmas when they will be on clearance. Then tuck them away and next Christmas you’ll be set for a fresh new look in your holiday décor!
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Erin Eisenman-Turner is proud to be a native Missoulian. Along with her husband and three sons, they raise chickens, pigs, rabbits, and vegetables at Turner Family Farms in the Orchard Homes area. When the farm chores are done, the coupons clipped, and the blog written, you can find Erin exploring Montana, collecting antiques, and trying to maintain a well-run, happy, and organized home for her family. Read more of Erin’s blogs about homesteading, farming, homemaking and other fun things at TurnerFarmLiving.com
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