Two must-have cheap thrills for the holidays

Happy December 1! I’ve got a whole month of Christmas content planned for the blog, and I couldn’t be more excited. It’s the most wonderful time of the year.

Today I want to share two things that are bringing me a lot of holiday joy already. First up is a tip from my mother. It’s her secret weapon for making everyday decorations look festive. And it’s inexpensive too. The secret? Christmasy floral picks.

I love the look of juniper with its blue berries.

She perches picks on top of favorite framed photos and on shelves, and immediately the décor that’s there all year long seems appropriate for the holidays. I’ve been following her advice for years, and I never tire of it. Plus, with picks costing as little as $1 apiece, it’s an affordable way to deck the halls.

Next up are these amazing “firefly” lights that cost a whopping $3.88 at Walmart. These are your best option for lighting garlands and small trees.

See how the lights are built right into flexible wire? When the strand is wrapped around your garland, the wire disappears. It’s the best $3.88 I’ve spent in a long time. And these guys are battery operated, which means no unsightly cords running to outlets. AND each strand has a timer; once you turn it on, it stays on for six hours, then turn itself on. That’s a lot of awesomeness for less than five bucks.

See? No wires are visible!

Are you done decorating? I’m off to the store to buy cup hooks for hanging stockings and to buy a little more greenery, which I’ll pump up with some real boughs from outside. Hope these tips today make your decorating a little less stressful and a lot more affordable. •