Classy, Cost Efficient Living Rooms for Christmas

How do you get a magazine look on a limited budget? Follow some of these tips and creative ideas to help make your living room a knock out for the holidays.

1. Determine your Focal Point. Your focal point is what you want people to see first when they walk in the room. Is it your tree, the mantle or fireplace; either of these are traditional areas of focus. If neither is an option for your, then find a large flat surface where you can create a display that will remain undisturbed. (This is especially important if you have small children.)

2. Use paper to create decorative shapes. Trees of varying shapes, cut out of white paper would look great taped to the wall behind mantle. Finish off with some bits of curly ribbon and inexpensive, round, satin or glass ornaments resting in front of your homemade forest.

3. Drape greenery wired together from your mantle or wrap another piece of furniture with seasonal greenery. For tips on creating your own garland from candy, check out this article.

4. If possible, place lighted displays like trees where they can reflect their light against mirrored or glass surfaces for maximum impact.

5. Consider borrowing some tricks from department store displays. One example would be wrapped, empty boxes. They are inexpensive, but have lots of visual impact.

6. If the cost of a tree isn't in your budget this year, there are many other ways to enjoy some of your favorite ornaments. You can hang them from your fire screen, use them on a homemade wreath, or leave them on display inside a large glass jar. Ornament stands are another great way to display your favorites.

7. If you don't have a tree or fresh evergreens, then consider using scented candles or spices simmering on the stove. Fragrance is another sensory experience that can help make your holiday space complete. I often love to boil cinnamon sticks and cloves. It smells great and the extra moisture helps humidify the dry winter air.

8. Poinsettias are always available around the holidays at reasonable prices. These are a great color accent for anyone, even the non-gardener. Remember to keep this plant of nibbling range of small children and pets.

9. Need a tree skirt? Use some inexpensive fabric from your local sewing supply store. Most usually have remnants available for bargain prices. Felt is also very inexpensive and works well as skirting. Incorporate tree decorating into your holiday party or family time and make paper chains and pop corn strings; inexpensive items that are rich in shared experience. Purchase a large red bow or make your own to use as a tree topper.

10. Find a way to display seasonal cards that you receive. They are usually very colorful and will help accent the room. If you need help (as I do) in getting motivated to send out cards of your own, then place some on display in a prominent location. Then as cards from others arrive to be added, you can grab one to send off in return.