Holiday Cost Cutters

The holidays are here and everyone is trying to save a few bucks. But how can you save and still make your home look festive and inviting for all your family and guests? It's easy with these simple tricks.

Create a festive centerpiece-Simply arrange Christmas ball ornaments of various sizes and colors in a clear glass bowl or vase. You can even add a few sprigs of evergreen to add to the festivity. Money saved:$50

Make a memorable garland-Snip a length of festive ribbon and use all your holiday greeting cards to make a personalized garland. Simply use a hole punch to make holes and slide the cards onto the ribbon. You can also use old Christmas photos. Money saved:$50

Decorate Victorian style-Visit your local home decor store for free samples of floral patterened wall paper. Cut and fold the scraps into fancy fans and tuck into garland or onto the tree. Money saved:$10

Surprise guests with stockings-To conceal small or odd sized gifts try visiting the dollar store for a colorful stocking. While you are there pick up some fabric paint to use for personalizing the stocking. Everyone loves dumping out a stocking to find small, unique gifts. Money saved:$50

Look good for less-If your little black dress has seen one too many parties you could run out and buy a new one, or you could borrow one. Simply go to weartodaygonetomorrow.com or dressvault.com and choose a dress to borrow. You may find a designer outfit for up to 80% off the retail price. Money saved:$90

Repurpose maps and newspaper as wraps-Maps and newspapers are a very colorful alternative to gift wrap. You could even match the map or article to the type of gift for a little extra personalization. Money saved:$10

Wine on a dime-French wines are heavily marketed and this ups the price. You can still make a good impression with a cheaper version such as something from the Duboeuf winery. They have versions that are light, fruity and fresh. Money saved:$20

Bake you own artisan bread-Try Jim Lahey's no-knead bread. It is a 24 hour rising bread and produces a huge loaf of golden brown sourdough. Simply Google "Jim Lahey no-knead bread" for the recipe. Money saved:$30

Give dinner a Tex-Mex twist-Visit recipes.com for delicious Mexican Christmas recipes. They have great ideas to make even enchiladas look festive. Money saved:$60