Inexpensive and Delightful Christmas Party Decoration Ideas

Let's say you'd like to liven up your space for a special Christmas party or maybe just to set a celebratory tone for the entire holiday season; let's say you'd like to add some pizazz to your scene with a few well-chosen Xmas decorations, but you don't have a big budget to devote to the cause. Not a problem. Here are several fun and festive décor ideas to get you started, each of them less than $10. All of these ideas are culled from etsy.com, 'Your Source to Buy & Sell All Things Handmade'.

~Garlands-What could be more special than a holiday garland? When thinking of Christmas garlands, one needn't limit themselves to old-fashioned notions and traditional ideas like stringing together popcorn and cranberries. Certainly there are good things to be said for tradition and homemade handiwork, but there are also plenty of more contemporary twists on Christmas garlands if you're looking to freshen things up with something different.

The Caramelos shop offers a Baby Leaf Boxwood Garland, at only $3.45 for fifteen feet of delicate little wired leaves. You could use this by itself for a simple elegance or combine it with other elements of flair from the same shop, such as pretty tinsel ribbon (5 yards for $2.99) or lovely red reindeer ribbon (2 yards for $2.75), to mention only a few of myriad wondrous possibilities. Browse the shop goodies for yourself at http://www.etsy.com/shop/caramelos.

The 30one shop shows that even vintage-esque can be fresh and contemporary, as in the case of the Let it Snow Winter Banner which costs $5.95. This distinctive decoration is constructed from vintage alphabet cards stitched onto seam binding ribbon to spell out 'Let it Snow'. Pretty nifty, isn't it? Take a closer look at this item and some other paper treasures at http://www.etsy.com/shop/30one.

The 32 North Supplies shop is a source for some truly unique supplies if you think you might have a hankering to create your very own holiday party garland. Your fantastical creation could incorporate anything from Feather Glittered Butterflies ($7.95 for a group of six, made with real feathers) to Vintage West Germany Spun Cotton and Lacquered Mushrooms ($4.25 for a bundle of twelve, a favorite in Europe for Christmas decorating) and so much more. If you're in the mood to make fairy tale like Xmas decorations, shop for supplies at http://www.etsy.com/shop/32NorthSupplies.

~Ornaments-Christmas ornaments are of course another holiday decorating favorite, whether you use them to adorn your Xmas tree or display them in other nooks & crannies or maybe even distribute them as party favors.

The scarppinstars shop offers a set of five star-shaped Christmas ornaments for only $5.00. Made out of metal and fastened with green ribbon, these adornments could work well with shabby chic décor, rustic country décor, or even an artsy industrial style. I think they are all well worth a dollar each. For these and other wares (including stars of many sizes plus hearts and jingle bells), visit http://www.etsy.com/shop/scrappinstars.

The 32 North Supplies shop mentioned in the garlands section above also happens to have many distinctive holiday ornament selections available for acquisition. I like the shabby chic looking bunnies, six for $6.95, standing upon little green pedestals and with string hangers. This shop also sells handmade Christmas Straw Star Ornaments, eight for $5.95 and the item description suggests that "you can embellish these with Dresden foil trims and paper scraps or paint them or use some glitter". Sounds like a fun and festive way to add your own personal creative touch.

~Other-Other holiday decorating ideas are limited only by your own imagination. Try to make use of supplies you already have on hand within your home to make your own garlands, ornaments, place setting cards, Christmas cards, or whatever else strikes your fancy. Keep in mind that you can also appeal to senses other than the visual by using delicious smelling baked goods or holiday beverages as part of your Christmas party décor. Gingerbread men, hot apple cider, hot toddies or check out this delicious Cranberry Orange Streusel Bread recipe which makes for some extra-yummy holiday smells and tastes:

http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/1382638/spring_recipe_homemade_cranberry_orange.html?cat=22

Spicy, pumpkin, cinnamon, gingerbread-scented or pine-scented candles or potpourri can also be a good way to stimulate those olfactory senses.

Finally, here's an extra-special variation on Christmas garlands that really delights me and maybe it will get you in the spirit, too. The orangekisses shop (http://www.etsy.com/shop/orangekisses) offers these wonderful decorative ceiling hangings called poms. Constructed from tissue paper, they make me think of artsy floral piñatas or organic disco balls. They come in numerous shapes and colors (including a red & white hued Candy Cane style) and would most definitely create a memorable party vibe. According to the shop description, "Add fun and flair to your next party with these adorable pom poms! They are the perfect, budget-friendly alternative to hanging lanterns or floral arrangements. You can hang them, add them as table decor, and they are great favors for your guests." At $5.00 or less apiece (and also available in larger sets), how can you go wrong? See for yourself by clicking the link.

Happy holidays!