Thrifty Christmas Decorating
Thrifty Christmas Decorating
By Barb Tobias, NABBW’s Thrifting Expert
I am a collector of orphans…the savior of parts. I love to put together all the unloved pieces that people throw away and make masterpieces. And, no season brings more opportunity than the holiday season.
I begin my decorating by pulling out all my Christmas finds and begin sorting, purging and grouping “orphaned” items that will be used to fashion holiday displays.
This year I made a splendid centerpiece from odds and ends collected throughout the year from various thrift venues…garage sales, flea markets and estate sales. Earlier in the year I found a solidly built chrome stand that once held a globe … I presumed. I wasn’t sure what I would do with the piece, however I loved the height and heft of it and snatched it up for a mere $2.00. I was a little concerned that I might not find a lantern that would fit effectively within the ridged top, but felt it was worth a try.
I’ve learned, from being a hopeless thrift-a-holic for over thirty years, that patience eventually pays off. And, sure enough … four or five months later, I was delighted to find a cracked glass hurricane. I placed my new acquisition on my miscellaneous shelf where it sat until this holiday season.
After I had sorted all my items I was anxious to see if the globe would fit into my tall, stately stand. As I slid the lantern into place it was the perfect fit!
Next I got busy creating my Christmas centerpiece. I took two random greenery vines, twisted them about the base and placed a fresh pine-scented candle within the globe. Now I had a centerpiece worthy for the most festive table … for under $10.00!
Greenery and garlands, collected throughout the garage sale season, are draped over mirrors, mantels and bowls. These festive ropes are often decorated with odd flowers, berries, balls and candles.
And finally, I enjoy decorating with some holiday humor … adding a little spice and personality to my rooms. Often, décor pieces that adorn my home year ‘round, are decorated with a bit of holiday whimsy.
Barb Tobias, author, speaker, thrift specialist, and frugal decorating consultant is a hopeless Thrift-a-holic.
Lauded as the frugally chic purveyor of an environmentally conscious nation, Barb\’ s release, Tossed & Found, gives the reader a birds-eye-view of the riches stashed within the dimly lit coffers of the thrift world.
Barb Tobias is available for speaking engagements, workshops, guest appearances and media events. 1-877-711-DIVA (3482). Learn more about Barb on her website, Thrift Talk Diva.
