Deck the halls like a pro: Affordable and creative holiday decorating ideas

Here’s how to bring a fresh feeling of holiday magic into your home on a budget.

Courtesy of Brett Firdman
Courtesy of Brett Firdman

Prices listed in this article reflect costs at the time of publication and are subject to change.

Paid for by Walmart

With the holidays in full swing, it’s time to start spreading festive joy throughout your home. Whether you decorate a small corner or your whole house, those cheerful touches will make your space more inviting to guests and create a beautiful wintertime retreat for you.

Walmart and blogger Brett Firdman have partnered to share tips and creative ways to boost your holiday decorating with several key items to help make your home feel warm and cozy for the holidays.

Courtesy of Brett Firdman
Courtesy of Brett Firdman

Start with a vision

Firdman recommends you ask yourself what style you want your home to have this festive season. Are you going for a traditional vibe or trying to capture a modern and neutral look? “I always suggest listing out the spaces you want to decorate and itemizing the pieces you’ll need for each,” Firdman says. “With your theme and list in check, you’re in great shape to truly enjoy the process.”

Stay true to your existing decor

“If you adore blues and sandy neutrals in your everyday life, weave those hues into your holiday theme,” Firdman says. “Blend the magic of the season with your home’s natural charm, creating a more personal yet festive atmosphere.”

Spread holiday cheer in unexpected places

Firdman loves adding a little something in every nook and cranny — even spots like her coffee bar or powder room. “Little touches of decor in unexpected places, like a minitree on the dining table or the perfectly scented holiday candle, bring the magic of the season home to enjoy daily,” Firdman says.

Be mindful of your budget

“You don’t need to start over every year with a huge decor haul, as tempting as it might be,” Firdman says. She highlights that balancing old and new items allows you to infuse your space with tradition while keeping things fresh. “Pair vintage ornaments with modern, metallic baubles for a classic-meets-contemporary twist,” Firdman says. “Or, turn an old wreath into a stunning centerpiece filled with candles or decorative minitrees.”

Shop online to scope decor deals

Firdman enjoys shopping on walmart.com, as it offers affordability without sacrificing quality, which is crucial when decking the halls on a budget. She mentions that Walmart consistently stays on top of the latest trends and sells both classic and contemporary items, making it a breeze to find decor that fits her style seamlessly.

Courtesy of Brett Firdman
Courtesy of Brett Firdman

Ways to enhance your festive decor

Twinkling lights: Use string lights to add a warm and inviting glow to your home. You can wrap them around stair railings, drape them over mantels or hang them on your outdoor bushes and trees.

Wreaths and garlands: Hang wreaths on your front door and windows and decorate your mantel and staircase with garlands. You can purchase pre-made ones or create your own with artificial or natural greenery.

Ornaments everywhere: Fill glass vases or bowls with colorful ornaments and place them on tables and shelves.

Candles and candleholders: Use scented candles and decorative candleholders to add a cozy and festive ambiance to your home. Place them on your dining table, coffee table and throughout your living space.

Hang stockings: The charm of stockings doesn’t have to be limited to just the fireplace. You can hang them on the staircase or create a dedicated stocking wall.

Seasonal plants: Decorate with potted poinsettias or other seasonal plants. They bring a pop of color and a natural element to your decor.

Festive throw pillows and blankets: Swap out your regular throw pillows and blankets for holiday-themed ones in colors and patterns that match your decor.

Remember that the most important thing is to have fun and enjoy the process of decorating. Encourage family members to contribute their ideas and personal touches, making decorating a collaborative and heartwarming experience.

White Cable Knit Christmas Stocking, 20”, by Holiday Time

Courtesy of Walmart
Courtesy of Walmart

$14.99 at Walmart

This classic and cozy stocking adds a finishing touch to your holiday display. Its attached loop makes it easy to hang over a fireplace, mantel, staircase or at the foot of a bed, creating a charming focal point for your holiday decorations.

White Ilex Berry Artificial Christmas Wreath, 24’’ x 24’’, by Holiday Time

Courtesy of Walmart
Courtesy of Walmart

$29.87 at Walmart

Designed to bring a touch of festive elegance to your home, this wreath creates a warm and inviting atmosphere for the holiday season. Its classic, wintry style complements almost any home and decor style. You can place it on your front door, windows or even mantel.

24 Pack Gold Star Ornaments for Christmas Tree, Bulk Holiday Decorations (6’’)

Courtesy of Walmart
Courtesy of Walmart

$22.99 at Walmart

These gold, sparkly ornaments immediately add a festive touch to your decor. Each comes with an attached string, making hanging on a tree, door or window easy.

Yankee Candle Silver Birch — Large 2 Wick Tumbler Candle

Courtesy of Walmart
Courtesy of Walmart

$16.88 at Walmart

Treat yourself or delight your loved ones with the perfect blend of sensory and decorative charm. This Yankee Candle smells like a crisp, early fall breeze.

Mini Shatterproof Glitter Christmas Tree Ball Ornaments (Silver, White, 1.5”, 48 Pack)

Courtesy of Walmart
Courtesy of Walmart

$18.99 at Walmart

Deck your halls with the enchantment of shiny ornaments. You can hang them on a wreath, garland or tree to create a warm and festive theme for the holiday season. If you’re hosting a dinner, you can use them as centerpiece decorations.

Sofia Home Mercury Glass Hurricane Candleholder, Gold, Large

Courtesy of Walmart
Courtesy of Walmart

$19.98 at Walmart

Effortlessly combine sophistication with the season’s warmth with this gold candleholder. Its simple, elevated design adds a striking beauty to any room you bring it to.

Vickerman 8” Artificial Red Berry Ball. This ball is indoor and outdoor safe.

Courtesy of Walmart
Courtesy of Walmart

$32.79 at Walmart

Whether adorning wreaths, garlands or centerpieces, these berries effortlessly enhance the visual appeal of your holiday decor. They incorporate a pop of color and add a touch of nature-inspired elegance.

Yankee Candle Balsam & Cedar — 22 oz Large Modern Brushed Lid Tumbler Candle: Holiday/Seasonal, Woody Scented, 2 Wick Soy Wax Blend with 75 Hours Burn Time, Unisex

Courtesy of Walmart
Courtesy of Walmart

$33.85 at Walmart

This aromatic cedar wood candle will illuminate your home with the magic of the holidays. It’ll add a festive forest fragrance to your space.

36 Pack Silver Christmas Ornaments Set Hanging Disco Mirror Ball for Crafts, Xmas Holiday Party Decorations, 2”.

Courtesy of Walmart
Courtesy of Walmart

$29.29 at Walmart

Crafted to give disco vibes to your holiday decor, these ornaments bring a festive flair and a lively holiday spirit. You’ll be transforming your tree into a dazzling dance floor, capturing the fun essence of the season.

15.75” x 19.75” Wood-Framed Winter Foliage Wall Art Traditional Christmas Decoration, Multicolor, Holiday Time

Courtesy of Walmart
Courtesy of Walmart

$12.98 at Walmart

This affordable winter foliage wall art adds some understated sophistication to your interior holiday decor. Hang it on any interior wall for a little extra seasonal charm.

Sofia Home Red Stoneware Serve Platter

Courtesy of Walmart
Courtesy of Walmart

$17.98 at Walmart

Simple yet elegant, this tray is durable for everyday use and stylish enough for all your holiday entertaining needs. It’s conveniently dishwasher- and microwave-safe.

From Walmart:

Walmart is your one-stop shop for all your holiday needs. From beauty to home and tech items, you’ll find a gift for everyone on your list. To stress less this holiday season without breaking the bank, shop now on walmart.com.

This article was paid for by Walmart and created by Yahoo Creative Studios. The Yahoo Life editorial staff did not participate in the creation of this content.