The Grinch will not be stealing Christmas this year, there are too many decorations! This Holiday season, there are options for almost all decorating styles for your living space. Whether you are decorating for yourself, to entertain or helping your loved ones, encourage creativity and explore new decorating ideas.

“I love decorating for the holidays because it becomes so much more than decorating; when we decorate the Christmas tree, some of the ornaments are from when we were kids and we end up reminiscing and laughing,” Vanessa Delgado (senior, Biological Sciences) said. 

Many of us remember candy canes and multi-colored lights on the Christmas tree growing up, but this year consider having a more modern themed tree. 

This year, I chose to decorate one tree using only red and gold colored items. The second tree I decorated reflects a more sophisticated look, glimmering with black, silver and white. To help make your tree even more festive you can buy gift wrap ribbon, which color coordinates with your tree, and wrap it around from top to bottom. 

“I’ve already decorated for Christmas in my dorm. Lights, wrapping paper on the walls, and I have my tree up,” Steve Silva (junior, Psychology) said. “Tips? Dollar store!” 

For those of us who love to entertain during the holidays, remember it can be fun on a college student budget. One of my mom’s budget friendly tips is to use picture frames. Remove photos and insert Christmas wrapping paper. Use this for quick and easy wall decor.

If you identify with Charles Dickens “Scrooge” during the holidays, there are ways to bring the feeling of the holidays into your home by spending almost nothing! One of my personal favorite items for the home are candles. Candlelight creates a warm, cozy atmosphere. Familiar holiday fragrances such as spiced apple cider, peppermint mocha or fresh cut pine tree remind us of pleasant holiday memories. 

Now that we’ve knocked out the Bah-Humbug personalities, let’s get to decorating the dining room because you can’t have a dinner party without the table set! The dining room table can be decorated as minimal as a gold table cloth and tapered candles. A cost effective way to add table fillers is to cut stems and flowers from the garden and spray paint them gold or silver. 

No one has time to do dishes, right? Paper plates and plastic cups are a college student’s best friend! Just spend a few dollars more and buy the holiday decorative ones and you’re ready to get your party on. 
Most importantly, never forget to exercise caution while decorating and have fun!