Catherine Gee of the Country Living Magazine Christmas Fair, shares her top tips for saving money this Christmas while celebrating in style.
1. Nothing beats a real tree with its Christmas scent, but they can be expensive. A smaller real tree will still give you the scent (and space for presents underneath) and will cost less to decorate. Use a simple string of white lights and tie different coloured ribbons on branches as a quick and cheap option.
2. Save money on wrapping paper by using plain brown paper from a stationery shop to wrap gifts, then dress them up with pretty twine, raffia or ribbon.
3. Double up a gift for a friend with a lovely day out. Treat a friend to a visit to the cinema, afternoon tea or to a trip to a Christmas Fair. The Country Living Magazine’s own event showcasing unique gifts, decorations, crafts, food and inspired interior ideas is at the SECC in November.
4. Go natural – save a bit on expensive decorations around the house by using foliage from your garden or go out for a long walk and gather some holly or lovely greenery just before the big day.
5. Agree a price limit for gifts across the extended family. It’s often more enjoyable finding the perfect gift for £5 or £10 than splurging out a fortune on another designer perfume. There will be lots of lovely gift ideas from just a few pounds at the fair.
6. Hand made gifts are always a winner – if you’re good in the kitchen, make a big batch of piccalilli or chutney. Get some little helpers involved in making treats like Gingerbread Garlands, Scenty Snowballs and Festive Lovehearts.
7. Food – buy the boring bits online, opting for supermarket own brands to save
time and money, then use your saving for all the special bits of the meal including
a top-
8. If you are hosting this Christmas don’t take on all the work and cost of the meal and ask all your guests to bring a dish or part of each course. If you have a guest that doesn’t like cooking, get them to bring the cheese, nuts or drinks!
9. Be creative displaying your cards and don’t just stick to the mantelpiece – hang cards with clothes pegs from string along the banister rail and use sparkly fridge magnets to display some cards in the kitchen.
10. Send Christmas greetings by email or if you are posting, get organised early
and send your cards by second-
11. Have a Christmas with a difference and volunteer at your local hospice or homeless unit. It costs nothing and will spread a bit of love and compassion.
Money-