By: Denise Wild

The holidays are here! And if you know me, you know how much I love decorating my spaces for festive entertaining. However, with inflation on the rise and price increases everywhere, I’m being a little pickier about what I’m spending money on this year. The good news is, there are so many ways you can turn your home into a festive entertaining space without breaking the bank! Here are some DIY tips for bringing that holiday spirit into your home while keeping your wallet tucked away:

1. Deck the halls…with small vignettes

   Cluster small, holiday-themed decor accessories in various spots around your home to add a touch of Christmas at every turn. Some items you can think about grouping together would be a family of nutcrackers, snow globes, a stack of holiday-themed books, or a few hung-up stockings.

2. As we dream, by the fire…in comfy holiday toss cushions

   Holiday toss cushions will instantly transform a room with a very small price tag. And if you’re a sewer, you can DIY them—think fun Christmas patterns and colours, notable characters (Frosty, Santa Clause, Rudolph), or your favourite holiday catch phrase (Let it Snow, Merry and Bright, Deck the Halls).

3. What a bright time!

   Consider adding small red or green lights, battery-powered candles, or white twinkle lights throughout your home for a touch of holiday ambiance. You can wrap them up a railing, line them around door frames, or even around mirrors! I personally love weaving them inside a long piece of garland for an extra holiday sparkle.

4. Put the CUTE in charcuterie

   Put together two or three separate charcuterie boards, each with their own theme that guests can enjoy throughout the day. Perhaps one is traditional meats and cheese, one could include the Butterball Turkey Roast and fruits, and one could be a dessert or candy spread.

5. All I want for Christmas is…a signature mocktail

   Mix some of your favourite drinkable ingredients into a family-friendly mocktail. Give the drink a festive name (like Prancer’s Peppermint Spritz), and set up a drink station complete with holiday glassware and garnishes. This is also a great way to get everyone involved—consider asking your guests to bring ingredients to create a batch of their own signature mocktail, and everyone can share!

6. In the air there’s a scent of Christmas

   Whether it’s a candle, plug-in, or simmering apple cider on the stove, a holiday scent is sure to get everyone in the mood for Christmas cheer. I especially love the stove-top idea because it’s an easy and affordable way to get a beautiful-smelling home! I personally love mixing cinnamon and orange slices in a large pot of water and letting them simmer, but the scent combos are endless. Make sure you don’t go overboard by mixing too many different ingredients together—keep things light and fresh!

7. Sing some sleighin’ songs tonight!

   Nothing invokes the holiday spirit like classic Christmas songs and your favourite family tunes. Check out my newest Butterball holiday playlist, which is full of my favourite festive entertaining songs. There’s nothing like a kitchen dance party with family and friends!