Okay, so my house may currently be in the middle of de-Christmasfying. For some reason, I'm taking my sweet time this year. Because after brunch on the 26th, I'm usually ready for the house to be tree and clutter-free. (At least, as clutter-free as I get.) But, I still have boxes around the house.
Some of you ask how I store all my Christmas decorations... this is how. Lots of boxes.I have 20-30 boxes/tubs/bags. Along with all the trees. And, this is totally doable in our basement. Although Ryan disagrees as he tows them all up and down the stairs. But that's his part of the bargain. I do all the putting up and taking down and he lugs everything around for me. What a guy!
But even if you are taking down your Christmas decor (or already have), I'm here to tell you that
now is also the time to think about next Christmas. I know that sounds totally crazy, but it's true. Nearly all of my decorations (and you know I have a lot) were purchased in the weeks after Christmas. Almost all of my wedding decor items were bought on the day after Christmas 2006.
This year, I really didn't have anything major on my list to find. But, that didn't mean I could pass up a 7.5-inch silver pre-lit tree (very similar to
this one). I was so darn excited, I think I broke the sound barrier when I spotted it. I made a quick hubby call to make sure he didn't think it was *too* ridiculous to bring home yet.another.Christmas.tree. I really should have considered how I would get it home. My passenger had to sit underneath it in the backseat of my car.
Totally worth it.
I've been drooling over similar trees for a few years and finally bit the bullet when I saw it for 75 percent off. Get in the buggy.
This reminded me to share with you the way I buy all of my decorations, After Christmas is
the best time to pick up ornaments, table linens and anything else your little Christmas heart desires. Just don't go overboard or your husband will have a bad back from all the trips up and down the stairs. (Speaking from experience.)
I
know you are totally over Christmas decorations. That's kind of the point. Pick up things now, when everyone else is over them, too. Then, store them up immediately and be prepared for one hearty surprise next November when you open those boxes and remember all the AWESOME stuff you scored.
While I didn't really need anything this year (outside of that gorgeous silver tree), we did pick up a few things for my brother's girlfriend Jess. Upon arriving home with our finds, we whipped up a bright colored ornament wreath with our treasured ornaments. (Aren't the colors awesome?)
We also found two adorable place mats for a few bucks that we sewed up into pillows.
How much easier could this be? Just rip the seams out of the side of a placemat, stuff and re-sew. Everyone was doing this in Blog-land a few years ago. I'm always a bit behind. I just got my first pair of Uggs for Christmas. So, clearly, I'm way behind the trends. My very fashionable friend Ashley had Uggs like 10 years ago. But, I digress.
If you are going to go Christmas decor shopping now, here are my tips:
- Make a list. What would you love to find? Do you wish you had a small tree for your kitchen or a wreath for your bathroom mirror? Do you want pillows or a quilt or towels? Write it down. This will help you find exactly what you want and what you can actually fit in your house. And it will keep you from ending up with a bunch of garbage that will stay in boxes... forever.
- Be patient. You may not find everything on your list, but keep at it and keep those eyes open. I have a few things on my "mental list" that have been on there for years. The right thing just hasn't come along. And I can live without them until they do. Also, remember that prices go lower and lower. If you can wait until after New Year's, stores will practically pay you to take their Christmas stuff.
- Don't pay too much. I won't even consider buying anything for holiday decorating for under 50 percent off regular price. Usually, I try to stick to 75 percent off unless I love it so much I would regret walking away. But in my opinion, no matter how much you like something, you shouldn't pay full price.
- Check out different stores. Discount stores are great, but also check out department stores, hardware stores, specialty stores, craft stores, thrift stores and high-end boutiques. I've found some really unique things by looking around. Brand new pine cone garland - $.25/strand at a thrift sale. Fun and unique Christmas pillow - $3.00 at a local boutique. Great ornaments - $2/pack at a hardware store. You get the idea.
- Think storage. I add to my storage arsenal almost every year by buying boxes and bags for trees, wreaths, ornaments, etc. Almost all these things are on sale after the holidays. Having a place to put everything after Christmas is a good practice to begin early. It's much less expensive to buy a Rubbermaid container here or there than to buy them all at once.
So, what are your tips? And, have you found anything great this year?
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