Thinking of sprucing up your home for upcoming festivities? To get you started, we asked a professional designer for her best ideas on how to add splash without spending a lot of cash.

Beautiful Bunting

Planning a party? Try making this festive banner, says craft designer Linda Permann (lindamade.com). First, cut several large triangles from a variety of patterned papers and a length of yarn. Fold one straight edge over about 1/2 inch. Place the fold over the yarn and tape or glue the folded edge to the back of the triangle to encase the yarn. Repeat with as many triangles as necessary, spacing each one a few inches apart, until the bunting reaches the desired length for hanging.

Cozy Candles

Inexpensive candles can add warmth to any room. For a twist, try grouping wine glasses, glass jars and vases together as candleholders. Fill each with a bit of water and drop in a floating tea-light candle. “Nesting several containers of varying sizes adds to the glow,” says Permann. Want to add some holiday spirit? “Just add a bit of food coloring to the water.”

Customized Table Runner

To add a little color to your dining table, try this beautiful — and simple — table runner: Cut a piece of pre-washed fabric to the width and length you want, making sure to allow for a half-inch hem around the edges. Fold over and hem the edges using a double-sided iron-on fusible web (like Steam-A-Seam®). “Try this trick to make placemats to match, too,” Nicole Smith, associate editor of SewStylish and Threads. “They’re so easy, you’ll find yourself making them for every occasion and season.”

Pretty Pillows

Here’s a quick holiday decoration idea to liven up your couch: Make festive pillow covers from silk scarves. Find two square scarves that are the same size. (Since silk is a delicate material that tears easily, you also may want to mount a swath of muslin on one side of each scarf.) Place the scarves together with right sides facing (and the muslin facing up), and using a 1/2-inch seam allowance sew around three of the edges. Turn the scarves inside out, insert a pillow form (available at craft and fabric stores) and stitch the open side closed.

Funky Frames

Looking for inexpensive art? Collect prints of your family’s favorite holiday moments and some pretty scrapbooking papers. Then, cut the paper to fit inexpensive frames. “Mix and match frames for an eclectic look,” Permann suggests. ”Or go modern by sticking to one color with the papers and spray painting all of your frames either black or white.”

Ribbon Dance

Give your white lampshades a holiday pick-me-up by adding a decorative ribbon detail, says Smith. All it takes is a little fabric glue or no-sew tape (like Sealah No Sew), and in minutes you’ll be made in the shade.

Post a Tip or Comment

Member Comments

1. Posted 11/10/2008 at 14:51 PM by blanch

   Great tips, especially about ribbon on lampshades. You could even use trims from the fabric store - bric-a-brac, pom poms, etc.

Post a Tip or Comment

Once you type your comment and click Submit, you will be asked to sign in or register before your comment or tip can be posted.

Comment guidelines