Compiled by the editorial desk with reference to expert interviews and design industry insights.

As the holiday season approaches, the financial strain of gifts, travel, and entertaining can quickly add up. Yet decorating your home for the festivities doesn't have to be another expense. Two interior designers—Adnan Anwar of Adnan Anwar Design and Kristin Keyes of Kristin Keyes Interior Design—share five practical strategies for creating a stylish holiday atmosphere using items already in your home.

Their advice comes at a time when many households are looking to trim budgets without sacrificing the warmth and charm of the season. By rethinking everyday objects and embracing family connections, these tips offer a path to festive decor that is both economical and personal.

Ribbon Scraps Get a Second Life

With gift-wrapping season in full swing, ribbon scraps often end up in the trash. Anwar suggests giving them a decorative role instead. He notes that bows, while trendy in fashion, are also a classic holiday interior element. Tying ribbon around light fixtures, vases, pots, doorknobs, or simply tacking them to a wall or banister can add a festive touch. Anwar personally favors solid velvet ribbon, but he emphasizes that any pattern or color works if it appeals to you.

Candlelight and Cupboard Creations

Colorful taper candles, often tucked away in drawers, can instantly make a space feel seasonal. Anwar points out that candlesticks look equally at home on coffee tables, case pieces, or dining tables, offering flexibility in placement.

For a more involved project, Keyes recommends crafting a garland from pantry staples like cranberries and popcorn. This classic decoration can be draped over a tree, mantel, or above a doorway. Keyes advises setting aside time for this labor-intensive task, suggesting, “Cue up a nice, long holiday movie and pour yourself a beverage though because these garlands can take some time to create.”

Family Heirlooms Add Charm

If your own decor collection is sparse, Keyes suggests reaching out to relatives. She shares that her mother and mother-in-law were “holiday decor maximalists” with more ornaments than they could display. Now, Keyes and her husband own their childhood ornaments, which their children enjoy seeing. This practice not only saves money but also preserves family stories. Older relatives who are downsizing may be glad to pass on decorations permanently, while others might lend pieces for the season.

A Quirky Final Touch

Anwar adds a playful suggestion: place Santa hats on busts or animal sculptures. This whimsical touch can serve as a conversation starter and provide photo opportunities during gatherings, adding a lighthearted element to holiday entertaining.

These designer tips underscore a broader trend toward mindful consumption during the holidays. By reusing what you have and borrowing from family, you can create a festive home that is both budget-friendly and full of personal meaning.