5 simple and inexpensive Christmas decorating tips from Netflix’s Mr. Christmas

Amid a pandemic, some have had to tighten their belts. Others, abiding by social distancing guidelines, may be celebrating Christmas at home for the first time, or for the first time in a very long time. But that doesn’t mean all holly jolly is lost.

Enter Benjamin Bradley, the star of Netflix’s “Holiday Home Makeover with Mr. Christmas”, which debuted in November. Over four episodes filmed in 2019, Bradley, aka Mr. Christmas, comes to the rescue of families with decorating dilemmas. Some of his tips involve simple crafts made from inexpensive items, like homemade ornaments and decor made from peppermints.

Now, as we enter the thick of the Christmas season, he’s sharing more insight and ideas with USA TODAY. Read on Dasher, Dancer, Prudent, Vixen, Comet, Frugal, Donner and Blitzen for budget-friendly decorating ideas. 

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1. Don’t try to decorate every nook and cranny 

Hone in on just a couple of areas of your home and don’t attempt to touch everything with the Christmas spirit, suggests Bradley.

“It doesn’t have to be a Hallmark movie come to life,” he assures. One area of focus should be the Christmas tree, he says. Another could be a book case, mantel or kitchen counter.

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3. Statement pieces don’t have to be expensive

Bradley points out dollar stores are great to find ornaments, artificial flowers and candy canes.

“There’s nothing that’s more iconic and says Christmas more than a candy cane,” he says. Pile them high in glass jars adorned with holly, he suggests. Have a pretty bowl or basket lying around? Fill it with red ornaments and greens sprigs to “make a wonderful statement.”

Also, peppermints can be hot glued to each other to make an inexpensive garland. And, white carnations and cranberries picked up from the local grocery store can create a wintry centerpiece.

4. Oh what fun it is to DIY

Ornaments can be made at home for the tree or as an option for affordable gifts. Bradley mentions a dough made from cinnamon and apple sauce, which can be rolled out and shaped using cookie cutters.

“It’s beautifully scented, so you get a beautiful decoration, as well as the scent of the holidays,” he says. 

On “Holiday Home Makeover with Mr. Christmas,” Bradley instructs on how to make a salt dough ornament, which can be used to preserve hand or paw prints for many Christmases to come.

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5. Go foraging in a winter wonderland

Your surroundings may offer decor on the cheap. Bradley suggests visiting local tree lots and asking for the discarded bottoms of trees.

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