Deck the Halls and the Walls

It takes time, effort and, yes, at least some money to create wonderful design plans when you deck the halls as well as other holiday decorating. However, it doesn't have to cost a lot of money if you get creative.

There are some great festive touches you can add to nearly any space. Some of these ideas offer ways to use things you probably already have around the house. The best part is that you don't have to be "crafty" or artistic to make adorable decorations with your own two hands.

Christmas artwork
For instant Christmas artwork, simply dust off some 5" x 7" picture frames and place Christmas cards from last year inside. If you didn't save any of the Christmas cards you received, pick up a boxed set at a dollar store. They are always good to have on hand anyway.

After framing the cards, add one to a small area that just needs a little something. A great way to use this idea is to place three or four frames vertically on a narrow wall. You might simply need one more element to add to a display that includes larger frames.

You can add ribbon or other embellishments to the frames if desired. Alternatively, try using larger frames, and matting the cards with pretty paper, fabric, wallpaper or wrapping paper scraps. Use just a shade lighter or darker than the dominant color in the card image for a monochromatic look or try a deeply contrasting color to make it pop.

For children's rooms, a fun idea is to tear pieces of tissue paper and use a glue stick to attach them to cardboard or card stock to create a matte or background for Christmas card art. Instead of Christmas cards, you might also frame your children's own artwork to hang up and display. The tissue paper idea can also be used in more grown-up settings, especially if you use white paper to mimic snow or try deep colors or pretty, metallic tones.

Art with a personal touch
Sort through your family photos from last Christmas and frame some of them. Have some blown up, frame them and replace existing art or photos with them. Some people prefer to use photos of their kids and immediate family, while others choose pictures that include holiday guests (especially if those guests will once again be in attendance). If you don't want to use existing family photographs for any reason, take a picture of your Christmas tree, a pile of wrapped presents, a Christmas display you created or the snowman your kids or grandkids built outside. Your photographs can become amazing artwork.

Wrap it up
If you can wrap a gift, you can decorate. Save small boxes and wrap them up in pretty paper and bows to place here and there. Make a table topper by simply placing a Christmas placemat on a table and topping it with wrapped boxes in different sizes. Add a few small spruce boughs, pine cones or candy canes. You can even wrap existing artwork to look like gifts hanging on the wall. Use pretty foil paper and big, beautiful bows. Try other colors besides the typical reds and greens.