Deck the Halls on a Dime: 15 Cheap Ways to Refresh Christmas Décor

With so many exciting Christmas trends, themes and new colour palettes popping up each year, it can feel frustrating to want a fresh look but not waste old decorations or spend on new ones.

No need to worry! Here are 15 easy ways to refresh Christmas decor this year without breaking the bank. Which tip will you try first?

1. Use Your Existing Décor

Start by sorting through your current Christmas decorations and divide them into three categories:

• On-Theme Decorations: These pieces perfectly match your new theme and will take centre stage in your design. Use these as the foundation of your refreshed decor.
• Still Useful Decorations: These items may not be an exact match but don’t clash with your vision. Use them as filler to add depth and sparkle. Place them towards the back of your tree, near the trunk, and layer your on-theme pieces in front to create a cohesive look.
• Not Useful Decorations: These are the decorations that won’t fit with your new design. We’ll explore ideas for repurposing these below.

Be sure to set aside any sentimental pieces before you start. There’s always a place for those precious ornaments, whether sprinkled throughout your tree as conversation starters or grouped together to showcase and celebrate the memories they hold. 

2. Repurpose Old Decorations

For the decorations that don’t fit your new theme, decide if you want to store them for the future or repurpose them. If they no longer suit your style, get creative—spray-painting or recovering them can breathe new life into these pieces and make them fit right in with your updated decor.

For instance, while an old ornament might not work on your tree, a fresh coat of paint could make it perfect for a garland or wreath. Sometimes I just simply use them as fillers at the bottom of a decorative bowl to give height, on top of which I can place my themed ornaments.

3. Spray Your Tree

Instead of (or as well as!) upcycling decorations, you could change up your tree itself.  Flock it for a snowy backdrop to a pastel, Candyland, or polar design.  Spray it gold for a glitzy look or copper for an earthy woodland vibe. 

This would work particularly well for an older tree that’s starting to show its age.  Add picks and foraged foliage to add depth, layers, and extra volume.

4. Use Ribbon

Ribbon is a simple yet impactful way to instantly transform the look of your Christmas tree! This clever hack is a great way to refresh Christmas décor design without investing in a whole set of new ornaments.

Pick up a few rolls of thick, wired ribbon in colours or patterns that match your theme, and generously cascade them down your tree for a bold, eye-catching effect.

5. Make Homemade Bows

Bows are really having their décor moment right now.  And adding some homemade bows to your tree can transform the feel of the design. 

Use leftover ribbon from above to create big, lux bows.  Or try some softer, thinner ribbon for long elegant bows (velvet works well for this).  Add them to your tree, wreath, chair backs, etc. for a cohesive feel throughout your décor.

6. Wrap Gifts To Match

The gifts under your tree are part of the decor, so wrapping them to match your theme can really enhance the overall look. By coordinating the wrapping paper and ribbons with your chosen style or colour palette, you’ll naturally draw attention to your refreshed decor.

But don’t stop at just the gifts under the tree! Wrap up a few faux presents (aka empty boxes!) in matching paper and place them in garlands, on sideboards, or even tucked into bookshelves to extend your theme throughout the room and house.

7. Create a New Tree Skirt

Wrap a blanket, scarf or sheet around the base of your tree for a fresh new look.  Or place your tree in a bucket, basket, wheelbarrow, sleigh, or other vessel of your choice(!) for an on-trend feel.

8. Look To Nature

There’s a wealth of fabulous free new décor right outside your front door:

• Find pieces that will match your new theme directly.
• Spray foliage, pinecones, etc. with snow spray for a flocked look. Or use metallic spray paint for a glam sparkly feel.
• Use flowers that match your colour theme.

9. Create A Vignette

If you don’t have enough décor to change the feel of your main tree, keep that tree quite simple in décor design and focus instead on creating a smaller themed vignette somewhere else in your room. 

Perhaps on the coffee table, sideboard or dining table.  If everything else is relatively minimal in design, the vignette should really catch the eye.

10. Add Framed Wrapping Paper

This is a brilliant one for inexpensively adding more of a particular theme.  Choose a roll of wrapping paper that matches your chosen style.  Simply add it to frames on your walls or sideboard. Cluster together for more impact. (I like to reuse existing frames and just leave the photo or picture behind the wrapping paper to be rediscovered in January!)

Wallpaper samples, old Christmas cards, and homemade wrapping paper work well too.

11. Make Paper Decorations

Paper decorations are incredibly versatile and can fit any style or theme. While they’re affordable in stores, they’re also super easy to make at home! From classic bunting and paper chains to origami stars and intricate snowflakes, the options are endless. Plus, you can craft them in any colour or pattern to perfectly match your chosen decor. It’s a fun, eco-friendly way to add a personal touch to your Christmas look!

12.  Add A Throw

Inject a new colour into your room by simply adding a throw. Drape it across a sofa, spread it over an armchair, or fold it neatly at the foot of a bed. It’s a great budget-friendly option, considering the large area a throw can cover, instantly bringing warmth and style to your space.

13.  Recover Cushions

Refresh your cushions to match your theme with these easy ideas:

• Buy new covers that fit your updated design.
• Repurpose old scarves by wrapping them around cushions like ribbons on a gift—perfect for a creative, Christmassy look.
• Upcycle old jumpers by turning them into cushion covers—check out our 2-minute Christmas jumper cushion hack for a quick, festive fix.

14. Update Your Christmas Table

A fresh look for your Christmas table can transform your space in no time. Repurpose old sheets to create a new tablecloth or runner. For a quick and creative twist, use wrapping paper as a temporary runner—simply roll it along the length of the table and secure it underneath.

For a unique centrepiece, decorate mason jars to match your theme. Fill them with baubles, candles, sweets, or natural elements to layer the design. It’s amazing how a few simple touches can elevate your dining table decor.

15.  Rearrange Existing Décor

Think outside the box!  Reimagine your existing non-Christmas decor to fit your festive theme. Group together items like vases, mirrors, or even books, and give them a holiday spin by adding fairy lights or sprigs of greenery. Stacked books, for instance, make perfect pedestals for mini trees or candles—making everyday items feel instantly Christmassy!

What ways do you like to refresh Christmas décor for your home?  Will you be using some of the tips above?

If you’re in the market for more festive inspiration, do check out our guide to the latest Christmas trends.