She Strengthens

A Season of Simplicity: Embracing the Joy of People Over Presents

As the holiday season approaches, I find myself reflecting on the true meaning of this time of year. For me, it’s about reconnecting with loved ones and creating a warm, inviting atmosphere in my home. This year, I’ve made a conscious decision to focus on simplicity and coziness, rather than getting caught up in the commercialism and stress that often accompanies the holidays.

Creating a Warm and Welcoming Space

Living in a charming 800-square-foot duplex in Dallas, Texas, I’ve always been passionate about home decor. This year, I wanted to add a festive touch to my space without breaking the bank. With a budget of $150, my husband and I set out to create a warm and welcoming atmosphere that would make our home feel refreshed and renewed.

Kitchen: A Chalkboard Wonderland

We started in the kitchen, where we updated our chalkboard wall with festive holiday movie quotes in script and funky lettering. This simple yet effective touch added a playful touch to the space.

Living Room: A New York City-Inspired Winter Wonderland

Inspired by the classic traditions of New York City, I wanted to create a warm and inviting space that felt like a winter wonderland. I hung two sets of extravagant garland on the windows, complete with gold ornaments and a string of lights. To add dimension, I used half of the red ornaments to adorn the garland and kept the second half to decorate fake Christmas gifts (made from empty cereal and shipping boxes wrapped in festive paper). The result was a cozy and inviting space that felt like a true winter wonderland.

Entryway: Bringing the Snow to Texas

To bring a touch of winter magic to our entryway, I purchased a snow projector during a cyber sale. This fun and whimsical touch added a festive feel to the space, and even convinced my husband that it was a great idea after initially being skeptical.

Dining Area: Simple yet Sophisticated

In the dining area, I tucked away summer decor and brought out beloved chotskies like my donkey salt and pepper shakers and antler ring holder. To add a touch of elegance, I updated the table’s centerpiece with a bowl of monochromatic ornaments and wrapped a string of battery-operated lights around the bowl.

Staying Within Budget

The hardest part of redecorating for the holidays was staying within budget and not giving in to the urge to splurge on different ideas. By creating a mood board and developing a thoughtful blueprint, I was able to stay focused and intentional with my purchases. In the end, we came in at around $150-$175, slightly over budget but still within reason.

The Importance of Intentional Decorating

If you’re looking to decorate your own space for the holidays on a budget, my biggest piece of advice is to create a mood board and develop a thoughtful blueprint. This will help you stay focused and intentional with your purchases, and ensure that your space feels cohesive and welcoming. By prioritizing people over presents, we can create a holiday season that truly feels special and meaningful.