Most of us follow a seasonal schedule when it comes to de- cluttering or decorating our homes. We usually do this around spring and winter, or around our favorite time of the year – festivals! Festivals are a time to take a break from the normal routine of school-work-more work and sit back, catch up with family and friends and in general, just have a good time! Unfortunately for many, festivals become super planning and purchasing marathons, turning them into the most stressful time of the year! But does that mean that you just forego the celebrations? Not at all! So this year, skip all the stress and save a ton of money with our simple and easy festive decor ideas on a budget. Trust us, some of these cost next to nothing!

10 Festive Decor Ideas on a Budget

1. Turn Clothes into Drapes

You probably have some rich, heavy brocades or silks lying in your wardrobe that you don’t wear and don’t intend to! Breathe new life into them by draping them over your existing curtains to instantly get a luxe, grand look for your rooms. If you already have heavy curtains, add light, sheer dupattas for a flowy feel. You can also create a canopy of sorts in a corner where you’re planning to hold your card parties.

2. Hang a Row of Paper Lanterns

Hanging just a couple of lanterns is fine, but to truly make an impact without spending too much, hang a full row! Paper lanterns are really inexpensive and you can get all shapes and sizes at this time of the year. Pick ones in basic shapes and stick to a color theme to make the look more harmonious.

3. Stack up Bangles

Display your jewelry for a one-of-a-kind, custom decor piece! Stack up bangles to create a lovely holder for flowers or other accessories. You can even place a large candle inside – just make sure your bangles are of a material that can withstand the heat! A traditional wooden bangle stand also works great, and goes well if you’re using the saree tip above.

4. Paint your own Diyas

Basic, unpainted earthen diyas are available aplenty and are dirt (pun-unintended) cheap. Get a load of these well ahead of the main day and hand them over to the crafty members of your family. The usual acrylic paints should be enough for you to paint them and completely transform them into mini-works of art!

5. Decorate a Puja Thali

You don’t need elaborate thalis for your festival, you can make it yourself! Polish your existing thali and use flower petals, tea lights and little fancy boxes for a unique look. You can also go a little bolder by using an earthen ware thali and painting it, like you do with diyas. You can even make a matching set and gift it!

6. Use Traditional Trinkets

Little traditional trinkets like the ones shown here are available at most craft fairs and exhibitions around the country. They’re often handmade and not expensive at all, so stock up when you find them! Hang them around a few places to create interest without going overboard. Try the main doorway, entry to the hall or the prayer room.

7. Draw a Rangoli

Colored powders don’t cost much, but don’t compromise on safety! Get organic, non-toxic colors and draw a nice, big Rangoli in the front of your house. There are all kinds of designs you can do, and you can take the complexity to as high as you dare! This is also an activity the whole family can get into – so more manpower!

8. Hang up Fairy Lights

These little lights may not look like (or cost) much, but they can create a gorgeous effect. Hang them up in a safe place and watch your home come alive as the little lights flicker everywhere! Take things a step further by making DIY egg carton covers or cupcake covers for the lights to add some color.

9. Float some Flowers

This is a great way to welcome your guests, and the choice of flowers is yours, depending upon your budget. Fill a large traditional bowl or urn with clean water, put in a few drops of essential oil and float the flowers. Alternatively, if your flowers are larger, float just the petals – they’ll still look pretty!

10. Use Tea Lights

You can get a whole pack of tea lights for a small price and there’s so much you can do with them! Place them on a platter and brighten up a dark nook in your home. Or place them in glass jars and put them on a shelf. Or just arrange a row on the window sill – the options are endless!

Which of these ideas are you likely to try this festive season? Do let us know if you have any more to share!

Image source for Puja Thali