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When I moved to Colorado, cramming Christmas decorations into my jam-packed Jetta was not a thought that even crossed my mind. Moving was a whirlwind of organization and chaos. Shiny red balls and garland were not going to have a spot in my trunk.
So when the end of November rolled around, it occurred to me that we didn't have any Christmas decorations, (besides a cat ornament I bought at Urban Outfitters before I moved because who wouldn't?) But a lousy cat face hanging from a string wasn't going to fill the apartment with Christmas cheer.
Being my first Christmas away from home, I knew this was a perfect excuse to build my repertoire of Christmas decorations that would make the apartment feel like home. However, this post-grad life hasn't allowed me to splurge on many items and Christmas decorations weren't going to be an exception.
There are a few staple items that everyone needs in their Christmas collection: garland, seasonal candles and candle votives, ornaments, lights and a centerpiece for a coffee table. While these things can be bought at Pottery Barn or even Pier 1 Imports, you're going to find exactly what you need at a place that originally may have never been a thought.
Michael's Arts and Crafts.
When I walked into Michael's, I was expecting to find some of these items. What I wasn't expecting was a 50% off ALL Christmas decorations sale. Everything and I mean everything was one sale. Six-foot garland that was usually $19.99 was now $10.00. Candle votives that were once $7.00? Now $3.50. My red plastic cart suddenly became a Christmas wonderland and before I knew it, an hour and a half had passed by.
Along with six-feet of garland, I stumbled across what were labeled as "picks," which you can see peeking out behind the picture frame in the image below. There were many different kinds including garland and snowballs, deer and holly. What caught my eye were frosted branches accompanied by snow-coated pine cones. Usually used for sticking in pre-made garland or adding finishing touches to a home-made wreath, I thought by putting these branches behind picture frames it would give the illusion of garland without the unnecessary amount.
My next stop on my Christmas decor adventure was no other than HomeGoods and Tjmaxx. I like to refer to these stores as my second home. But that day I was on a mission; a mission to find the perfect coffee table centerpiece and a ceramic deer to nestle between the garland that surrounded the TV on the entertainment center. I was lucky enough to find both.
The perfect Christmas centerpiece is a mixture of greenery surrounding a candle votive. Centerpieces like these can usually go for anywhere from $14.99-$39.99 at both of these retail shops. I found several that I fell in love with, but I knew there was a way to get something just as beautiful and festive for half the price. Hanging on the wall were wreaths of all shapes and sizes. What caught my eye were the smaller ones that hung closer to the floor. A circle of frosted branches and rustic pine cones hung on a hook with a price tag that I couldn't resist. For $7.99, I was able to make my own votive centerpiece for my coffee table. Lay it on the table, throw a candle in the middle of the wreath and viola! Perfection.
The final part of my mission was completed after spotting a tiny deer with spots of her own sitting on a cart of items that were yet to be put on shelves. For only $7.99, this deer was made to be encircled by garland.
Whether you're looking to add to your Christmas decor or are starting a new collection of decorations all your own, make sure to stop by Michael's for insane 50% off sales and Tjmaxx, well, because it's Tjmaxx and you know you want to. I hope you are able to find the same Christmas magic that I did to fill your home.
Comment below and tell me your Christmas deals and decorations!