A cozy home is essential to feeling the holiday spirit, especially when you're located in warm weather! But, the holiday season also comes with added expenses. Don't let your budget shy you away from experiencing the magic of the season.
Personally, I like to gather my Christmas decor throughout the month of November before it's picked over. This is where I find the deals because I am the first overly excited person to dig through the holiday bins or type in "Holiday decor" on Amazon. Trust me, it pays off! I am able to price match and compare what items really fit my aesthetic, while not worrying about rush shipping costs, out of stock items, and crowded stores.
Once I've found exactly what I want, I decorate a few days before Thanksgiving. I know this is controversial, but my boyfriend and I take an annual Thanksgiving Hawaii trip to the blissful island of Kauai. So, when we arrive back from our vacation, the work is done and the Christmas spirit is loud and clear for all to hear! However, the pre-Thanksgiving decor excludes the Christmas tree. No judgement here if you put it up before Thanksgiving, but I find it dies quickly in the Florida heat.
This December, I am graduating from New York University with a master's degree in journalism. So, I decided my Christmas theme would be inspired by the iconic Ralph Lauren flagship store in New York, New York. This aesthetic will simply never go out of style, so the pieces here truly are for life. I think I might keep this theme for many years to come and add on!
If you're looking to spruce up your abode, here are my top items to stay on budget and create a classic Ralph Lauren inspired Christmas.
Ralph Lauren tartan
If you want to add some inviting warmth to your dining room table with minimal effort, here is the perfect table runner to do just that! At only $23.99, it's a great way to incorporate the classic tartan theme without a full on table cloth. I also love a cozy Christmas blanket for cold winter nights, and this tartan one from Target did not disappoint! Layered with sherpa on the inside, the blanket makes a great Christmas movie night addition and only comes out to $15. You're only $38.99 away from a tartan wonderland!
Blue chinoiserie vases filled with artificial holly
When I tried to put together the Ralph Lauren style, I looked up Pinterest ideas of their flagship store decorated for Christmas. What really caught my eye was the chinoiserie vases. And while real chinoiserie is often expensive and delicate, Amazon has some beautiful pieces that serve as small accents. After the holidays, you can easily take out the holly and scatter the vases throughout your home. Plus, the blue flower pattern is a fabulous way to add color besides the usual red and green. Three small vases are $21.88, and the artificial holly is $15.99 for a grand total of $37.87.
Pine cones galore
Ralph Lauren has a hunting lodge type of feel, and I noticed how much the brand embraces pine cones during the holiday season. I decided to use two white pine cones as stocking holders on my mantle for $34.99. I must say they are very heavy, but this is important because they firmly hold the weight of the stuffed stockings.
Then, I displayed a pre-lit green garland strand filled with pine cones and holly in the background for $45.79. It was so easy to unravel and set up. So easy that I didn't have to ask my boyfriend for help. The garland is also perfect for a staircase!
Lastly, I ran into TJ Maxx on a chilly day here in Florida, and I found a set of three Lauren by Ralph Lauren pine cone and holly dish towels for $12.99. I have yet to find the exact towels online, but I believe it is possible to find something similar at a local store.
This section comes out to 93.77, but is worth every penny!
Snowflakes glisten
If you look up vintage Ralph Lauren Christmas sweaters, they most likely will always have a snowflake pattern. Magnolia home, a line created by Chip and Joanna Gaines from HGTV's hit show "Fixer Upper", has glistening snowflake patterns this season in collaboration with Target. I picked up their retro Christmas tree skirt for only $34.99 and a few pine scented snowflake candles for $15 each, a total of $49.99.
Rockin' around the mini Christmas trees
I am obsessed with the mini battery operated Christmas trees this year from Target. They're so simple and are a magical way to light up your home without burning through candles. So far, I've used them for approximately 30 hours and they're still going strong! Target has an assortment of shapes and sizes, but here is the tree I found for $15.
Ralph Lauren Polo Bear cocktail napkins
If you want to feel fancy this season while enjoying a glass of red wine or your favorite cocktail, then look no further! A set of four came out to $55, but they are of exceptional quality and will surely last for many more cocktail parties to come. As an added bonus, the Ralph Lauren packaging is stunning!
Until next Christmas...
Up until January 1st, you can find me enjoying a cup of hot cocoa and relaxing in my cozy home. I truly believe the holidays are a time to rest and realign yourself with your goals.
And remember, when it comes to decorating for the holidays, it's all about the heart and spirit you put into making it fantastic. So what if you don't have the most expensive things? Any Christmas aesthetic can be achieved on a budget with some preparation and resourcefulness! All items listed came to a total of $290.62. Not too shabby for a completely transformed house!
I'm wishing you all a very lovely holiday season that brings joy, peace, and hopefully some new home decor. Let me know what you think in the comments! Until next Christmas...
XX McLean Golden
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