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The Avid Antiquer: Christmas Decorating Antique Style on a Budget

How to use existing, everyday items in different ways.

I find it amusing that now that money is in shorter supply, people are cutting back on the money they spend to decorate for the holidays. It somehow suggests that the only way to decorate is to buy decorations. That is so not the case, even if you are not an antiques person.

Decorating for any season or reason is more about how you use the things you already have in different ways and knowing where to shop for additional items that will not break the bank. 

Stores in the Wantagh-Seaford area like ,  , , Pathmark, and Rite Aid are where you can get what you need. The only other things you will need are your own plates, glasses and stuffed animals.

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Take plates and glasses, for example. Everyone knows the practical uses of these items and everyone has them. If you need to add to your current supply, visit Open Door Thrift to pick some up for pennies. Then why not use them to display candy and nuts? Or use them to hold ornaments and candles. Dishes also make a great base for a pretty holiday centerpiece.

I only use plain white plates (think about the ones you see in a diner) to both eat from and decorate with. This way no matter what I serve the food is always the statement. Plus, I do not have to waste cabinet or closet space storing different plates for different seasons or holidays. White plates are also perfect to decorate with no matter what season it is. All you have to change are the items you put on the plates.

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Saucers are the perfect size to hold pillar candles. Use them to create an easy centerpiece. Place three to five saucers down the middle of the table to make a pretty design. Plus you do not have to remove this centerpiece during your meal. The candles will be lower than if they were in regular candlesticks or candelabra so your family or guests will still be able to see each other over them. I buy my candles at CVS or Rite-Aid, both in Wantagh. Candles are usually cheaper there than at the grocery stores plus there is also a bigger selection to choose from.

You can also build up on what you have with plates. If you have one cake plate, place a mug upside down on it and place a plate above it. Now you have doubled the space you have to display appetizers or desserts.

Have an ornament you want to give a special place of honor? Put it in a wide glass that has been filled half way up with salt. It makes the ornament appear as if it is sitting on snow. Adorable and inexpensive, since regular table salt costs less than $1 for a box in practically any store. If you think out of the box, a plate and a glass can be a canvas for your own unique design.

Another great thing you can use to decorate with is a stuffed animal. I cannot think of too many homes that do not have at least one sitting on someone's bed. Why not use a few of them to decorate with. Rite-Aid and CVS sell Santa hats in all sizes, so buy a few of the smallest ones and put them on as many stuffed animals as you can find. Now place them around your home for a festive touch, like sitting on the steps of your staircase, or a side chair (children's chair looks especially adorable with a Santa bear on it), a step ladder or an old sled.

Another inexpensive way to decorate this Christmas is to revisit your childhood.  The Christmas classic, "A Charlie Brown Christmas", celebrates its 45th anniversary this year.  CVS and Rite-Aid are both acknowledging this milestone with several decorations based on the TV special.  You can have your very own little tree that just needs a little love, available in both stores.  

CVS also has several Peanuts ornaments, a Peanuts nativity set and a plush Charlie Brown and Snoopy.  At Rite-Aid you can get an illuminated Charlie Brown or Snoopy for the front yard, or a Snoopy table top advent calendar.  All the Peanuts items in both stores are reasonably priced, and the memories they will bring back about the first time you heard the iconic Peanuts characters shout "Merry Christmas  Charlie Brown!" are free.  

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