My Kitchen To Yours is a book born out of My own frustration in people…
Decorations on a Budget | After Christmas Shopping
*stretches and removes the crust from my eyes*
Can y’all believe it? It’s December 26! We’ve made it.
I spoke about how my favorite tradition is buying Christmas decorations the day after Christmas. I’ve been doing this for years. And listen…I’ve learned the tricks of the trade! Lol
For the most part, I decorate my house for the next year the previous year. It is very rare that I purchase decorations for any season in that same season. Now, that doesn’t mean I don’t scope- because I do scope it out. During the specific holiday season will visit the stores (with NO intention to purchase) to see what they have and what I potentially may get the for next year.
I go in with a P-L-A-N.
Last year, I knew I wanted a new Christmas tree and Christmas table decor. Years prior it’s been about ornaments. And sometimes I just go in and get what I can find.
Now, I’m no expert (I kind of sort of am) but for the past few years I’ve learned the following:
- The day after the holiday, the sales are usually 50% off. That’s standard.
- If something isn’t marked, and has a hint of holiday”ish” look- ask the cashier if it was supposed to be marked. They will usually just mark it down.
- The further away from the holiday you get, the lower the prices (75%; 85%). However about a week after the holiday it is SLIM pickings.
- Go in with a budget. Trust me, the sale prices are there but you can spiral easily.
Below I’m going to tell you where I go to get certain specific items. (Yes I’ve been known to go to all of these stores on Dec 26)- judge your Ma!
- Christmas Trees: I grew up with live trees but I’ll admit I kind of like not having to care for a tree and being able to fold it up and box it up. Wal-Mart usually has trees marked down. However GET THERE early. Everyone knows this and hardcore after Christmas people get there as soon as the store is open. Seriously, if you get there in the afternoon, it’s usually too late.
- Lights: Walmart, Target and Michael’s. There’s really no need to rush to these stores. What you see is what you get and most people aren’t rushing to get lights year after year. However, the outside lights and displays are usually a hot commodity.
- Ornaments: I must specify this by saying that general ornaments can pretty much be obtained at any department store but if you want specialty ornaments that’s when you want to hit up your Michael’s, Marshall’s, TJ Maxx, and Home Goods. Those stores are also good for general decor.
- General decor: Your general decor you’re going to win the most at TJ Maxx, Marshall’s and Home goods. Also: don’t sleep on the Dollar Store! They are great for having a hodgepodge of items.
- Tableware, Dishes, Serving Utensils etc: I have had the hardest time finding Christmas dishes that aren’t Lenox fine China (my dream!!!). But believe it or not, I came up with some Better Homes and Garden amazing dishes and serving dishes from Wal-Mart one year (ok Wal-Mart!!!) I also have had success in TJ Maxx, Marshall’s, and Home Goods. Full disclosure- you may not get a full set but you can get some items and make them blend later.
- Storage (cause you have to store all of your items)!!! After Christmas Target and Wal-Mart pull out all of their containers that are especially for lights, wreaths, and trees. Believe it or not- those are considered holiday (sometimes) and will be marked down. Full disclosure: I may or may not have asked a salesperson for a markdown a time or two and got it.
Look, I’m not encouraging y’all to make it rain. Especially after having purchased your Christmas gifts. But at least save yourself some money! Go in with a budget and decorate your space for the next year for half of the price!
Are you doing any after Christmas shopping? What do you have in mind? And if you’ve gone after Christmas shopping before- what was your greatest find?
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