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Budget Christmas decorations in Australia: summer ideas that cost less
Christmas decorations can quietly blow a budget: a few new baubles here, a light set there, and suddenly it's a big line on the card statement. Decorating on a budget doesn't mean going without. It means setting a number first, reusing what you've got, making a few things, and buying smart for next year. This guide is built for an Aussie summer Christmas, with natives, outdoor setups and long-table lunches in mind.
Set a decorations number before you shop
Pick a dollar amount for decorations before you walk into a shop or open an app. Without a number, it's easy to say yes to every "it's only $10" item. To set yours:
- Pull out last year's decorations and see what you already have.
- List the gaps: a replacement light set, a table centrepiece, a wreath.
- Give each gap a rough price, then set a total that fits your overall Christmas budget.
A made-up example: a $60 decorations budget might be $25 for a replacement outdoor light set, $15 for craft supplies, $10 for a table runner and $10 kept spare.
Aussie summer décor ideas
- Native foliage: eucalyptus, banksia, bottlebrush and wattle make beautiful wreaths and table pieces. Use cuttings from your own garden, or ask a neighbour before you snip. Don't take plants from parks or bushland.
- Outdoor lights: solar fairy lights suit balconies, verandahs and gardens, and use no mains power. Check any lights you use outside are made for outdoor use.
- Table settings: for a long Christmas lunch, a runner of greenery, a few candles in jars and simple paper name cards look festive without much spend.
- Beach and BBQ touches: shells, driftwood and bright bunting suit a summer celebration and can be reused every year.
- A potted tree: a living plant you decorate each year instead of buying a new tree.
DIY and reuse ideas
- Paper decorations: paper chains, folded stars and snowflakes cost little and keep kids busy.
- Dried orange slices: slice, dry in a low oven, and thread on string for garlands.
- Jar lanterns: clean glass jars with a tea light or a few fairy lights.
- Refresh old baubles: paint, glitter or wrap them in twine for a new look.
- Wrapping as décor: brown paper, string and a sprig of native foliage looks great under the tree.
- Swap with friends: trade decorations you're tired of for someone else's.
DIY isn't always cheaper. Craft supplies add up, so price your project before you start and keep it inside your decorations number.
Op shops and post-Christmas sales: buy for next year
- Op shops often stock decorations, especially in the lead-up to Christmas. Check lights carefully before using them.
- Post-Christmas sales are a good time to buy for next year. Make a list of what you're missing while it's fresh in your mind, and buy only what's on the list.
- Store them well: a labelled box with wrapped baubles and untangled lights means less to replace next year.
Christmas PlannerPlan Christmas, birthdays and events against one budget: gift lists per person, event costs and a savings countdown to the big day.See the app →
Sinking Funds JarsSave a little each pay for the big bills you know are coming: rego, insurance, Christmas, school fees, holidays.See the app →Where not to cut corners
Saving money is great, but a few things are worth getting right. Use lights only as their packaging says, indoors or outdoors. Keep candles away from foliage, curtains and kids, or swap them for battery tea lights. Turn decorative lights off when you go out or go to bed. Some are on timers, so check yours before you head off on holidays.
Add decorations to your Christmas budget
Decorations are easiest to afford when they're a planned line in your Christmas budget, next to gifts, food and travel. Divide your decorations number by the pays left before you buy, and set that amount aside each pay. A made-up example: $60 over 4 fortnights is $15 a fortnight.
Our Christmas & Events Money Planner keeps gifts, events and decorations on one budget, with a savings countdown to the big day. You can also try the Christmas savings per pay calculator, the Christmas budget planner template or our Christmas on a budget checklist. For the full plan, see the Christmas budget planner guide.
Gift lists per person with budget vs spent, event budgets for food, travel and decorations, and a savings countdown to each event. It works offline in your browser, your data stays on your device, and there is no bank login. Secure checkout via Payhip.
See the Christmas & Events Money Planner app · A$45
Frequently asked questions
How can I decorate for Christmas on a budget?
Set a decorations number first, reuse what you own, make a few DIY pieces, use garden foliage, and buy only listed items at post-Christmas sales for next year.
What are cheap Aussie Christmas decoration ideas?
Native foliage wreaths from your garden, solar fairy lights outside, jar lanterns, paper chains, dried orange garlands and a simple greenery table runner.
How much should I spend on Christmas decorations?
There's no right number. Choose an amount that fits your overall Christmas budget after gifts, food and travel.
When is the best time to buy Christmas decorations?
Post-Christmas sales are a good time to buy for next year, as long as you stick to a list of what you need.
Are DIY decorations always cheaper?
Not always. Craft supplies add up, so price a project before you start.
Does the app need an account or bank login?
No. It works offline in your browser and your data stays on your device.
General information only, not financial advice. Examples use made-up numbers.