Lighting

NOW is the time to shop for light strands, also known as Christmas lights and twinkle lights. They're all at least half-off right now. It would cost us $1 a foot to rent them and our tent would require at least 200 feet. So last week I went hunting and purchased our lights at half-off retail, a total cost of $66. Two days later I returned them all because I scored an even better deal at a thrift store where all Christmas items were 75% off. 

I managed to collect more than twice the amount we needed, 440 feet, for just $5.50. Go to thrift stores right after Christmas for lights. Just make sure you test them before purchasing to make sure they work.

Beverage as decor

Pretty thirst quenchers.

Photo from the Knot

Photo from Style Me Pretty

Photo via Martha Stewart Weddings

Festive centerpiece

Winter wedding? Collect some pretty metallic bulbs like these and display them in a variety of containers. They're inexpensive and will be useful again at your first Christmas. They're about the most low-maintenance centerpiece idea I could possibly imagine. 

Photo from Martha Stewart Weddings

I loved this idea to add some sparkly buttons to the mix. So glam.

Photo above and below via bowerpowerblog

The great...

wall of ribbons by Amanda Perkins Photography via Style Me Pretty.

Paper trail...

I recently discovered The Paper Studio. It isn't cheap but they have some very pretty decorative paper. 

Pretty paper pinwheel

Photo by Jackie Wonders via Style Me Pretty

Little paper pinwheels for decoration. I have gobs of buttons and I've been looking for something to do with them. This is a great and inexpensive way to decorate. Just buy some matching/compatible paper and follow these instructions. You could spread them on tables or string them up.

Photo by Jackie Wonders via Style Me Pretty