7 budget-friendly ways to decorate the office space before Christmas
Decorating the office can get everyone into the Christmas spirit and create a festive ambiance for employees and visitors. In this article, we share creative ideas on how to transform your office into a cheerful space and celebrate Christmas without spending too much.
Infuse a little festive cheer into your workspace, lift your mood without splurging on expensive decorations. Here are seven economical ways to decorate your office before Christmas.
DIY paper decorations
One of the easiest and most affordable ways to bring some Christmas cheer to your office is by crafting DIY paper decorations. Create paper snowflakes, garlands, or even 3D Christmas trees using colored (preferably green) paper, scissors, and glue. These handmade decorations can add a personal touch to your workspace, making it feel cozy and festive. It is worth customizing these decorations to match your office's color scheme or style.
To make a 3D Christmas tree with colored paper, follow these easy steps.
- Add a trunk. Cut a small rectangle of paper, roll it into a tube, and attach it to the bottom as the tree’s trunk.
- Stack the cones. Start with the largest cone at the bottom and stack the smaller ones on top, gluing them together.
- Form cones. Roll each strip into a cone shape, with the folded side on the outside, and secure with glue or tape. Make sure the cones are of varying sizes.
- Fold the strips. Fold each strip in half lengthwise to create a crease, then unfold them.
- Cut your paper. Cut several strips of colored paper, each about 1 to 2 inches wide and 6 to 8 inches long. You’ll need at least 6-8 strips for a full tree.
Festive plants
Adding some greenery to your office during Christmas can help create a fresh and lively atmosphere. Consider small potted plants like poinsettias, Christmas cacti, or even a miniature Christmas tree. These plants also bring a natural element into the space, brightening up your desk or office corner.
Poinsettia is known as "La Flor de Nochebuena" (Flower of the Holy Night). The plant’s association with Christmas comes from the story of a poor girl who offered the plant to the Christ child, symbolizing love and humility. In the 1820s, U.S. ambassador to Mexico, Joel Poinsett, introduced the plant to the United States, leading to its eventual name. Poinsettias became popular as Christmas decorations in the U.S. by the 1850s, and their cultivation spread widely. Today, they are a symbol of holiday cheer and are grown in various colors and varieties, especially around the Christmas season. https://billpetro.com/history-of-poinsettia/
Budget-friendly Christmas lights
Christmas lights are a great way to decorate without breaking the bank. You can find affordable options at many stores, especially during sales or holiday promotions. Look for LED lights, as they are energy-efficient and last longer than traditional bulbs. Another tip is to buy lights in bulk, which can help you save money for larger displays.
How to decorate your office with Christmas lights?
To decorate your office with Christmas lights, try using a mix of string lights and battery-operated lights. Hang the lights around windows, desks, use hooks or clips to easily attach the lights to walls or cubicles without damaging surfaces. For a festive touch, wrap lights around plants or picture frames. This simple trick can transform your workspace into a holiday wonderland without any hassle.
In the 2024 survey conducted by Gallup, it was found that 60% of American employees reported that festive decorations, including Christmas lights, positively impact their mood during the holiday season. Many employees mentioned that holiday decorations, including lights, make the workplace feel more welcoming and help them get into a celebratory spirit. Source: https://www.gallup.com
Desk accessories
Find time in your busy schedule and decorate your desk for Christmas, starting with a small festive centerpiece — a mini tree or a holiday-themed plant. Add a string of battery-operated fairy lights around your monitor or desk to create a cozy glow without needing an outlet. You can also place small holiday figurines, such as Santa, snowmen, or reindeer on your desk to add a Christmas touch. Consider using holiday-themed stationery, like pens or sticky notes, to spread cheer in a practical way. A festive mug for your coffee or tea can also brighten your workspace. Don’t forget to put a cushion on your chair with cute holiday-themed decorations — just make it yourself.
How to transform your cushion into a Christmas one?
- Materials. You’ll need a plain cushion cover, fabric paint or fabric markers, stencils (optional), and some basic craft supplies like a paintbrush or sponges.
- Design. Think of simple Christmas designs like snowflakes, reindeer, or a Christmas tree. If you’re not confident in freehand drawing, you can use stencils or print a design online, cut it out, and trace it onto the cushion with a pencil.
- Painting and festive details. Once you have your design, carefully paint the outlines and fill in the colors. You can use traditional red, green, and white for a classic look, or even try metallic gold or silver for the extra sparkle. You can glue on small craft items like sequins or beads. This adds texture and fun, without costing much.
- Dry and enjoy. Let your cushion dry completely before using it, and then you’ll have a personalized Christmas cushion!
Festive corner with a photo spot
Organize a festive photo spot in one of the corners of your office.
1. DIY backdrop. Use a plain wall or hang a large, inexpensive piece of fabric or a tablecloth in a festive color (red, green, or even gold). You can also create a backdrop by hanging a string of fairy lights across the area to add some sparkle.
2. Mini Christmas tree. Set up a small, budget-friendly Christmas tree in your festive corner. Decorate it with natural elements in a minimalist way — pine cones, wooden stars, or twig ornaments, hang Christmas balls , and don’t forget to add a few string lights for extra shine.
3. Props for photos. Add fun props like Santa hats, reindeer antlers, or a festive sign that says “Merry Christmas”. These props will give people something to hold while taking photos, making it even more fun.
4. Cozy accessories. Think about a few cozy, budget-friendly touches like a holiday-themed blanket or a small basket of fake snow (cotton balls will work great). These will create a warm and inviting atmosphere.
This simple setup will provide a fun and festive photo spot for your colleagues to capture holiday memories without spending much!
Inexpensive artificial Christmas tree
Artificial Christmas trees are easy to set up and maintain and require no watering. Also they come in compact sizes, making them perfect for small office spaces or desks. Despite being affordable, they can still look realistic and offer a bright touch of holiday spirit.
How to decorate an artificial Christmas tree on a budget?
- DIY ornaments. Use paper snowflakes and paper garlands, cinnamon stick bundles, dried orange slices and natural elements like pine cones, wooden stars, or twig ornaments.
- Opt for affordable decorations. Take string lights, consider using ribbons, old ornaments, or even small items like buttons or beads. For a cohesive look, choose a color scheme and focus on using the same colors for your decorations, which helps to create a polished appearance without needing a ton of different items. Finally, you can craft a tree topper from things you already have, like a simple bow made of ribbon or a wooden star decorated with glitter.
When you're finished with the decorations, think about creative ways to organize a gift exchange. Suggest to your colleagues playing Secret Santa. It is a well-established tradition in many companies, as it fosters interaction between employees, and you can have a lot of fun. Organize a gift exchange in your office in advance and discuss the budget for gifts.
The MySanta organizer facilitates the process. Draw names and assign participants to each other. People will see in their profiles who they need to buy a gift for. Inspire employees to create their wish lists to receive a desirable gift. With the help of this organizer, you can track gifts and ensure that everyone gets one.
Upcycled old Christmas items
Upcycling old Christmas items for office decoration is a sustainable way to add holiday spirit to your workspace. You can repurpose old ornaments, wreaths, or garlands by giving them a fresh coat of paint or adding new elements like ribbon or glitter. Vintage Christmas cards can be turned into fun wall art, while unused gift wrap can be repurposed for creating festive table settings or wrapping small office gifts. This approach not only reduces waste but also gives your office a personalized and unique touch.
In conclusion, decorating your office for Christmas doesn’t have to break the bank. With creative ideas like DIY paper crafts, budget-friendly lights, and upcycled decorations, you can easily infuse holiday cheer into your workspace while staying within your budget.
FAQs
How can I make sure my decorations don’t clutter the office or annoy my colleagues?
To avoid clutter, keep decorations minimal and consider using smaller items that won't take up too much space. Communicate with your colleagues to ensure everyone is comfortable with the decorations, especially in shared spaces.
Can I use these decorating ideas in a shared office environment?
Yes, these decorating ideas can be adapted for a shared office by choosing items that don’t take up much space or disrupt common areas. Be mindful of others' preferences and maintain a collaborative environment.
How to store these decorations after Christmas?
To store decorations after Christmas, pack them in sturdy containers or storage boxes and label them for easy access next year.