Watching Your Wallet: Ways to save on holiday decorations

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- Decking the halls on a budget doesn't mean it has to look like it.

Experts say one way to save but still stand out -- stick to simplicity.

"Simple is great, if you have just a couple of ornaments placed in the right area," says ACE Hardware Assistant Merchandise Manager, Cheryl Register. "If you have beaded garland and you stay with one color of red, white or whatever your theme is, it's a classic look and it looks gorgeous."

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Register says the more often you change themes, the more expensive it gets.

Rather than a new theme, build on your already existing decor.

"Keep adding," she said. "Have your kids make some ornaments."

Check your lights before putting them up. If they're not glowing, check the fuse before deciding to toss them.

"There are fuses at the end on the male side, and check those fuses and those can be replaced," Register said.

In addition to saving on electricity, the longevity and durability of LED lights make them a good investment.

Solar options are also a good way to save.

"You're not going to have to buy extension chords for those," Register said. "You're not going to have to worry about where they're hooking up in a waterproof area."

When it comes to the fresh-cut trees, avoid fire danger by keeping them watered. Warm water can extend its life.

"Cold water kind of shocks it, so the sap clogs up and it will stop feeding the tree the water," Register said.

There are also ways to make a faux tree look full.

"You want to make sure you're separating your branches and do a little curl up at the end," Register said. "Curl some up, curl some down. Take a step back and see where your holes are, and you're just going to fluff."

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