Christmas decor on a budget: where should the money go?

The fastest way to overspend on Christmas decor is to shop without a number. The second fastest is to have a number but no plan for it, so it all goes on ornaments in the first week of November.

This calculator gives you a starting split. If you already own a tree or lights, that money moves to the things you don't have. The percentages are our suggestion for a balanced look, not survey data about what people spend. Change your plan to suit your home.

Ideas for a $50 Christmas

• One set of warm white lights for the window or mantel, plus greenery cut from the garden or bought loose.
• Dried orange slices, paper stars and pine cones from a walk.
• Move what you already own: one room fully decorated looks better than five rooms with a little each.
• Ribbon in your style colour on existing wreaths, chairs and jars.

Ideas for a $150 Christmas

• The $50 basics, plus one statement piece: a wreath for the front door or a garland for the mantel.
• Two or three cushion covers or a throw in your style colour (these can go back in the box in January).
• A small set of matching baubles to pull a mixed tree together.

Ideas for a $300 Christmas

• Finish the main room, the entrance and the table in one style.
• Buy one or two pieces you'll keep for years rather than many trend pieces.
• Keep a small amount back for labelled storage boxes, so next year starts with what you own.

Buying less and enjoying it more

Before you shop, open last year's boxes and list what you have. Then buy only the gaps in your chosen style. January sales are useful for things you'll want next year, if you have the space to store them.

Lights and candles: check cables for damage before you hang them, don't overload sockets or extension leads, switch lights off when you go out or go to bed, and keep candles away from greenery and fabric. See the Electrical Safety Foundation International holiday safety tips (US) or London Fire Brigade Christmas fire safety (UK).