Decorate for Easter With a Little DIY

Thrift, dollar and party-supply stores can all help you get your home in shape for a festive Easter brunch. But when you want to re-create a designer look on the cheap, there is often no substitute for DIY, says 3 Little Greenwoods blogger Ashley Greenwood. After seeing Pottery Barn market a moss-covered basket filled with glittery eggs as an expensive Easter accessory, she reproduced the look at home with a trip to the thrift store and some quick handiwork with a hot glue gun. And since many thrift stores are supplied by donations to ClothingDonations.org, you can get creative while contributing to a good cause.

Thrift Your Way to an Elegant Table

Decorate for an Easter brunch on the cheap by shopping at your local thrift and secondhand stores, many of which are supplied by generous donations to ClothingDonations.org. For inspiration, check out the holiday table Redhead Can Decorate blogger Julie Fiato was able to stage with a few fortunate thrift-store finds such as rose china, champagne flutes and pink plastic eggs. Donation pickups keep thrifts supplied with new items constantly, and when you buy and repurpose lightly used goods, the proceeds help fund veterans’ programs nationwide.

Score Big With DIY Super Bowl Party Decorations

Planning a Super Bowl party is relatively simple: All you need are snacks, beverages and a TV. But you can really score with guests if you take your decorating to the next level with simple do-it-yourself projects such as AstroTurf table coverings and pennants. Or you can download a range of printable decorations and accessories such as Super Bowl bingo cards, game time silhouettes, snack containers and cupcake toppers to really turn your space into sports central. It’s a great way to get in the spirit at a fraction of the cost of store-bought decorations.

Shop the Thrift for Super Bowl Party Decorations

Dollar and thrift stores can be great sources for Super Bowl party supplies such as felt, pennants, gently used serving dishes and more; you might even find a lightly used NFL jersey at the thrift that was donated to ClothingDonations.org. At the very least, you can pick up paper plates, napkins and plastic flatware in the team colors — red and blue for the New England Patriots and green and black for the Philadephia Eagles — for your guests to use as they gorge themselves on chips, dips, nachos and wings from a thriftily-crafted buffet of favorites.

Stage a Gameday Party Without Blowing Your Budget

Super Bowl Sunday is only a few days away, and if you’re part of the special team that’s hosting, you don’t want to blow your budget. Fortunately, there are ways to keep a Super Bowl party economical, Thrifty Little Mom says. First, get the basics for your recipes — chips, vegetables, meats, dairy products, soda, etc. — at a discount or bulk grocery store; once prepared and displayed in a festive setting, no one will notice the difference. Then, encourage your guests to bring an extra dish or drink to pass, and you’ll probably wind up with leftovers.