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Lazy Christmas Tree Decorating

I was being very last this year with my decorations. Mostly because we were traveling to see family during Thanksgiving and Christmas, so there's a short window between to hanging stuff up and taking it down. So I thought and thought....

 I thought about what's already here to decorate with and what my goals were for my vision. I really liked the idea of stringing ribbon on my tree. So decided to use some leftover tulle and decorated my tree. My tree is 7ft. pre-lit so half of the job was done.

Materials:

• Tulle rolls of different colors (I used 3 shades of pink, any color combinations that complement each other well together will work)
• Scissors
• Any size tree pre-lit or not; faux or not*

 *aside: make sure you are watering your real Christmas trees daily to avoid dryness and fire hazards.

Instructions:

1. Cut the tulle into strips about 2ft to 3 ft long (for a smaller tree try 6in to 1ft long)
2. Once you've decided your color pattern, take the end of one strip and tie it to the end of the other into a bow. 
   If you are a perfectionist like I am and hate twisted bows, please see this link here for the Perfect Bow
   
   
   
3. Continuing in your color pattern, tie the tulle strips together end to end until desired length is reached.
4. (I started from the top) String the tulle around the tree until completely covered.
   

Post Halloween Sales

Maybe next year I will actually have some posts during Halloween on some DIY or last minute costumes. But, in the “mean time between time” I will go over my Post Halloween shopping strategies. This will include candy deals, projects and costume deals for next year. So pay attention, the next 3 – 5 days will be crucial.

Here is my only ABSOLUTE RULE TO FOLLOW:

If you see something you think you might like, pick it up immediately and put it in the shopping basket. Because there will be limited quantities on items and it might not be there when you actually figure out if you like it. You can always put it back down before you get to the register.

Candy

Over the past few years, I have never been home to actually hand out candy. So I would wait for Nov 1st to get my Smarties and Sour Skittles fix. Walmart, CVS, and Walgreens should be your 1st stops. They will immediately have candy for 50% off. (For some reason the Target in my area starts off at 30%... they will never learn, *scoffs*) If you want your faves, you might want to get there the day after. Towards the end of the week, there will be slim pickings so go as soon as you can after Halloween.

And don’t forget the grocery stores. Some grocery stores, especially Kroger, will start putting their candy on discount leading up to Halloween.

Halloween/Fall Décor

All the craft stores (Joann’s Fabric’s and Michaels in particular) were clearing their racks at least 1 to 2 weeks before at 60% to make room for items the Grannies shopping for their DIY holiday gifts supplies needed to start their projects. After Halloween, these items will be at least 70% to 80% off and will increase at the week(s) go by. You should be able to get some great Fall/Harvest décor (nice reds, oranges, browns and yellows) to decorate for Thanksgiving before Halloween.

If you want to outdo your neighbor’s grave yard next year, you’ll need to go to the stores on Nov 1st. Make sure you have some sort of idea of what you’re looking to do next year, or you’ll be wandering aimlessly around the aisle. Most items will be 50% like the candy and gradually increase over the next week to 75% or more. If you’re patient enough to wait, you can get a good deal on that 4ft tall, trick or treating Yoda you’ve had your eye on. You'll be able to get any of these items from Target, Walmart, CVS, and Walgreens (Side note: I seriously have one neighbor that has a full cemetery with headstones, dancing skeletons and mummies coming out of the ground. I’m fine with my little 3ft blow up ghost, BOO!)

Some department stores will have décor; it will mostly be inside decoration. I got a nice set of purple, spider lights from Berger’s (it's kind of like a Macy’s).

Also, grab some discounted pumpkin carving gear for next year! If you’re tired of gutting out pumpkins, try the Craft Pumpkins, from Michaels. You can paint them and they won’t get mushy. You’ll need a hot knife (available year round) to cut a design in them. However, this idea is not safe for younger kiddies. The hot knife does take steady hands and gets really hot!

Costumes

This one is probably the hardest because fads and popular characters change from year to year, but if you think ahead and buy smart you can cut down the price of next year’s costume. For infants and toddlers, you can maybe guess what size they will be and get a simple costumes like a bumblebee or fireman (unless there’s a new “Doc Mc Stuffins” or “Jake and the Never Land Pirates” fad and I thought Yo Gabba Gabba would go on forever!) For older kids, think about movies coming out next year around this time. And the timeless ideas never go away Superheroes, Princesses, Nerds, Storybook characters etc.

Start with the specialty, pop up stores, like Spirit Halloween. They will have their 50% off for only up to 2 days afterwards. If you don’t have any ideas for next year, you can definitely buy accessories like oversized glasses, socks, wigs, and women’s/girl’s tights for next year (or that crazy dress up day at school, church, or work. Somebody’s going to throw a Walking Dead Season Final Party and you want your Darrel and Michonne outfits on point!). You can also go to Target, Walmart, CVS, and Walgreens get costumes at well. They’ll start of at 50% off  and gradually increase of the next week(s).  Don’t go to Party City, I wasted my time there one year. The Cashier told me they pack up everything for next year!

And surprisingly my mom found me an adult witch costume at Kroger’s for about $2 one year. So don’t leave out the grocery stores on this hunt.

I wouldn’t recommend any face/body paints. I am not sure how much they will degrade 1yr from now. But if you’re bold enough to try, consider this you’re warning!

Sometime, somewhere there will always be “Baby’s 1st Halloween.” Bibs, outfits, and pumpkins PJ’s can be found in any department store weeks after Halloween for any persons currently expecting.

Online:

You might be able to find items online, but make sure it's worth it. You don't want to pay  $7.95 shipping of a 99¢ ghost cookie cutter!

Hope you enjoyed my rundown. I didn’t think it would be think this long. Please comment below and let me know!!

Later,
LH