By Holly Martin
Gearing up for the holidays means turning our towns into winter wonderlands. Walking down Asbury Avenue in Ocean City feels a little bit more magical this time of the year. Even backing out of my driveway has a more whimsical feeling. The neighbors have decorated their lawns with the beautiful lights, blown up Santas, and projectors showing falling snow. During the holidays we can transform our homes inside and out with some great decorations! You don’t have to break the bank to get the best holiday themes. From our local small business to the dollar store, you can find everything you need to get your home into the Holly Jolly spirit.
Wreaths
Finding the perfect wreath for your front door can be a challenge. Dollar stores have some classic plastic pine wreaths while art supply stores give you the chance to make beautiful ones yourself. I have seen some local shops and stores creating out of this world wreaths you can get without having to do too much DIY. Garden centers have been selling some amazing holiday wreaths as well. From the plain pine to some covered in ornaments and glitter, garden centers can hook you up with a real tree wreath to keep that pine smell right on your door. Wreaths can range from $1-$30 depending on your preference and how extravagant this want to make it.
Bows
Bows make everything a bit more celebratory. From presents under the tree to hanging off your curtains, don’t be afraid to add an extra bow or two to the decoration checklist. Dollar stores have multiple bags of different fun colors to add pizzazz to your holiday scenery. Depending on the amount and size of bows you want this can cost you $1-$10.
Lights
Is it even Christmas without all the twinkling lights? I have seen them all, from the multicolor tree lights to the twinkling icicle lights hanging from the room. Lights add flair and magic to the home during the holidays. Many places offer boxes of lights in all different types, sizes, and colors. Be sure to read the boxes when buying in bulk! I don’t believe you can ever have too many lights, but if you were hoping to get all of the same kind you need to make sure you are double checking the boxes! Prices vary from store to store.
Garland
Does your mantle or hand railing look bare? Don’t overlook the miracle of garland. The extra shimmer and shine adds a more whimsical look to your holiday decorations. Garland doesn’t have to break your bank. A foot of it from the dollar store can turn any bare shelf from meh to pow! Wrapping the shiny string around handrails makes everything pop, and adds a bit more flair to what is normally so bare. However, if you have any furry friends that like to chew on shiny things, maybe we can skip this decoration. We get our garland from the Dollar Tree for $1!
Candles
Walking into your home and smelling the christmas tree and cookies is a scent I wish I could have all year round. Some of my favorite scents come from the Smithville Village shoppes while my boyfriend swears by Bath and Body Works. Having a couple candle burning fills the home with the sweet nostalgic smells that get you ready to make a hot chocolate and watch your favorite holiday movie. A candle shop owner once told me the secret to getting the most out of your candle is to burn it for a minimum of 4 hours, and that trick hasn’t failed me yet. I also decorate my candles with adorable candle rings to make the candle on the table look a little more sophisticated. Yankee Candle has amazing deals this time of the year. We got 2 candles for $14!
Holly Martin has been working in media since 2012. She has worked as a photographer and videographer throughout her high school and college career. Holly is a producer for WOND radio as well as fill in DJ for 103.7 WMGM Rocks. She loves being a concert photographer and working as event staff. She has worked as a reporter for Temple University’s Philadelphia Neighborhoods and submitted Editorials to the Philadelphia Inquirer. She has done multiple multimedia articles for Temple as well as Shore Local Newsmagazine. Her portfolio website is www.hollyamartin.com
