It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas around here.  I managed to squeeze in some minimal (and cheap!) decorating in and I spent around $20 total!  I'll be sharing my mantel and wreath next week, but here's what we've got so far...

 Saving some money by using our old tree again.  We've used the red and silver ornaments for the last few years and maybe next year we'll be able to to replace the red with gold.  I also made a burlap ribbon to go around the tree.  I've used the same 3 yards of burlap in various projects since August.  Best $9 ever spent.

I started collecting ornaments for me and the hubby on our second Christmas together.  Here's the first one from 2008.  Pottery Barn has a great selection of nice ornaments and they go on sale the week of Christmas...that's when I scooped this one up.

 
This one represents our Alma Mater.  Woo Pig!
 
 I got this one for us last year to celebrate our engagement and our wedding that was just a few months later!  I can't wait to see what I find for this year!

 Again, working within a super small budget, I simply took a few ornaments and scattered them within our bookshelves.  This is a great way to spread some Christmas throughout without having to spend a ton of money!  Oh, and I saw sets of gold and silver ornaments in the Target $1 bins!

Sooo, how is your holiday decor coming along?  Anyone else trying to work with what you've got?  I'll be working on my mantel and wreath this weekend and I can't wait to share it with you!  Have a great weekend everyone!!