5 ways to tastefully Christmas decorate on a budget

By Gabriella Margerison · · 2 min read
Fact Checked
Advertiser disclosure

With Christmas fast approaching, the festive spirit is in full swing, but that doesn’t mean your wallet has to feel the pinch. Whether you’re hosting a family feast or simply want to add some holiday sparkle, you can create a magical atmosphere without overspending. Here’s how to craft a trendy, budget-friendly Christmas wonderland, drawing inspiration from this year’s hottest decorating trends.

1. Go green with nature-inspired decor

Skip pricey store-bought decorations and embrace nature. Gather eucalyptus branches, pinecones, and sprigs of rosemary to create stunning centerpieces or wreaths. A simple vase filled with fresh greenery can make your home smell like Christmas while keeping it chic. Not only is this on-trend, but it’s also sustainable and easy on your bank account.

2. Embrace a minimalist aesthetic

Less is more when it comes to modern Christmas decor. Instead of going all-out, focus on a few statement pieces. Think Scandinavian-inspired designs like neutral-toned ornaments, wooden accents, and warm fairy lights. These elements create an elegant, understated festive vibe that feels fresh and inviting.

3. DIY Magic: Handmade ornaments and garlands

Unleash your inner creativity with some DIY projects. Handmade paper snowflakes, popcorn garlands, or dried orange slices are timeless and cost-effective. Personal touches like photo ornaments or handmade gift tags can also add a warm, sentimental vibe to your decorations and keep your savings down pat.

4. Light up for less

Twinkling lights instantly transform any space, and they don’t have to cost the earth. Opt for energy-efficient LED lights, and try clustering fairy lights in jars or draping them across mantels for a cosy glow. Bonus: they use less energy, so you’ll save on your electricity bill too, and while you’re at it, why not compare energy providers to see if you could get a better deal?

5. Think thrifty

Second-hand stores are treasure troves for festive finds like vintage ornaments, unique table settings, and charming knick-knacks. Mixing in a few retro pieces can add character to your decor without breaking the budget. It’s also great for the environment and sustainability in general.

Mozo may receive payment if you click products on our site. We don’t compare the entire market, but you can search our database of 252 savings accounts using the filters.
Last updated 15 January 2025 Important disclosures

Savings account comparisons on Mozo

  • Promoted

    Savings Maximiser

    Maximum rate
    5.50 % p.a.
    (for $0 to $100,000)
    Deposit $1,000 into a personal ING account, make 5 eligible transactions with a linked Orange Everyday account and grow the balance each month.
    Standard rate
    0.55 % p.a.
    (for $0 and over)
    Go to site

    For a limited time, earn $100 cashback when you open an ING Orange Everyday and Savings Maximiser account. Offer is available until 15 February, 2025 (T&Cs apply). Access a great variable rate when you grow your balance each month, in addition to other eligibility criteria. Mozo Experts Choice Awards Everyday & Savings Bank of the Year winner for 2024.^

  • Promoted

    Savvy Saver Account

    Maximum rate
    5.10 % p.a.
    (for $0 to $100,001)
    Minimum $500 deposited into linked transaction account, and 5 Visa Card transactions from that account
    Standard rate
    0.55 % p.a.
    (for $0 and over)
    Go to site

    Earn a great variable rate each month when you meet the criteria. No need to lock your savings away. Move your money in and out and still earn interest. Transfer or make payments using our mobile app or internet banking. No minimum balance required. Rest easy knowing total deposits up to $250,000 are protected by the Financial Claims Scheme.

  • Promoted

    Boss Saver

    Maximum rate
    5.10 % p.a.
    (for $0 to $100,001)
    Minimum $500 deposited into linked transaction account, and 5 Visa Card transactions from that account
    Standard rate
    0.55 % p.a.
    (for $0 and over)
    Go to site

    Bonus interest for the first four months from the account opened date. No minimum balance required. No monthly or ongoing fees or withdrawal penalties. Manage your money easily via phone or online banking or via the BCU Bank app.

  • Promoted

    Savings+Bonus

    Maximum rate
    5.00 % p.a.
    (for $1 to $250,000)
    Minimum $100 monthly deposit and no withdrawals to earn bonus interest each month.
    Standard rate
    2.00 % p.a.
    (for $1 to $250,000)
    Go to site

    Enjoy bonus interest when you deposit $100 or more per month and make no withdrawals. Access your money at any time via internet banking or our mobile app. Maximum balance $250,000 to receive bonus interest.

  • Savings Maximiser

    Maximum rate
    5.50 % p.a.
    (for $0 to $100,000)
    Deposit $1,000 into a personal ING account, make 5 eligible transactions with a linked Orange Everyday account and grow the balance each month.
    Standard rate
    0.55 % p.a.
    (for $0 and over)
    Go to site

    For a limited time, earn $100 cashback when you open an ING Orange Everyday and Savings Maximiser account. Offer is available until 15 February, 2025 (T&Cs apply). Access a great variable rate when you grow your balance each month, in addition to other eligibility criteria. Mozo Experts Choice Awards Everyday & Savings Bank of the Year winner for 2024.^

  • Savings Accelerator

    Maximum rate
    5.40 % p.a.
    (for $150,000 to $500,000)
    New customers receive an introductory bonus 0.70% p.a. variable kick starter rate for the first 4 months on balances up to $500,000.
    Standard rate
    2.85 % p.a.
    (for $0 to $50,000)
    Go to site

    Enjoy the flexibility to access your funds with no monthly deposit requirements or lock-in terms. No ING fees to pay. Mozo Experts Choice Awards Everyday & Savings Bank of the Year winner for 2024.^

  • Online Savings Account

    Maximum rate
    5.20 % p.a.
    (for $0 and over)
    Bonus rate for the first 3 months from account opening.
    Standard rate
    1.00 % p.a.
    (for $0 and over)
    Go to site

    Complement your banking with an introductory bonus rate offer. Earn additional bonus interest for the first 3 months. No minimum monthly deposit required to earn interest. No account keeping fees. No minimum opening balance. Manage your account 24/7 using the app.

  • Boss Saver

    Maximum rate
    5.10 % p.a.
    (for $0 to $100,001)
    Minimum $500 deposited into linked transaction account, and 5 Visa Card transactions from that account
    Standard rate
    0.55 % p.a.
    (for $0 and over)
    Go to site

    Bonus interest for the first four months from the account opened date. No minimum balance required. No monthly or ongoing fees or withdrawal penalties. Manage your money easily via phone or online banking or via the BCU Bank app.

  • Savvy Saver Account

    Maximum rate
    5.10 % p.a.
    (for $0 to $100,001)
    Minimum $500 deposited into linked transaction account, and 5 Visa Card transactions from that account
    Standard rate
    0.55 % p.a.
    (for $0 and over)
    Go to site

    Earn a great variable rate each month when you meet the criteria. No need to lock your savings away. Move your money in and out and still earn interest. Transfer or make payments using our mobile app or internet banking. No minimum balance required. Rest easy knowing total deposits up to $250,000 are protected by the Financial Claims Scheme.

  • Savings+Bonus

    Maximum rate
    5.00 % p.a.
    (for $1 to $250,000)
    Minimum $100 monthly deposit and no withdrawals to earn bonus interest each month.
    Standard rate
    2.00 % p.a.
    (for $1 to $250,000)
    Go to site

    Enjoy bonus interest when you deposit $100 or more per month and make no withdrawals. Access your money at any time via internet banking or our mobile app. Maximum balance $250,000 to receive bonus interest.

  • Bonus Saver

    Maximum rate
    5.00 % p.a.
    (for $0 and over)
    Standard rate
    0.50 % p.a.
    (for $0 and over)
    Go to site

    Bonus interest for the first four months from the account opened date. No minimum balance required. No monthly or ongoing fees or withdrawal penalties. Manage your money easily via phone or online banking or via the BCU Bank app.

  • Hi Saver

    Maximum rate
    5.00 % p.a.
    (for $0 and over)
    Bonus rate for the first 4 months from account opening
    Standard rate
    0.50 % p.a.
    (for $0 and over)
    Go to site

    Earn bonus interest on your savings for the first four months from the date you open the account, even if you make withdrawals. Transfer or make payments using our mobile app or internet banking. No minimum balance required. Rest easy knowing total deposits up to $250,000 are protected by the Financial Claims Scheme.

  • Bonus Saver Account

    Maximum rate
    5.00 % p.a.
    (for $0 to $250,000)
    Deposit at least $20 each month and make 5 Visa Debit transactions with a linked Glide account.
    Standard rate
    0.05 % p.a.
    (for $0 and over)
    Go to site

    Open a Bonus Saver Account in under 5 minutes. There are no fees to pay or penalties for withdrawing money. Get a seamless personalised insights and online statements via the My State Bank app.

  • MoneyMAX Account

    Maximum rate
    4.70 % p.a.
    (for $1 and over)
    Standard rate
    4.70 % p.a.
    (for $1 and over)
    Go to site

    Unlimited access 24/7 via Banking App, Phone & Internet Banking. Interest is calculated daily and paid monthly. No transaction fees or monthly service fees. No minimum balance or withdrawal restrictions. Online access only.

  • SwiftSaver Account

    Maximum rate
    4.50 % p.a.
    (for $0 to $250,000)
    Minimum deposit of $10 and no withdrawals in the month
    Standard rate
    0.05 % p.a.
    (for $0 and over)
    Go to site

    Earn bonus interest each month by depositing $10 or more and making no withdrawals. A great on-going rate. No monthly fees to pay. Open up to five accounts to make saving for different goals simple. No minimum balance required. Rest easy knowing total deposits up to $250,000 are protected by the Financial Claims Scheme.

  • EasySaver Account

    Maximum rate
    3.70 % p.a.
    (for $0 and over)
    Standard rate
    3.70 % p.a.
    (for $0 and over)
    Go to site

    Enjoy a straight-forward variable savings rate with the Bendigo Bank EasySaver Account. Watch your savings grow without any monthly service fees to pay. Minimum opening balance of just $1. e-banking and phone banking anywhere, anytime. Branch access Australia wide, with 2 free branch withdrawals per month. No card access but transact online via e-banking or the Bendigo Bank app, through phone banking or at any branch.

Showing 12 results from 252 savings accounts. Use the filters to see more

^See information about the Mozo Experts Choice Savings Account Awards

Mozo provides general product information. We don't consider your personal objectives, financial situation or needs and we aren't recommending any specific product to you. You should make your own decision after reading the PDS or offer documentation, or seeking independent advice.

While we pride ourselves on covering a wide range of products, we don't cover every product in the market. If you decide to apply for a product through our website, you will be dealing directly with the provider of that product and not with Mozo.

Today's savings account rates