Decorating for the holidays should be a fun, festive event, but can sometimes be more stressful than cheerful when the budget and square footage are both tight. When you’re living in an apartment, finding the space to showcase your holiday symbols is difficult, and even the tiniest of ornaments come with hefty price tags.

To keep your costs low and devote your holiday savings toward gifts for friends and family instead of interior designs, consider the following easy-to-follow tips.

1. Select a statement tree

Find a small, faux tree in a bright color to attract eyes to a focal point in your entertaining area. By opting for a white or bright color over traditional forest green, you can make a bigger show with a lot less tree. And, a fun color adds a unique, eclectic flair not otherwise seen in traditional Christmas décor. Save the evergreen fir for your starter home – now is the time to let your personality shine in your smaller, albeit aesthetically interesting space.

2. Hold a DIY ornament party

What better way to bring friends and family together over the holiday season than to hold an ornament decorating party? All you need to do is provide some materials, like clear or white balls, glitter and glue. You could save even more by baking your own ornaments by combining ½ cup cornstarch, 1 cup baking soda and ¾ cup water. Simply stir ingredients in a medium saucepan over medium heat until dough starts to thicken, remove and cover with a damp towel and let cool for approximately thirty minutes, then roll out into a ¼ inch thick sheet and cut into holiday shapes. Once finished cutting, add metal hooks and bake on a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper at 175 degrees Fahrenheit for 45 to 60 minutes. You can spray with a clear protective coating or paint once cooled. Or, opt for an Asian-inspired theme and provide your guests with some origami paper and folding guides.

3. Hang your greetings

Rather than allow the inevitable piles of countless holiday cards to clutter the coffee table, hang them across the mantle in a garland-like fashion. Hanging cards better showcases your loved ones’ greetings and keeps tables free for hors d’oeuvres, platters and cocktail coasters. Use a hole punch at the corner of each card and string a ribbon to hold together.

4. Incorporate natural elements

Winter weather is strongly associated with the holiday season – no matter where you live. Go for a walk and collect pinecones to fill up mason jars and place around your apartment, especially if you rent in warmer weather and need some cold-climate inspiration to incite holiday merriment. If you live in a residential neighborhood, nearby landscapers often trim excess branches that can make great décor pieces around the home. You could also cut small sprigs for gift wrap if you’re trying to save on excess accessories.

5. Use flameless candles

Candles can be hazardous habits when left burning all night. Even if you remain diligent about blowing out your flames when you leave your apartment or go to sleep, they can be costly to replace, especially if you opt for the more expensive designer brands over grocery store finds. Go for flameless candles that can be reused year-round to create the cozy atmosphere you desire, and get creative in the kitchen or purchase fresh-cut flowers to entice the scenes of you and your guests.

With a little creativity, designing a seasonally-appropriate space without overspending is well within reason. With less to stow away, you’ll be happy you opted for holiday minimalism over an extravagant display this year, no matter your spending limit.