Walking into a high-street store like B&M this time of year can feel a bit like stepping into a glitter-covered whirlwind. You know you want that high-end, magazine-ready look for your home, but your bank account is gently whispering—or perhaps shouting—for you to be sensible. I have been there so many times. I’ve stood in the aisle holding a £5 pack of baubles, wondering if I could truly make them look like the £50 vintage glass ornaments I saw online.
The answer, surprisingly often, is yes. You don't need a boundless budget to create a festive atmosphere that feels curated and expensive. You just need a bit of strategy and a willingness to get your hands slightly sticky with glue or glitter. This season, B&M has really stepped up their game with collections that mimic much pricier design houses, and with a few DIY tweaks, we can elevate these budget finds into something truly bespoke.
Trend Overview – What’s Hot at B&M
What’s new in the 2025 festive decor collection at B&M
This year, the shelves are telling a very specific story. We are moving away from the chaotic, mish-mash of colours and leaning hard into cohesive, texture-rich themes. In previous years, budget retailers often focused on "shiny" as the primary aesthetic, but the 2025 B&M rollout is surprisingly matte, tactile, and sophisticated. I noticed a distinct shift towards materials that feel organic—wood, felt, and brushed metals—rather than just plastic. This is fantastic news for us DIYers because natural textures are much easier to blend with high-end pieces you might already own.
Colour palettes and style themes: Nordic Glow, All Is Bright, Festive Folklore
Three main pillars seem to be holding up the collection this year. First, you have the "Nordic Glow." Think muted sage greens, icy whites, and pale blond woods. It is minimalist but warm. If you love that Scandi-clean look, this is where you want to hunt. I picked up a few of their ceramic houses in this range, and honestly, once lit up, you can’t distinguish them from the designer versions.
Then there is "All Is Bright," which is your playful, retro-inspired theme. It is heavy on candy-cane reds, peppermint whites, and pops of turquoise. It feels nostalgic without looking dated. Finally, "Festive Folklore" is the dark horse of the season. It uses deep navies, forest greens, and gold accents, incorporating woodland motifs like mushrooms and owls. It is moody and incredibly chic. When you are shopping, my advice is to pick one lane and stay in it. Mixing "All Is Bright" with "Nordic Glow" can look disjointed, but committing to one theme makes your budget decor look intentional and curated.
Patricia's Pro-Tip: I've seen many clients make the mistake of buying small, cheap items in every colour available because they "looked cute." The simple fix is to carry a physical sample—like a ribbon or a paint chip—of your chosen colour scheme in your pocket. If the item on the shelf doesn't sing in harmony with that sample, put it back.
DIY Projects for Tree & Mantel Decor
Easy garland upgrades using B&M baubles and ribbon
A standard budget garland can look a bit sparse straight out of the box. The trick to making it look lush and heavy is layering. Start by fluffing every single branch; do not skip this. Twist them in different directions to mimic natural growth. Once you have your base, take a multipack of B&M shatterproof baubles. Don't just hang them; wire them deep into the foliage.
Cluster for impact. Instead of spacing ornaments evenly, wire three baubles together using a pipe cleaner before attaching them to the garland. This creates clusters that look bountiful and expensive. Finish by weaving a wide, wire-edged ribbon throughout the length. Don't lay it flat. Pinch and twist it every few inches, securing it with the garland's own branches, to create billowing loops that hide the "spine" of the garland.
Sparkle on a budget: DIY metallic spray-painted pinecones from B&M finds
B&M often sells bags of scented pinecones or potpourri that are inexpensive but visually underwhelming. To transform these, you need a can of metallic spray paint—champagne gold or copper works best for a modern look. Set up a cardboard box outside to catch the overspray.
The dusting technique. You don't want to coat the pinecone entirely; that looks like plastic. Instead, stand back about 30cm and give them a light dusting, just catching the tips of the scales. This preserves the natural brown shadow inside the cone, giving it depth. Once dry, hot glue a loop of velvet ribbon to the top. These look stunning hung on the tree or piled into a glass bowl.
Rustic charm: DIY twig star wreath using B&M garlands and natural materials
For a statement piece above the mantel, avoid the generic round wreath. Create a large star shape using garden canes or straight sticks from your yard, lashing the corners together with twine. This frame costs essentially nothing.
Wrapping the frame. Take a thin, cheap garland from B&M—the kind that might look sad on a mantel—and wrap it tightly around your stick frame. Because the frame is rigid, the garland is forced to look structured. Tuck in sprigs of real eucalyptus or holly (foraged is fine) to break up the artificial texture. Hang this from a high point with a thick ribbon. It fills a large vertical space for pennies.
Budget-Friendly Tabletop & Centrepiece Ideas
Creating a festive table runner with B&M fabric and ribbon trim
Table linens can be shockingly expensive, but B&M often sells fleece throws or large fabric scraps in their homeware section during the holidays. Look for a thin, patterned throw in a tartan or a neutral grey felt.
The no-sew method. Cut the fabric into a strip about 40cm wide and the length of your table plus a 20cm drop on each end. You don't need a sewing machine. Use iron-on hem tape to create a crisp edge. To elevate it, buy a roll of their decorative ribbon—something with a bit of sparkle or a velvet texture—and use fabric glue to run a stripe down the centre or along the edges. It adds weight and a custom finish that looks like tailored linen.
DIY candle cluster centrepiece using B&M candles and thrifted trays
The "cluster" is a designer's secret weapon. One candle looks lonely; five candles look like an event. B&M is great for pillar candles. Buy five to seven candles of varying heights in the same colour family (e.g., ivory, cream, and white).
Arranging the display. Place them on a tray. If you don't have a nice tray, a cheap baking sheet spray-painted matte gold works wonders. Arrange the candles in the centre, ensuring they aren't touching. Fill the gaps at the base with small baubles or snippets of artificial greenery. The key is density—you want it to look like an overflowing cornucopia of light.
Personalised place-settings with B&M baubles, name tags and kraft paper
Hospitality is all about making guests feel seen. Buy a box of plain, clear or solid colour baubles. Using a paint pen (gold or silver), write your guest's name in your best cursive on the bauble.
The napkin ring hack. Thread a piece of thin ribbon through the bauble loop and tie it around a rolled napkin. It acts as both a place card and a party favour they can take home. Pair this with a simple placemat made from brown kraft paper (often found in the packaging aisle). The contrast between the shiny bauble and the rough paper is very "Festive Folklore."
Wall, Door & Entryway Accents
Quick door décor: DIY chalkboard sign + B&M battery-fairy lights
Wreaths are classic, but a framed message board is a modern alternative. B&M frequently stocks small chalkboards or slates. Write a festive message like "Joy to the World" or simply "Welcome."
Adding the glow. The magic comes from the lights. Take a strand of micro-LED battery lights (copper wire ones are best as they hold their shape) and wrap them around the frame of the chalkboard. Hide the battery pack behind the board with a piece of duct tape. Hanging this on your front door (if covered) or the inside of your entryway door creates an immediate warm greeting.
Wall gallery refresh: grouping B&M framed prints and seasonal motifs
If you have a gallery wall, you don't need to take it down for Christmas. You just need to dress it up. B&M sells inexpensive seasonal prints, or even better, Christmas cards.
The overlay trick. Do not swap the art; just layer over it. Use blu-tack to stick a festive card or a lightweight wooden snowflake ornament directly onto the glass of your existing picture frames. It looks like an intentional collage. You can also drape a lightweight bead garland across the tops of the frames to unite the collection.
Budget welcome mat upgrade with B&M doormat + painted seasonal stencil
A plain coir doormat from B&M is usually under £5. To make it festive, print out a simple shape—like a star or a tree—on a piece of A4 paper and cut it out to create a stencil.
Stencilling success. Tape the stencil down firmly. Use outdoor acrylic paint and a stiff brush. Dab the paint on (don't brush back and forth, or it will bleed under the paper). A row of red stars or black reindeer along the bottom of a plain mat looks custom-made. It is a twenty-minute project that greets you every time you come home.
Room-by-Room Mini Makeovers
Living room refresh with B&M throws, cushions and twinkle lights
You spend the most time here, so focus on "soft" upgrades. B&M's cushion covers are a steal. Swap out your everyday florals for velvet or faux fur textures.
Lighting the vertical space. We often forget corners. taking a tall glass vase (or a large empty jar), filling it with battery-operated fairy lights, and placing it in a dark corner on the floor creates a column of light that makes the room feel magical and cosy. It acts almost like a fireplace glow without the heat.
Bedroom cosy-up: DIY headboard swag using B&M garlands and fairy lights
Waking up to a festive bedroom is a joy. You don't need a tree in there. Create a "swag" for your headboard. Use a soft, non-scratchy garland (avoid the stiff PVC ones here; look for felt or wool types).
Draping the lights. Drape the garland loosely over the top of the headboard. Intertwine warm-white fairy lights. The soft light acts as a nightlight and makes the bed feel like a sanctuary. Ensure the lights are battery-operated so you aren't tripping over cords in the night.
Hallway sparkle: DIY lantern display from B&M lanterns and LED string lights
Hallways are often narrow and hard to decorate. B&M usually stocks metal or wooden lanterns.
The staircase strategy. If you have stairs, place a lantern on every other step against the wall. If not, group three of different sizes by the entryway console. Instead of real candles which can be a fire hazard in high-traffic areas, fill them with tangled string lights. The glass reflects the LEDs, multiplying the sparkle.
Outdoor & Porch Ideas Without Breaking the Bank
Simple outdoor lighting: up-cycling B&M string lights in mason jars
Outdoor-rated lights can be pricey, but you can protect cheaper battery lights with glass. Collect clean jam jars or buy a set of mason jars from B&M.
The solar hack. Buy cheap solar path lights from B&M. Pop the top "solar lid" off the stake and see if it fits your jar mouth. Often, they fit perfectly. If not, place a battery string light inside the jar and screw the lid on tight. Arrange these jars along your walkway or on your porch steps. They look like captured fireflies.
DIY pot spruce: B&M planters + inexpensive seasonal foliage from local market
Your summer planters are probably looking dead right now. Empty them out. B&M sells large, plastic planters that look like stone or ceramic.
Foraging for filler. You don't need to buy expensive nursery plants. Go to a local market or even your garden and get clippings of evergreen, holly, or ivy. Push these cuttings into the soil of the planter. Keep them dense. Add a few pinecones and perhaps a large red outdoor bow. As long as the soil stays damp/frozen, the cuttings will stay green for weeks.
Budget banner and bunting using B&M craft supplies for festive outdoor flair
Bunting isn't just for summer fetes. Make a winter version using oilcloth or waterproof fabric (B&M sometimes sells wipe-clean tablecloths that are perfect for this).
Cutting the flags. Cut triangles from the tablecloth. Staple or glue them to a sturdy length of twine. Because the material is waterproof, it can handle snow and rain. Hang this across your porch railing or above the garage door for a festive touch that withstands the British weather.
Beginner-Friendly DIY Tips & Tricks
Tools you already have: what B&M items pair easily with craft basics
You do not need a professional workshop. Most B&M decor hacks require only scissors, a hot glue gun, and perhaps some wire cutters.
The essentials. Keep a stash of clear fishing line (for invisible hanging), command hooks (for damage-free wall mounting), and green floral wire. These three things will allow you to attach almost anything to anything.
Mistakes to avoid: common beginner errors when doing DIY home decor
The biggest mistake is ignoring scale. A tiny wreath on a huge door looks sad. A massive centrepiece on a small table creates clutter.
Patricia's Pro-Tip: Before you glue anything, dry-fit it. Lay your garland out on the floor before you hang it. Arrange your wreath components before you secure them. Once the hot glue cools, there is no going back without a mess. Step back and look at it from a distance—perspective changes everything.
Save-money checklist: how to maximise B&M bargains and seasonal sales
Timing is everything. B&M often reduces prices as the season progresses, but the best stuff goes early. The sweet spot is usually mid-November. Also, check the "damaged" section. Often a set of baubles is discounted because one is broken. If you are using them for a wreath or garland where you can hide the broken one (or just discard it), you can get the set for a fraction of the price.
End-of-Season Storage & Re-use Ideas
How to store your B&M decor finds efficiently for next year
When January rolls around, don't just shove everything in a bin. Future-you will hate past-you. Save the plastic egg cartons or apple trays from your grocery shopping—they are perfect for storing delicate baubles.
The wrapping technique. Wrap fairy lights around a piece of cardboard to prevent tangling. Label every box. Be specific. Don't write "Xmas"; write "Living Room Mantel Garland + Gold Baubles."
Up-cycling leftover materials into new decor for upcoming seasons
That gold spray paint you used on the pinecones? It can upcycle Easter eggs in spring. The glass jars from the porch? Clean them out and use them for summer cocktails.
What to buy now at B&M and how to repurpose after the holidays
Look for items that aren't strictly "Christmas." A red throw is festive in December but also works for Valentine's Day. Green velvet cushions work all winter long. Wooden crates used for hampers can be used for storage year-round. Buy decor that moonlights as everyday home goods, and your money goes twice as far.
Frequently Asked Questions About Budget Festive Decor
How can I make cheap Christmas decorations look expensive? The secret is abundance and unity. Cheap decorations often look sparse, so grouping them together in clusters creates a feeling of luxury. Sticking to a strict colour palette (max 2-3 colours) also elevates the look, making it appear curated rather than accidental.
Is it worth buying a pre-lit tree from B&M? Generally, yes. B&M's pre-lit trees are very competitively priced. However, for the best look, I recommend adding one extra strand of lights deep inside the branches (near the trunk) to add depth that factory-lit trees sometimes lack.
What is the best way to hang garlands without damaging walls? I swear by removable adhesive hooks (like Command hooks). Place hooks on the top surface of the mantel or shelf rather than the front face; this hides the mechanism. For heavy garlands, use multiple hooks spaced closely together to distribute the weight.
Can I use indoor B&M decorations outside? Be very careful here. Most indoor items, especially those with glitter or cardboard components, will disintegrate in moisture. However, glass, thick plastic, and treated metal can usually survive a few weeks on a sheltered porch. Always check that lights are specifically rated for outdoor use (IP44 or higher) for safety.
Everything you need for a magazine-worthy home is likely sitting on a shelf in your local high street store right now, just waiting for a little bit of imagination. It isn't about how much you spend; it is about the care and creativity you pour into the arrangement. So grab that glue gun, head to the shops, and make this season your most stylish one yet.
