Holiday design on a budget

Wittmann resident Betty Boon is the owner of Arrangement by Design, an interior-design business. Boon, 67, said her philosophy is to make interior design affordable for everyone.

"I like to try to think of inexpensive ways, especially with the way the economy is right now," Boon said. "You can do things that won't cost a lot of money."

Here, she shares some inexpensive tips to spruce up your home for the holidays.

- Sherry Anne Rubiano, The Republic/azcentral.com

Tip 1:

Spray pine cones with gold paint and add some fake snow to decorate a Christmas table. You can also spray small branches or twigs with gold paint and gather them into a bundle with ribbon.

Tip 2:

Frame your favorite Christmas cards. Shop at dollar stores or somewhere inexpensive to buy frames.

Tip 3:

Slice apples and oranges in thin circles. Dry the slices on a cookie sheet in the oven at 200 degrees until they are shriveled and lightly brown. Make a garland by stringing them on twine and alternating the slices with cranberries. Or you can put them in a bowl.

Tip 4:

If you have a glass jar, like a mayonnaise jar, drop a tea light in it and tie a Christmas ribbon around the neck. Nestle the jar in peppermint and nuts.