We are in FULL BLOWN Christmas mode here at Lo+Mo, and there’s nothing we love more than sharing tips to make your holiday season magical with any kind of budget. One of our favorite festive challenges is proving that you don’t need to spend a fortune to create a show-stopping Christmas tree.
Last year, I set myself a mission: take a 5’5″, $30 pre-lit tree from Target and turn it into a centerpiece that could rival any designer display. Spoiler alert—it worked, and it didn’t cost me much more than my time, creativity, and a bit of glitter!
The Transformation
Here’s how I gave my budget tree a glow-up:
- Fluffing the Branches
The key to any tree makeover is fluffing the branches. This step makes all the difference in creating a full, lush look. I spent a good hour shaping each branch, separating them to make the tree look as full as possible. Pro tip: put on your favorite Christmas movie or playlist while you work—it makes the time fly by! - DIY Ornaments
I grabbed a pack of clear glass ornaments from Michaels and gave them the DIY treatment. Using glitter and Mop’n’Glo (yes, the floor cleaner—trust me on this), I created sparkly, custom decorations that added shimmer and personality to the tree. Check out our tutorial here for step-by-step instructions. - Handmade Bows
Ribbon is such an easy way to add a touch of elegance. I dug into my stash of leftover ribbon and made a mix of small and medium-sized bows to nestle into the branches. If you’re new to bow-making, don’t worry! A quick search on YouTube will give you all the tips you need.
The Result
When I stepped back to admire the finished tree, I was amazed at how luxurious it looked. The glittering ornaments, elegant bows, and fluffed branches made it hard to believe it started as a simple $30 tree.
The Takeaway
The lesson here is simple: you don’t have to spend a fortune to create a Christmas tree that wows. With a little creativity and a few affordable materials, you can transform even the simplest tree into a festive masterpiece.
We’d love to see how you make magic on a budget this holiday season! Share your photos and tips with us in the comments or on social media by tagging #LoMoHolidayMagic.
Happy decorating!
– Katy
Lo+Mo 
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