Have you ever walked into TJ Maxx and felt the uncontrollable urge to buy everything in the home section? I sure have, and it was not a wallet friendly experience. I love seasonal decor, especially this time of year. Autumn’s golds, oranges and reds are so comforting and irresistible. When the Christmas decor is set out, I get swept up in nostalgia and the joy of my favorite holiday. You want your gorgeous Camden apartment to be all decked out for the best time of year! This fall I’ve decided I’m going to be smarter about my decor. I am going to plan it, own it and make it easier for you to find the most affordable seasonal pieces.

1. Make it yourself

Many of my spontaneous shopping sprees (like the one mentioned above) were a result of too much free time. You wander into TJ Maxx for some extra hangers and leave with seven scented candles. Stuff happens. But wouldn’t it be so much better if we used that free time to work with our hands and make something ourselves? If you’re a boredom shopper, explore the idea of crafting your seasonal decorations. Check out these blogs on crafting with pumpkins, making your own winter wreath and designing your own Christmas ornaments.

2. TJ Maxx, Marshall’s, Home Goods

If you must splurge, splurge . Compared to your higher end stores - Pottery Barn, West Elm, Crate & Barrell, etc. - and even compared to Target; TJ Maxx and its sister stores, Marshall’s and HomeGoods, have incredible prices. They have sales almost daily, send coupons via email and show you a price comparison on their website. Things like this ceramic pumpkin,this Thanksgiving wall sign or this rustic autumn vase are all less expensive than they would be elsewhere.

3. Pier 1

Pier 1 is one of those delightful stores that guarantees a sale whenever you happen to walk in their stores or open their website. While their prices are a smidge higher than others, their sales cover the difference. It is my favorite choice for quirky, memorable pieces like this kitten in a pumpkin pillow, these obscure yarn pumpkins, or this instant classic Fa La La La Llama doormat.

4. Big Lots

You know that gigantic store by your parent’s house where your dad gets all his lawn accessories? It’s called Big Lots and it is so much more than you think. If you are the kind of person who wants new seasonal decorations every single year, this is the place for you. Yes, these are lower quality products. They don’t have the same shelf life as items from higher end spots, but if you only want them for one season, that’s perfect! They’re inexpensive and adorable. You’ll feel no guilt for replacing them next year. Some of my favorites are this $2.50 Halloween web place mat, this $8 tree bark candle, and this Love You to the North Pole and Back plaque for only $6.

5. Local Markets

The best way to guarantee your seasonal decorations are unique is to visit seasonal markets. In the Atlanta area, a few streets over from Camden Brookwood, there’s the High Museum of Art’s Artisan Market. Further North by Camden Shiloh, there is The Big Shanty Gift Box Holiday Market. Both markets (and so many more) are overflowing with seasonal crafts. Paintings, stationary, floral arrangements, accessories, candles, bath and body items, pottery, photographs and more are all there. Research the markets and festivals coming to your town and make a day of exploring your local art scene. Your pieces will mean more to you because you hunted for them and you’ll be supporting local artists. It’s a win win all around.

Now take this list and go confidently into the best holiday season yet!