I was quoted £700 for a Christmas display but did it myself for £12.50 – the baubles from The Range were a game changer
A WOMAN has revealed that she was quoted £700 for a Christmas door arch, so decided to do it herself on the cheap.
Carrie Boyd, 35, who lives in South Manchester with her husband, 39 and their two children, 11 and seven, explained that she used branches from her garden and baubles from The Range to bring the festive vibes to her home.
She shared that she also gave her house number a festive upcycle and created her own snow window too.
Thrilled with her DIY display, which cost her £12.50, Carrie took to social media to share it with others, leaving many open-mouthed.
The savvy mum, who recently transformed her ‘abandoned’ home for next to nothing, then explained: “Two years ago I was quoted £700 for a Christmas door arch.
“I politely declined and each year I now make my own using greenery I have cut down from my garden.
“So each year I now make my own for a small fraction of that.
“It’s time for 2024’s magical arch.”
The brunette beauty claimed that she cut down branches from her garden and added them to the base she made.
She also added lights and baubles which she nabbed from The Range, as she continued: “This door number is being replaced soon, so I gave it a cute festive upcycle.
“I also did my own snow window which cost me a fiver!”
Showing off the finished festive door arch, Carrie beamed: “It looks so pretty at night.”
Carrie explained to Fabulous that it took her four days to create her Christmas scene.
She shared: “I reused all of the piping and lights from last year which cost me £40.
Are the Christmas bits out earlier this year?
It often feels like Christmas decorations and products start appearing in stores earlier each year.
Retailers typically begin to stock Christmas items well before the holiday season to capitalise on early shoppers and to extend the buying period. Here are a few reasons why it might seem like Christmas bits are out earlier this year:
Extended Shopping Season
Retailers aim to extend the holiday shopping season to maximise sales. By putting out Christmas items earlier, they encourage people to start their holiday shopping sooner.
Consumer Demand
Some consumers prefer to plan and shop for Christmas well in advance, so stores cater to this demand by stocking holiday items earlier.
Marketing Strategy
Early displays of Christmas items can create a festive atmosphere and build anticipation, encouraging people to get into the holiday spirit and start spending.
Competition
Retailers compete to attract customers, and being the first to display holiday items can give them an edge.
Supply Chain Considerations
Given recent disruptions in global supply chains, stores might be putting out Christmas items earlier to ensure they have enough stock and to spread out the demand over a longer period.
“This year I only spent an additional £12.50 on baubles. Total cost £52.50!!
The Instagram clip, which was posted under the username @theboydshahhome, has clearly left many gobsmacked, as it has quickly amassed 11,500 views.
This looks brilliant! You don’t need anyone to do it for you
Instagram user
Social media users were impressed with Carrie’s DIY job and many flocked to the comments to express this.
One person said: “It’s amazing!!!! I wish I had some trees to use from our yard for this!”
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Another added: “This looks brilliant! You don’t need anyone to do it for you.”
A third commented: “It’s crazy how much you can be charged for seasonal decor. Little bit of patience and a masterpiece like this is created. Looks amazing Carrie, I love it.”
At the same time, someone else penned: “Absolutely gorgeous Carrie!! You have smashed it!! Your grafting on this has deffo paid off.”
Not only this, but one DIY enthusiast beamed: “THIS IS INSPO.”