Using fruit, fabric scraps, and utilising Facebook marketplace are all frugal ways for Brits to save money decorating their Christmas trees this year.

Penny-pinching gurus from  NetVoucherCodes.co.uk have revealed some inventive ways to decorate trees for free and bring the family together by creating and crafting decorations.

Using scraps of paper and old magazines is one way to bring your tree to life but will also help to keep more money in Brits’ own pockets.

Taking inspiration from years gone by, using dried fruits such as orange slices are also a great way to add colour and also fragrance to the tree.

NetVoucherCodes.co.uk have recently surveyed 4,566 people and a fifth (20 per cent) have already put their Christmas tree up, and a further 33 per cent plan to have their festive decorations up before the end of the month.

A spokesperson for  NetVoucherCodes.co.uk said: “After the year we’ve had, people need something to lift their spirits and to look forward to. There’s been a massive increase in people getting their trees up in November this year.

“Brits might think they’re out of festive luck, but the good news is, there are plenty of ways to decorate your Christmas tree for free.

“You don’t need a lot of expensive decorations to have a beautiful Christmas tree this year. It is so easy to enjoy a beautiful tree without spending a penny.”

Here is NetVoucherCodes.co.uk’s advice on decorating your Christmas tree for free.

Use dried fruit

Beautiful, fragrant and budget-friendly, this tip is an old-fashioned way to decorate the tree. If you have fruit that is starting to turn and go bad, then dry it! Most fruits can be dried but cranberries, apple slices, and orange slices are most traditional and they can be dried in a dehydrator or oven. Once dried, they can then be strung with thread and a needle to create a sweet decoration for your tree.

Use scrap paper

Growing up, many of us will remember making paper snowflakes as a kid. Why not get the scissors out and make them again? Use scrap paper or leftover magazines to make colourful snowflakes or snowmen.

Or you can cut out pictures you like from magazines of scenery, celebrities, or just pictures of items you are interested in. You can use dental floss or string to hang them from your tree.

Use old fabric scraps

If you have fabric scraps sitting around, such as old or damaged clothes, or bedding then you can always tie them into bows to use on the tree. This is so simple. Just cut them up and tie them to the tree.

Check online marketplaces and trading sites

The internet is full of free and for trade sites. Facebook marketplace and Gumtree are often the go-to sites, and this time of year, lots of people are giving items away such as old decorations. Make sure you are Covid compliant when picking up items you source through Facebook, but it is a free way to pick up some nice second-hand decorations.

Look in your garden and local parks

Chances are your garden and the local park is full of natural items that would make pretty decorations for your tree! Curly branches, pine cones, acorns, and flowers would all bring your tree to life this Christmas. You can even use some glitter or paint to add some personality to the decorations.