Franciene Chen, Contributor

The centrepiece of all family gatherings at home during the Christmas season is a beautifully dressed tree such as this one decorated by florist Marigold Harding.

It's Christmas Eve and preparation for all the entertaining soirées should be in place. If not, even at this late stage, you can do it.

You want the home to reflect the season and you want your dinner party to be a huge success, but you don't want to spend a lot of money.

It happens every year, but this year help is on the way. Decorating your home for the season on a budget is not a science; as a matter of fact, the thought is so simple it might evade you at times.

The first rule of thumb is to actually have a plan. This plan will allow you to shop around for the best deals because you know what you want. And no it's not too late to formulate this plan.

If Christmas to you means a tree (especially for the kids), then this should probably be your biggest purchase along with the lights.

Flowers do a lot for the season; however, they probably won't last through to the end. Using artificial flowers is a great alternative but it can become a bit pricey. So here is what you do: Head to one of your local stores that you know carry really nice artificial flowers and buy just a couple of them. Bamboo skewers stuck in the bottom of old Christmas tree decorations (for example Christmas balls) or even limes spray painted red, gold or any colour you feel (those too can be stuck on bamboo skewers), all in a vase, can make your floral arrangements for the season.

For that evening of dining with friends, using glasses (different types for example brandy and champagne) with coloured centre water (using food colouring) with floating tea light candles make a simple but intriguing centrepiece for your table.

An end table with one of those coloured glass bowls you have filled with two or three strings of pepper lights can make a nice additional touch for that Christmas feeling.

Wrap inexpensive garlands around the base of candles that are different heights and different colours and place them along the length of your table.

Pillar candles with a circle of Christmas balls at the base, placed on a plate, make for very unique pieces.

Spray the berries from palm trees in a colour of your choice and put them in a nice, long vase.

Leaves, spray-painted, such as the cocoa leaf, make very impressive statements and last a very long time once placed in water.

Ordinary clay pots purchased at your local hardware store can be decorated and made into pieces that everyone will appreciate.

Note that metallic spray paints give you more of the look of the season.

Where to find some great savings:

Azans SuperCentre, CrossRoads (my personal favourite)

Vanessa's Art Decor (Upstairs Pablo's).

Remember, good friends and good feelings are all part of your ambience and décor and far outweigh any Christmas light or garland you could ever display.

Have a blessed season.