There’s no question that the holiday season can be expensive, but often it’s not necessarily gifts that create the expense! Between festive food, fancy new decor pieces and even that special holiday outfit for the big Christmas party, there are all kinds of purchases that can blow up a budget during the holidays! Luckily, a few simple strategies and some must-have products from Church & Dwight can help you sail through the holidays without spending a fortune. Check out these five low-cost tips on how to prepare for the festivities!

Revive Outdoor Décor

Love your holiday décor from last season? Don’t be afraid to reuse it again this year to help save time and money. To revive last year’s décor and keep it looking like new, try using OxiClean™ Versatile Stain Remover Powder. It’s the perfect solution to remove dirt, dust and grime from decorations that were sitting in storage since you put them away.

Woo Overnight Guests

Fresh-smelling blankets and sheets are an inexpensive and cheerful way to help your guest feel like they’re staying at a hotel. To help freshen stale sheets and towels from the back of the linen closet, use Arm & Hammer™ Plus OxiClean™ Unit Dose Power Paks in Fresh Scent for a refreshing clean. And why not take that welcoming environment one step further by providing a basket with fresh towels and toiletry items they may have forgotten, such as toothbrushes and toothpaste? The new Arm & Hammer™ Truly Radiant™ lineup of products are sure to impress. The Truly Radiant Clean & Fresh Toothpaste and Spinbrush™ are the perfect combination that refreshing and clean mint flavour that provides long lasting freshness guests will love!

Host a Potluck Christmas Dinner

Make this year’s turkey dinner a team effort! Get your guests involved in the party and arrange a potluck so that everyone pitches in. As the host, take charge by preparing the turkey and then have guests bring the fixings, sides and desserts (and wine)! When it comes to clean-up, cut back on the time you spend in the kitchen by using OxiClean™ Extreme Power Crystals™ and Triple Action Dishwasher Booster to remove the toughest stuck-on foods and stains. There’s no pre-rinsing or pre-washing necessary.

Dress to Impress

From family gatherings to New Year’s Eve parties, holiday spills and accidents are bound to happen. This year, don’t let a fear of spills and stains keep you from wearing your favourite party clothes. Instead, use quality laundry detergent such as OxiClean™ HD Liquid Laundry Detergent to remove any dried-on stains the first time and keep clothes looking vivid and bright. To accessorize your favourite party outfit, pair it with your best bling! For a quick, easy and effective jewelry refresher, try mixing Arm & Hammer™ Baking Soda with hot water and leave your jewelry to sit in the mixture for a few minutes. In no time, your diamonds will be sparkling bright and looking like new.

Schedule Some “Me Time”

The hustle and bustle of the holidays is sure to leave any host tired, even when entertaining is kept simple. Enjoy some well-deserved “me time” and opt for a hot bubble bath with candles and reach for some Rub A535 Anti Inflammatory Heating Cream to soothe your aching muscles.

Personally, I think taking time for yourself is the most important thing to do during the holiday season. Being able to greet friends and family members when feeling calm, relaxed and happy makes everybody more comfortable…with no fancy food or accessories required! But whether you like to go all-out at Christmas or keep things low key, these tips will help keep more money in your pocket. And that always makes the holidays less stressful!