Festive decorations that needn't cost the earth
Decking the halls with boughs of holly has developed into an expensive pastime, according to new research from Morgan Stanley.
The cost of decorating Britain with festive colour will this year total £1.7 billion, claims the financial provider.
The average Brit will spend £36 buying wrapping paper, cards, Christmas trees and festive baubles before they feel they have adequate provisions.
The biggest expense at roughly £27 is a real Christmas tree, which 76 per cent of Brits still prefer to an artificial tree.
Patrick Moore, marketing director for Morgan Stanley Credit Card, said: 'The festive season can hit pockets hard and there is nothing more irritating than feeling like money has been wasted.'
He suggests that putting off purchases until the shops start their seasonal sales could be one way to save money, while another could be investing in an artificial tree that can be reused every year.
'There's a multitude of ways that shoppers can save money without having to skimp on the little things that make Christmas special,' he added. | 
