Christmas is coming and although the goose is getting fat, the wallet is getting depressingly thin.

So find out how we made stylish Christmas decorations for about a fiver!

		by BBC South Yorkshire contributor Ali Davies

Ingredients (clockwise from top centre) - four oranges, a pack of figs, ribbon, popcorn, a knife, some pins, sewing thread, a pack of cloves.

Call me a cynic but when everything gets tinselled up for Christmas I can't help thinking that as well as costing money, it can all look a bit tacky.

Christmas doesn't mean that taste has to go out of the window.

I think I am right in saying that Slade are not number one and that we are safely out of the seventies, the decade of glitz and synthetics; decor doesn't have to be artificial anymore.

Pomanders make a fragrant table decoration - they'll complement your mulled wine perfectly

Maybe I have got a touch of the Bah Humbugs about me, but rather than blowing your money on naff items that will be out of date by Epiphany, save your money.

Instead of buying tacky decorations, make them.

They are fun to make, cost very little and are in the true spirit of Christmas (think frugally festive Bob Cratchit rather than mean old Scrooge!)

Fragrant Pomanders

Perfect for: Table decorations, hanging from a Christmas tree, scenting drawers and wardrobes after Christmas.

You will need: Oranges, cloves, ribbon, some pins.

Make it!
Click here to launch the pomander instructions

Popcorn Garlands

Perfect for: Festooning the Christmas tree as an alternative to tinsel.

You will need: Popping corn, saucepan or microwave, oil, needle and thread, silver or gold spray paint (optional)

Make it!
Click here to launch the popcorn garlands instructions

Fig and Orange Garland

Perfect for: Use on a sturdy tree with the pomanders for a rustic green and orange theme. They are quite heavy so best suited to a matelpiece, windowledge or table display - rather than hanging in midair.

You will need: Packet of dried figs, an orange, needle and thread.

Make it!
Click here to launch the orange and fig garlands instructions

When? Start now, it's a great rainy Sunday afternoon activity. The pomanders also improve with age.

Where? Your own kitchen

How much? For the princely sum of £5.27 we made four pomanders, an orange and fig garland and oodles of popcorn garlands. Add about £2-3 if you'd like to spray paint your popcorn garlands.

Suits Anyone who enjoys decorating. You will need to use a knife and an oven so young children will need supervision.

Got a favourite activity or pastime that costs less than a tenner? Tell us about it!