The holiday season is here, a time when a home takes on special significance. Families gather there, often traveling from far and wide, and friends come over. So despite continuing scary economic news, people want their homes to look and feel luxurious and, yes, a bit glamorous, for the holidays. How to accomplish those goals on a budget? Sometimes, it can simply be a matter of discovering new ways to use things that are already there. It may be finding ways to make inexpensive items look more beautiful. And while the holidays are a perfect time to try decorating ideas, some of them can be useful all year long.

“I’m noticing a difference this year from last year’s holiday season,” says interior designer Eloise Kubli, owner of Collective Construction and Design in Plantation. “People are more optimistic. They want to surround themselves with beauty in their homes, and they want to share their homes with family and friends. Even if they may still be afraid of the economy, everyone wants luxury, and they want their homes to look more opulent for the holidays.”

The glow of candles can go a long way toward creating a luxurious ambience. But don’t just set them out by themselves. Instead, start by taking out large glass vases, jars, or other containers that may already be stored away in a cabinet, or visiting a dollar store to look for some. “Create vignettes by putting in ornaments, and then adding candles,” Kubli says. “They can be very dramatic and glamorous.”

Another way to maximize the effect of candles is to place them on mirrors or near metallic pieces, which will reflect their sparkle. “A tray mirror will give you horizontal light,” Kubli says. “An obelisk will give you vertical light. An arrangement can look great on a cocktail table.”

Stop saving the “good” dishes. They don’t benefit anyone sitting in a dark cupboard collecting dust. “Pull out the china and crystal that your grandmother or aunt left to you,” Kubli says. “Use them and enjoy them. Even if you don’t serve with them, layer them on your sideboard for a luxurious look.” Swapping paper napkins for cloth ones is another way to add a luxurious feel to meals at home. It also saves money in the long run because cloth napkins are reusable, and they are better for the environment.

Yards of ribbon can be an inexpensive way to decorate a Christmas tree. “Intertwining ribbon with the branches gives really dramatic impact,” Kubli says. No tree? “Embellish your live or artificial plants with lights and different types of ornaments,” Kubli says. Lay fruit on a tray or fill a glass container with it. The arrangement will be colorful and attractive. Stud an orange with cloves to add aroma.

The holidays can also be a good time for making some of the small changes that need to be done but which the homeowner has been putting off. Something as simple as replacing old light bulbs can effect a positive change.