A holiday bash, an unexpected ski vacation or an unusually large dinner guest list — all can leave you scrambling for items you don’t normally keep on hand. Unfortunately, buying everything you need for a one-time event can get expensive fast and end up creating storage issues later. Instead of spending money on things you’ll rarely use, renting or borrowing holiday items is a good alternative.
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Rent Luxury Artificial Christmas Trees
Decorating your home for a Christmas event can be stressful, especially if you don’t have a show-stopping tree. Although luxury Christmas trees from companies like Balsam Hill can cost upwards of $1,000, it’s possible to rent one for half that or less, including decorations. Companies like 123 Rent a Tree offer luxury artificial Christmas trees starting at $598. You choose the size of the tree and your desired decor package and the company handles the setup, styling and takedown.
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Borrow Extra Cookware and Serveware
Although you could buy extra cookware and serveware for a large holiday meal, it’s likely more practical to borrow what you need. Skip the hassle of expense and additional storage space by asking family members, friends or neighbors if they would mind lending you what you need. Items could include baking sheets, casserole dishes, serving platters, roasting pans and extra mixing bowls.
Rent Christmas Lights
Buying and storing yards of Christmas lights can seem like a lot of hassle for once-a-year use. Fortunately there’s an easier solution — renting Christmas lights. Companies exist, like Holiday Accents, that will deliver and install the lights, maintain them by replacing burned-out bulbs during the season and then remove them in January. Once the lights are removed from the house, they’re stored until the next holiday season. Average costs for this type of service are $5 to $12 per linear foot, according to HomeGuide.
Rent Skiwear or Holiday Outfits
Upscale holiday parties and ski vacations require outfits you might not have. Instead of spending hundreds on new items that you’ll wear once and push to the back of the closet, rent what you need. Nuuly is a clothing rental service that allows subscribers to choose six styles, including formal wear and skiwear, for $98 a month. It provides free shipping and returns, plus laundry and repair. Once your month is up, send back what you have, pick six new styles and start over. If you fall in love with your rental item, there’s an option to purchase.
Borrow Extra Tables and Chairs
Hosting a larger group for a holiday dinner requires extra tables and chairs you may not have on hand. Although you can buy what you need, costs can add up. Instead, check with neighbors and family members to see what they have on hand. Instead of depending on them to deliver what you need to borrow, pick up the tables and chairs, clean them after use and return them promptly. Making it easy for the person who loans them to you increases the chances they will help you again in the future.
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This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: 5 Things You Can Rent or Borrow for the Holidays Instead of Buying
