Traditionally, Jamaicans look forward to the Christmas season to redecorate their houses and surroundings. They are more able to undertake such projects because many companies pay a bonus at this time of year; many banks offer Christmas loans and relatives abroad send a little something extra home.

This year (and projections say next year also), there is a recession on in just about every part of the world. First, it was the United States of America, then countries in Europe and just last week, in spite of denials in some quarters, Germany and Japan have also fallen victim.

Here in Jamaica, we are feeling the pinch: after the fall of the unregulated financial schemes, many persons who were awash with cash began cancelling orders for high-end consumer items. Then we began to feel the effects of low tourist arrivals and a fall-off in remittances. And, more recently, many companies have indicated that they will not be paying out the much-anticipated Christmas bonuses.

But that will not stop most people from having a merry Christmas. We will just have to find creative ways to get those extras without breaking the bank. For the weeks leading to December 17, Lifestyle will share some ideas on: decorating the home on a low budget and where and how to shop for cheaper, but high-quality clothes. This week, we look at ways to get beautiful bed spreads, curtains, drapes, place mats and cushions at a more affordable cost.

We scouted the popular shopping locations and did a little comparative shopping. These are our results.

Under one roof

At Pablos in Half-Way Tree, customers were treated to the annual appreciation day event last Saturday. Assistant Manager Precious Cameron says that if customers know what they want in terms of design, they can simply come into the store with their measurements, purchase the fabric and the team of three seamstresses will make the items for them. This is done all year round but they will also be taking orders up to seven days before Christmas. "The only requirement is that you have to purchase the fabric from us," she said.

They make cushions, dust ruffles, sheet sets for adults' and children's beds, shower curtains, place mats, table runners, cushion covers, quilted and unquilted bed spreads, drapes and curtains. Cameron says customers love the durability of Pablos-made items because they get to pick exactly what is used to make the items. "Time is saved and the items are washable. We also have waterproof fabric," she said.

Service costs vary, depending on how elaborate the styles are, but it costs $800 per panel for drapes and sheer costs $1,000 per panel. Sheer fabric is harder to handle. So, after purchasing the fabric, customers can get a complete set made for the bedroom, starting at $5,000.

Some of the popular fabric used at this time that are available at Pablos include: plain sheer, starting at $200 per yard, as well as embroidered sheer that will start at $800 per yard. Antique satin starts at $320 per yard and printed sheeting (250 thread count) starts at $95 per yard. Jacquard Bengaline sells for between $225 and $450 per yard while upholstery fabric used to cover chairs starts at $390 per yard.

CHRISTMAS TREES

Stephen McDonald is self-taught and knows how to transform a tree into a thing of beauty for the season. For those who find decorating material a little too expensive, he offers the following advice:

1 Use Styrofoam cups in colours as bells for the tree and cut stars from the plates.

2 Pine cones can be collected, spray-painted and used for the tree.

3 Decorations can also be made from aluminium foil.

4 Bits of lame fabric can be fashioned into bows.

5 Dried flowers can also be used as tree ornaments.

6 To conserve on energy during the season, unplug the lights on the tree before bed at nights. You can also leave the tree on your enclosed verandahs and use its light as a substitute of the ceiling light at nights.

Two of the popular designs for Christmas-themed kitchen curtains that the seamstresses at Pablos will make for customers.

Simone Swaby sewing place mats and cushions for customers

READY-MADE ITEMS

If you prefer to go to the store and buy items to decorate the home, here are two locations and some prices to compare with custom-made designs.

Manhattan House (downtown Kingston)

Curtains

$1,400 per single panel of ready-made curtain.

$3,200 for sets if three panels curtains.

Comforter set

$6,200

Woolworth

Curtains

$1,200 per panel

$1,700 for one set of drapes

Sheet sets start at $3,000