Moving into a new place is often extremely stressful, tiring, and time-consuming. But there's always one thing that everyone can get excited about: decorating! Decorating not only makes an apartment or house more welcoming, but also allows you to express your personality and interests. Yes, this can be difficult if you don't have the money to furnish your pad. But with just a little extra cash, a dash of crafty inspiration, and the right supplies, you can easily decorate your new home.

Bottle Vases
How many of us have thrown out a booze bottle (or two... or three) from a previous night of drinking? Well, next time, think before tossing them into the recycling bin. Certain liquor bottles have an elegant look to them, and work well as vases. Just avoid using bottles with handles, as that can look a bit too tacky. Bottles that work well for this include:
* Patron bottles
* Any Absolut vodka bottle
* Jack Daniels bottles
* Small sake bottles
* Grey Goose bottles.
Fill the vases with several fresh flowers. If you are not particularly keen on the idea of flowers, peacock feathers also make a great substitute.
* Alternative tip: If you don't drink alcohol, use an old-fashioned coke bottle or a pretty glass water bottle.

Reupholstered Chairs
If you have a dining chair with an upholstered seat, there's an easy way to make it match your decor. Go to a fabric store and pick out enough fabric to cover the seat of the chair. Don't worry if you get too much--better to get more than less. Pull out the padded chair seat and completely cover it with the fabric. Using a staple gun, attach the fabric to your chair. Line the chair frame with wood glue and place it back on the chair. Once the pad is aligned, place several heavy books on top of the seat to make sure it dries flat. Start sitting on it the next day!
Coffee Table Collage
If you have a coffee table that's warped, old, chipped, or just plain ugly--there is a solution. Go out and buy a thin sheet of plastic (TAP Plastics at 154 South Van Ness will cut one to size--ask for clear acrylic) to cover the top part of the table. Arrange a variety of photographs, posters, postcards, or whatever you desire on the tabletop. Once you have a collage that you are happy with, place the plastic on top.
* Alternative tip: You can also use clear contact paper to cover the table.

Record Bowls
Records may be a thing of the past, but there is a neat way to turn them into a great decorative bowl. Purchase a record or two from your local thrift store, but make sure to check its value first--the last thing you want is to ruin something potentially valuable! You can fill the bowls with candy or fruit once you are done. (pictured below)

Directions:
1. Heat your oven to 200 degrees.
2. Place an oven-safe bowl or pot right-side up on a baking sheet. Then put the record on top of the bowl/pot and stick it in the oven.
3. Wait 8 to 10 minutes. The vinyl should be slightly soft and sunken into the bowl/pot, resembling a warped bowl. Take the bowl out, mold it to your liking using oven mitts, and let the record cool. If the bowls ever get dirty, don't fret--they're dishwasher safe!

Other tips and suggestions for decorating your place:
* Don't be afraid to hit up yard sales and thrift shops for items.
* See what your relatives or family have available to give you.
* Be creative!
* Don't think that you have to buy everything for your new place at once. It can take months to have a room furnished to your liking.