What Tara Lipinski Learned Hosting HGTV’s ‘Big Bargain Holiday Showdown’

HGTV has found the perfect Christmas fanatic to host its new frugally festive competition series. Olympic gold medalist and The Traitors star Tara Lipinski couldn’t have been more excited when she got the call for Big Bargain Holiday Showdown.

“It’s like the Griswolds at my house,” she tells us. “I have a storage unit for my Christmas decorations, as well as decorations for many other holidays. I grew up with a mom who really loved the holidays, and decorating was a huge part of my childhood. To be able to do this show was sort of a dream come true.”

Two teams of friends, family, and/or neighbors get serious as they have 48 hours (little sleep) and $500 to transform their homes into a Christmas wonderland. Along the way they get help from some of the network’s DIY experts.

“I would see the contestants show up, get their task, and think, ‘It’s impossible for them to do this on that budget!’” Lipinski explains. “But they get down and dirty and get creative. Our experts also gave us so many tips and tricks. I was the host, but I was listening as a viewer, too, and picked up so much great advice that I’m going to incorporate into my own decorating this season.”

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In addition to all the holiday inspirations viewers will be privy to, you’ll also see the buying of materials and the actual making of the decoration so you can re-create just about anything at home.

As for Lipinski’s frugal side, we know she and her figure skating bestie Johnny Weir certainly splurge a bit on their wardrobe, but she’s got a science to it she calls “girl math.”

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“I really love balance. It’s sort of how I approach my diet: I’ll eat healthy green salads, but I’ll also have Shake Shack and a chocolate milkshake. That’s pretty much how I approach everything in life,” she explains. “Of course, Johnny and I splurge and go over the top on some things, but there are others where I absolutely, unequivocally will not spend a certain amount of money on something that I don’t think is that important. I like having that mix. When it comes to Christmas decorations, watching how you can make them yourself has changed my thinking. I probably won’t spend the same amount of money I have in the past on many decorations, because now I know how I could do it a little more cheaply.”

Who knew saving money could look this festive and be so fun?

Big Bargain Holiday Showdown, Series Premiere, Tuesday, November 10, 9/8c, HGTV