Thanksgiving Table Decorations On A Budget

Look in any home and garden publication, a month or two before Thanksgiving, and you’ll see all sorts of elaborate table arrangements. Professionals go all out and spend hundreds of dollars to get the table to look so nice. The average person usually can’t afford that. However, we can make our Thanksgiving tables look great without paying an arm and a leg. Inexpensive items from the local discount store and things found in nature can be combined to create elegant Thanksgiving table decorations on a budget. Here are a few ideas to get you started.

Thanksgiving Table Linens

Tablecloths and napkins can be prohibitively expensive. But if you’re only using them on special occasions, you can get away with cheaper options. Budget or dollar stores often carry lovely tablecloths at a fraction of the price you would pay at a high-end department store. They may not last as long as more expensive ones, but if cared for properly they will stay in good shape for many years.

Some budget stores cloth napkins, especially during the holidays. Another option would be to check outlet stores for discontinued or slightly blemished napkins. You can often find deals on tablecloths there, too. If you’re good at sewing, you could even make your own coordinating tablecloth and napkins.

Thanksgiving Table Centerpieces

A pretty table centerpiece adds a nice touch to any holiday event. For Thanksgiving, you can make one at very little cost with things found in nature. Mini pumpkins, squash and other fall veggies can be arranged with some nuts to make an attractive centerpiece. If you want, you could find an inexpensive cornucopia at your local craft store and put these items in it.

Fall flowers also make wonderful centerpieces. If you grow your own, simply pick some in various colors and arrange them in a vase. You’ll have a beautiful, fragrant centerpiece at no cost whatsoever.

Of course, there probably won’t be a whole lot of room on the table for a centerpiece by the time you put all of the food on it. If space is a concern, taper candles and a few small decorations are a simple yet elegant alternative. You can find candle holders at discount stores at very reasonable prices. You could place some leaves or gourds around them if you want to do something a bit more elaborate without taking up too much room.

A beautiful Thanksgiving table isn’t necessary to enjoy the delicious food or family time. However, it certainly adds a nice touch and gives your guest another fond memory. So, even if you are on a budget, you can create beautiful Thanksgiving table decorations, with a little imagination and a few of these suggestions.

[question]Your Thoughts

How do you decorate the Thanksgiving table? Are the decorations usually elegant or do you prefer to let the kids and family pitch in? Tell us about it.[/question]