Holidays, Home Decor

Budget Tips for Thanksgiving Decorating

Thankgiving-On-Budget

Hosting friends and family for Thanksgiving dinner is a labor of love that can become costly. Thanksgiving decorating on a budget is easier thank you think! If you are hosting Thanksgiving this year, rest assured that you can have a gorgeous tablescape without spending all of your dough. Budget decorating is about thinking outside the box and maximizing your creativity and resources. Here are 5 budget-friendly tips to get your creative Thanksgiving decor juices flowing.

Tip 1: Drape your table with something unconventional.

I have heard it said that a room without a rug is like a kiss without a hug. I think the same can be said for tables and table runners/tablecloths. A runner or tablecloth grounds your table and sets the stage for your centerpiece and place settings. Consider using kraft paper, scrapbook paper, leaves, book pages, vintage scarves, or burlap for your table runner. You will save money and make a lasting impression.

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Tip 2: Re-purpose your Halloween pumpkins.

If you have any uncarved pumpkins left over from Halloween, consider using them on your Thanksgiving table. Remove the stems from small pumpkins and use a spade blade bit on your drill to create tea light holders. Large pumpkins make great flower vases. Simply carve out the middle of the pumpkin and conceal a vase inside. Decorative gourds and pumpkins look beautiful placed as a runner down a long table. Pumpkins can also be painted and gussied up with ribbon and embellishments to make a dramatic statement.

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Tip 3: Raid the outdoors.

Acorns, pinecones, leaves, branches and berries are free for the taking this time of year. Place sticks or wheat in a vase for an inexpensive yet impressive centerpiece. Hang acorn ornaments, metallic-painted tree gumballs, gold ornaments, or pinecones from your branches to add embellishment and flare. Be sure to ground the natural elements on your tablescape by using a charger, tray, or trough in the center of the table.

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Tip 4: Dress up some pillar candles.

This is one of my favorite “holiday in a hurry” tips for creating a stunning yet very simple centerpiece. Grab a tray and place it in the center of your table. Obtain some white pillar candles in varying heights from the dollar store or discount store. You can use flameless candles as well if they work better for you. Place a rubber band around the center of each candle and then slip green beans, asparagus, cinnamon sticks, twigs, or feathers under the rubber band to surround the circumference of each pillar. Tie ribbon or twine around the rubber band to conceal. This creates a gorgeous and unique centerpiece that is friendly on the budget and your time! If you are really short on time. Place candles inside hurricane jars and use yellow corn, dried beans, acorns, or pine cones as vase filler.

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Tip 5: Use your computer and printer.

When entertaining, I almost always use printables to create a more cohesive, personal, and organized look. You can find a myriad of free Thanksgiving printables to help with your place cards, kid’s table decorations, food labels, and table decor. Below are just a few examples of free images available to download, print, cut, and use!

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By thinking outside of the box, re-purposing what you already have, and “DIY’ing” your decor, you will save money and create a memorable tablescape.

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