Frugal Thanksgiving Table Decorating

Look in any home and garden publication a month or two before Thanksgiving, and you’ll see oodles of elaborate table arrangements. Professional decorators go all out to create a veritable masterpiece.  More often than not, if you check the prices on the items they use, you’ll  find that they spend several hundred (and often several thousand) dollars to get the table to look so nice.

How can the average mom compete with that?  Usually, we can’t!  What we can do is  make our Thanksgiving table look great without paying an arm and a leg, though.

Inexpensive items from the local discount store and things found in nature can be combined to create an elegant yet inexpensive Thanksgiving table. Here are some decorating aspects to focus on that will save you the most money while spiffing up your Thanksgiving table at the same time:

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.  Dollar stores often carry lovely tablecloths at a fraction of the price that you would pay at a high-end department store.  They might not last as long as more expensive ones, but if cared for properly and only used for special occasions, they will stay in good shape for several years.

You can find inexpensive cloth napkins at some dollar stores as well.  You should also check outlet stores for discontinued or slightly blemished napkins.  You even find deals on coordinating tablecloths there, too.  Lastly, if you’re good at sewing, you may even consider making your own tablecloth and napkins.  This allows for a truly unique look that could also become a wonderful family heirloom later.

Centerpieces
A pretty centerpiece adds a nice touch to any table.  For Thanksgiving, you can make one at very little cost with items found in nature.  Mini pumpkins, squash and other fall vegetables can be arranged with nuts to create a delicious centerpiece.  To really bring a finishing touch to the centerpiece, 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 much room left on the table for a centerpiece by the time you put all the traditional Thanksgiving food on it.  If space is a concern, taper candles are a simple yet elegant alternative.  You can find  candle holders at discount stores at very reasonable prices.  By placing leaves or gourds around them you can create an elaborate look without taking up too much room.

A beautiful Thanksgiving table isn’t necessary for enjoying the delicious food set upon it,  but it certainly adds a nice touch to the holiday and lets your guests know that you value their company.  With a little imagination, you can decorate the table and still have plenty of money to spend on dinner.

Chele Neisler is your host for Moms Love Shopping. As a mother of three boys, Chele is happy to have Moms Love Shopping as an outlet and a connection to other women. Spending every moment with all males isn’t easy! Hosting the show also allows her the chance to return to her two first loves, shopping and chatting.