Thanksgiving table settings on a dime
Hubby and I are hosting a few friends for Thanksgiving because we decided not to travel this year and I'd like to set the table in a special way, but not shell out any money, if possible.
Here are some ideas for frugal table decorations, mostly courtesy of Martha Stewart, for Thanksgiving or a fall dinner party:
+ Collect leaves of different colors at a park and sprinkle them on the table. For a similar effect, use paper cutouts of leaves.
+ Tie dried corns together with the husks sticking into the air for a dramatic effect.
+ If you are assigning seats, use a string or ribbon to tie a slip of paper with the person's name to a sweet gum tree spur, those prickly round balls you see on the ground this time of year. Place one on each plate. You may be able to collect the spurs from your backyard, or substitute another type of seedling, like acorns.
+ Line a plate of pears with orange and brown leaves you find at the park. Eat the pears later so they don't go to waste. Substitute the pears for any other seasonal fruit, vegetable or squash that is in season and on sale!
+ Make an artful presentation of your...
...linens and table settings by mixing and matching patterns across the table.
+ If you have a very sheer tablecloth, put fall leaves underneath it for a subtle effect.
+ To make a raised serving dish without buying one (they are pricey!) hot glue a plate to an small bowl turned upside down. Best to match colors so all eyes are on what you put on your newly created dish, not the dish itself.
+ Another idea for named place settings is to glue leaves to paper which has the person's name on it and stand it up by folding in half. (Like an upside down "V").
+ Use a pumpkin as a vase. Carve it out to fit the size of your bouquet.
+ If you have candles, collect them from around the house for the table. To create a uniform look, wrap each candle in colored paper using oranges, browns, yellows and reds and tie with a string.
+ For named place settings, glue a piece of paper with the person's name on it to a leaf, creating a natural and colorful frame.
About The Bargain Hunter
Daily News staff writer Julia Scott loves to find bargains on everything from groceries to Gucci. Her tips will help keep your hard earned cash where it belongs - in your pocket.
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