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Frugal Thanksgiving Decorating

Posted by Admin on November 20th, 2008 filed in Uncategorized

Just because we may be having to pinch those pennies a little harder this year does not mean that we shouldn’t make an effort to decorate and make things special for Thanksgiving.

Thanksgiving is a wonderful opportunity to gather with family and friends and show our gratitude and appreciation for the many blessings we have in our lives.

There are many long-held traditions on this day…one of which is a menu that stood the test of time through the generations.  The turkey, stuffing, carrots, mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, corn, beans, pumpkin pies, cranberries, and fresh-baked rolls all make up the traditional meal that we are looking forward to right now!

Thanksgiving decorating has also withstood the test of time.  It is steeped in harvest bounty.  From the cornucopia spilling over with harvest goodness, to Indian corn and colorful apples, and squashes.  Wreathes made from fruits, nuts, and ribbon are a lovely addition to any door this time of year.

Here are a few ideas for decorating and bringing in some seasonal decor on a budget.

  • Table Centerpiece: Search for natural material outside. Some ideas of things to look for are seed pods, leaves, pine cones, acorns, and lightweight twigs. From the store buy walnuts (in the shell), apples, squash, gourds, corn, and colorful vegetables. Thanksgiving is a harvest celebration so food items fit perfectly!  Choose one to three types of natural materials to use in your Thanksgiving centerpiece.  If you use too many it will look cluttered.  Choose a base for your centerpiece. A natural branch, a low basket, a tray, or even a glass plate or mirror are good items to use. Add the natural material you’ve chosen and glue it in place using a hot glue gun. Add some ribbon in a fall color to complete the centerpiece.
  • Table Runner: Buy an inexpensive table runner in a light cream color. Provide fabric markers for your guests and have each person write down something they are thankful for. After Thanksgiving, pack the Thanksgiving table runner away until next year. It will be interesting to see what changes a year bring.
  • Fall Candlesticks: Buy some apples that will stand up straight with the stem directly on the top. Core each apple.  Make sure your hole in the apple is vertical. Stick a tall candle in each cored apple. Put a candlestick on each end of your Thanksgiving centerpiece.
  • Autumn Leaves: Buy some inexpensive silk fall leaves.  Scatter the leaves around the house – on the mantle, on tables, in the bathrooms, and in your Thanksgiving centerpiece.
  • Candles: Buy fall colored candles inexpensively at a dollar store and place them around the house.
  • Potpourri: Mix dried pumpkin slices and pieces with nutmeg, cinnamon sticks, whole cloves, allspice berries, bay leaves, dried orange peel, etc.  Place in a decorative bowl. Consider adding dried hydrangea blossoms or marigold petals for beautiful fall color.
  • Baskets: Rustic apples tucked away on beds of straw and placed in colorful baskets with a shaft of wheat tied in a plaid ribbon will add beautiful decor to a mantel.

However you spread the bountiful cheer around your home this year, the most important thing to remember is to take the time to be mindfully thankful for all of our blessings!

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