Decorating for Christmas Doesn't Have to be Expensive

Thanksgiving is over and now it is time to start getting ready for Christmas.  There is really no reason to spend a ton of money decorating this year.  If you shop around you are sure to find some really good deals on Christmas Decorations.  There seems to be some trends on Vintage and Retro designs this year.  Check at Etsy.com and search for Vintage Christmas.  These will give you some ideas.

If you are using a artificial tree this year you might miss the smell of the real deal.  Stores are now carrying Christmas tree scented items to help you to have the atmosphere that a real tree gives.  Using an artificial tree will save you money in the long run and though most Christmas Tree Farms are now replacing the trees they cut, using an artificial Christmas Tree can be better on the environment. 

Be sure to check with your local craft store such as Hobby Lobby or Michael's for weekly discounts and specials.  Buying the material and making your own decorations can be fun and remind you of a time gone by.  If you have kids, it is a great way to help them to get into the spirit.  There is nothing like hanging an ornament you made yourself on your tree.

More Centerpieces for Thanksgiving

Citrus, Bittersweet and Candles

 Centerpieces for Thanksgiving can be simple and still do the trick.  Dried citrus fruit, bittersweet and candles can be perfect.  Seasonal greenery is also a good option.  Pine cones, pine branches, cedar limbs, holly leaves and berries work just fine.  If you live in a city your local Hobby Lobby, Michael's or Joann's more than likely have a nice selection of greenery to choose from.

Candlesticks adorned with dried flowers and berries can provide the ambiance you are looking for.  These can be seasonal fresh flowers, berries and vines from your local florist or dried flowers from your local hobby supply store.

The point is that the centerpiece does not have to be elaborate to convey that you care.  It can be simple and elegant without putting a lot of time into it. 

Don't forget about the kids' table.  They are a little easier to please.  Bright colors and common objects do the trick such as this pumpkin turkey with crayon tail feathers.  By using coloring book pages as place mats it will also give the kids something to do while waiting for their food.




Remember that it is all about presentation.  With a little time and effort your tablescape can give Martha Stewart a run for her money, without spending a lot of money.

Thanksgiving decorating - The Table

Though originally a community event, Thanksgiving has become more about the family.  Whether you have a large family gathering or a small intimate dinner, decoration can make the difference in a event to remember or just another dinner.  Place settings, napkin rings and a centerpiece can make all the difference.

There are several different ways to decorate the table centerpiece.  If there are a lot of children in your family, have them get together and make some Thanksgiving crafts and fashion them into a centerpiece.  One idea is to trace everyone's hands and let them color them.  Cut them out and stick them in a pine cone to make a turkey.  Then arrange the pine cones in the center of the table.

Perhaps just a few winter squash and a small pumpkin could do the trick.  Add a few taper candles for a more intimate effect.  Using the "good china" is also a way to step it up a notch.  In my family we always had no less than two tables, one for the children and one for the adults.  The kids table was always decorated in a manner fit for them and the adult table had the more breakable stuff.

It really does not make a difference how you decorate the table, it is just important that you do decorate the table.  In the next couple of weeks we will discuss more about decorating for Thanksgiving from table placement to yard decorations.  Remember decorating is fun and shows that you really care about the Holiday.