Homemade Thanksgiving and more...

Posted November 19th, 2008 by NFAN
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When it comes to decorating for the holidays, there are many ways you can go. You can easily spend money at specialty stores for trendy decorations. But that's money you could have spent on loved ones (or put in your set-aside account). Moreover, new decorations will turn into another box that you have to store in your closet or basement for the rest of the year. Who knows if you'll even like this year's trends next holiday season?

Your other option? Get creative and turn your home into a classy and seasonal abode for next-to-nothing. How? Check out these homemade tips.

Thanksgiving Table

Entertaining this Thanksgiving? Keep it simple and festive with some of these ideas on setting a Thanksgiving table:

1. Use Nature

When it comes to decorating a Thanksgiving table for free, nature is your best friend. Go on a walk around the neighborhood or at a nearby park and collect leaves of all colors, pine cones and even small branches (especially twigs with berries). When you get home, press the leaves under a few heavy books (separate individual leaves with saran wrap or foil). You can scatter the leaves in the middle of your dining room table under bowls and platters for a beautiful autumnal décor. Throw the twigs and branches in a glass vase and pinecones in a small bowl, maybe with a pretty leaf or two. Voila! You have a beautiful table – for free!

2. Use What You Have

Instead of buying a new table cloth or centerpiece, look around the house to see what you can use.

  • Do you have burgundy-colored sheets? Throw them over the table for a festive cover.
  • Do you have stockpiles of ribbon from last year? Tie a bow around candle sticks, vases, doorknobs or the back of your chairs.
  • Do you keep a lot of fruit in the house? Take the apples out of the fridge and the bananas off the banana stand for one day. Grab your favorite bowl and set the fruit in a prominent spot on Thanksgiving Day.
  • You can do the same with a bowl of assorted nuts- the perfect combination of decoration and appetizer!

3. Get Fancy for Free

Is there a box of stationary in the back of your desk you haven't used in years? Cut off the backs of each note card, write your guests' names in marker on the fronts and place one at each table setting. If you don't have fancy cloth napkins, tie individual paper napkins with yarn or ribbon for a homemade napkin ring and place at each setting or in a basket by the buffet table. There's no need to buy special place cards or napkin rings when you can add an original touch to your table.

4. Use Everything

Layer sheets and old quilts on the table for a colorful and cozy dinner table theme. Pull out all of your dishes, glasses and silverware and mismatch place settings. Add a wreath on the center of the table instead of the front of your door. The more you include the more bountiful your table will look, and that's before you put any food on the table! Get creative with what you have and there will be no need to buy anything else. 

Decorating with Crafts

Instead of buying Thanksgiving, Christmas or Hanukah decorations, try making some. AllFreeCrafts.com has homemade decoration ideas for ALL holidays. Some crafts are perfect for bonding with the kids – or keeping them busy while you cook!

Check out Thanksgiving crafts like a Turkey Pin or a Pilgrim's Hat. When you're ready for Christmas explore homemade Christmas decoration and decorations for kids:

Ideas to Cut Christmas/Hanukah Costs

If you are spending time with family this Thanksgiving, it may be time to finalize Christmas or Hanukah plans as well. If the holiday season is getting too hectic, consider suggesting a late celebration. Postponing a family holiday party for a week after the holiday lets you catch great sales and spread out the festivities so you can truly enjoy your time together.

Consider suggesting a gift-exchange game or "Secret Santa" so each person can buy one great present. Search the internet for other "gift exchange games." (Here's my personal favorite.) You can find fun ways to spend time with your family while cutting holiday costs.

Coupons!

Finally, here are a few coupon sites to help out with Thanksgiving dinner purchases:

  • CoolSavings.com has a section for printable coupons
  • CouponSurfer.com lets you browse deals by category or logo
  • Smartchoice.com has links to coupons, weight loss tips and other helpful info
  • Look up your local grocery store's website for more deals