Setting Festive T-Day Table On A Budget

So -- you're hosting Thanksgiving dinner. Odds are, you've chosen your recipes, done your shopping, and maybe even baked a dessert or two.

Next on the list: figuring out how to set a beautiful Thanksgiving table, and not spend a bundle doing it.

On The Early Show Wednesday, Epicurious.com Editor in Chief Tanya Steel shared three ideas for warm, eye-pleasing decorations. Each would cost you less than $50 -- IF you needed to buy all the items for any one of them. But odds are, you probably already own many of the things you'd need.

TABLE 1: TRADITIONAL

TOTAL COST = $49.93

This table will appeal to anyone who's super-busy and/or doesn't consider themselves "crafty." Pretty much everything is store-bought. And, you don't have to feel you're spending $50 on items you'll just use once-a-year: Everything is very versatile and can be mixed and matched throughout the year. This is also a good table for people who may be hosting their first Thanksgiving and don't have a lot of "entertaining" staples on-hand.

Linens:
Runners can be less costly than a large tablecloth. And if you have a pretty table, why not show it off? (Crimson Stencil 72" Runner $14.99 at Bed, Bath & Beyond)

Tanya bought patterned napkins to jazz things up a bit. (Paisley Napkins $14.95 for a set of four at Crate & Barrel)

Dishes:
Add color to your plain white plates with chargers. Tanya went with gold, which will look pretty on the table at other times of year. ($14.99 four Cellini Chargers in Goldtone at Target)

Centerpiece:
Tanya simply arranged sunflowers and branches in a pitcher. She recommends choosing big flowers -- they don't have to be "arranged," they just look pretty in a bunch, and just a few stems make a big statement. She finished things off by arranging some fall leaves around the base of the pitcher.

TABLE 2: ELEGANT

TOTAL COST = $47.54

This table is a bit dressier than the other two Tanya suggested.

Linens:
Splurge on a shimmery tablecloth and layer it over your white or cream tablecloth. (Tablecloth $19.99 at Bed, Bath & Beyond)

Centerpiece:
Continue the shimmery trend with this simple craft: Tape white tissue paper around a glass vase. Then take a piece of gold tissue paper and punch some holes in the tissue, using leaf-shaped paper punches. When you place a candle in the vase, it will shine prettily through the cutouts. You could do several of these with different sized vases if you wish. Or, take a cue from Tanya and fill vases with nuts from the kitchen. Settle votive candles among the nuts, and you have some very modern-looking decorations.

Place Cards:
Buy miniature gourds/pumpkins for each member of your party. Cut a small slit in the gourd and stick a photo of Mom, Dad, etc. in the gourd to mark their seat.

TABLE 3: BACK TO NATURE

TOTAL COST = $49.55

Celebrate the season with this all-natural take on the Thanksgiving table. This table is colorful, fun, and the kids can help with the decorations.

Centerpiece:
Fill glass vases with layers of colorful dried legumes (this would also work with dried nuts or fruits, if you prefer). After you've poured in a few layers, place a pillar candle in the vase and continue to fill with legumes. Group vases in various heights together.

Place Cards:
Here, you use the same concept as you did for the centerpiece, but you fill small votives, bud vases or shot glasses with the legumes. Then, you take a small twig or branch from your yard and place it in the container. Trace a pattern you've printed out from online, like a bird, and attach to the branch with a piece of wire or unfolded paper clips.

Linens:
Offset the bright colors of your centerpiece and place cards with a brown table cloth, preferably one in a thick, textured fabric to match the natural theme. (Basketweave Tablecloth in Java $19.99 at Target)
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