Cheap Thanksgiving Decor: How to Decorate for Under $20

You may think decorating for Thanksgiving has to be expensive. You would be very wrong. Thanksgiving is a time of great plenty, especially at the dinner table, but if you are like me, you too must deal with a troubled economy, a messy checkbook, and all the financial ilk. Here are a few decorations to keep your Thanksgiving holiday a cheap, yet enjoyable one. Keep in mind, some prices at various stores will vary to a small degree, but the general guidelines will still be the same.

My first recommendation is the ever-popular cornucopia. This is s whimsical sounding name for that slightly twisted sideways basket streaming with produce. This may seem corny, but it does represent the holiday well, and it puts an added sense of elegance to any family table around this time. While some can be bought for extreme amounts, most can be found for only around ten to fifteen dollars at your local retailer or Walmart. As an added touch, some dry, crisp autumn leaves scattered about the base near the fruit and vegetables will add color and vibrance to the overall feel of the place.

The second piece is actually free in many areas. All you need are some twigs, preferably with the fall leaves still at least loosely attached, and perhaps some pumpkins and other fall fare (all usually very easy, price wise, for the small ones you will need). With these, line the various overhangs of your home's interior living space, such as mantels, windowsills, and unused kitchen counter space. These things, when placed in semi-patterned ways, will add the atmosphere of fall to your home. The leaves and vegetables will remind everyone of what a glorious time of year we are in.

My third and final recommendation is a slightly premature one-but the added effect of lights in your home can drastically increase the aura you are trying to set of your guests, so break out those lights and put them up just a bit early. You will probably already have these things available, but if not, most stores will have sets available for fewer than fifteen dollars. I would suggest clear lights to contrast the many colors that will be present in your home from all the fall fare, yet it is completely up to you and what you fell is festive. With that, have a happy and wonderful Thanksgiving Day!