Homemade Cheap Thanksgiving Centerpieces

Table decorations and floral arrangements are expensive, and beautiful decorations are easy to make at home. Why not create your own Thanksgiving centerpiece? Here are a variety of ideas for you to choose from. All these Thanksgiving decorations are $20 or less and easy to do. First, two important tips for your Thanksgiving centerpieces. First, be fire-safe when using candles, and keep them away from flammable objects. Second, keep the bulky part of the centerpiece no more than 12" tall so it doesn't block lines of sight - unless you want to hide from Aunt Marge!

Classic Thanksgiving Floral Centerpiece

This long-lasting arrangement in Thanksgiving colors can be done the day before; keep in the refrigerator until table setting time. As you prepare this floral centerpiece, remember to cut stems underwater, and always keep the stems moist.

Oasis floral foam block 9" x4"x3" ($2)

10" oval plate

3 bunches chrysanthemums, yellow and orange, cut to 6-8 inch lengths. ($12)

1 bunch alstroemeria, salmon, burgundy or purple, cut to 6-8 inch lengths. ($4)

2 leatherleaf fern leaves ($1)

1 orange or yellow 12" taper candle ($1)

Carve a block of Oasis foam into a flat oval and soak with water. Place on the plate. Insert one fern leaf into each end, parallel to the table. Cut the chrysanthemum stems to 6 - 8 inches in length. Push the longer chrysanthemums into the ends of the block, tapering the shorter ones towards the middle to create a rough half-football shape. Fill in spaces and accent with the alstroemeria. Finally, push the candle directly into the Oasis in the center. Your classic and frugal floral arrangement is ready to decorate your Thanksgiving table.

Fire and Water Thanksgiving Decoration
This is a chic, modern Thanksgiving centerpiece that's fast, simple and beautiful.

6 clear glass tumblers of various heights

Fresh cranberries ($2.49)

3 Tea lights ($1.50)

Fill three of the tumblers 2/3 full of water and float a handful of cranberries in each one. Place a tea light in each of the other three tumblers. Group the tumblers in a circle in the center of the table. Scatter a few cranberries directly on the table around the tumblers. Instant frugal Thansgiving décor!

Nature's Bounty Thanksgiving Centerpiece
Reminiscent of decorations from colonial Williamsburg, this Thanksgiving arrangement is long lasting and celebrates the bounty of autumn. Gilded nuts add shimmer and pop.

Dozen assorted gourds and mini pumpkins ($4)

3 pomegranates ($7.50)

Whole unshelled walnuts, almonds and pecans ($4)

Gold spray paint ($4)

Shallow bowl 9" across

At least three days before, spray paint the walnuts, almonds and pecans with the gold spray paint, coating all sides. Allow to completely dry. Stack the gourds, pumpkins and pomegranates in a pyramid in the shallow bowl. Fill in gaps between the stacked gourds with the gilded nuts, and place in the center of your Thanksgiving table.

Happy Thanksgiving!