Low Cost Natural Thanksgiving Table Decorations

Thanksgiving is a celebration of the bounty of nature and a reminder to be thankful for the very food we eat. In celebration of this, why not decorate your table with beautiful, natural centerpieces instead of purchasing expensive porcelain figurines or floral arrangements? With an eye on speed and low price, we've collected several ideas to spice up your Thanksgiving table with the simplicity of nature.

Thanksgiving O Lantern

Pumpkins are symbolic of both Halloween and Thanksgiving, so borrow an idea from October for a unique November table. Using our guide to pumpkin carving, choose a Thanksgiving theme rather than anything scary. Or for a funny treat, create a Pilgrim hat out of construction paper and carve or draw a face into the pumpkin for your very own Pumpkin Pilgrim!

Platter of Plenty

Although its traditional to have a Cornucopia or Horn of Plenty on the table, if you don't have one you can substitute a platter for the same meaning--thanks for the over following gifts of the earth. Simply use a platter you already have or purchase one at a thrift store for around 1.00. Since it will not be holding food and will be completely covered, it doesn't have to be perfect.

Then fill it with gourds, squash and tiny pumpkins from your supermarket, purchase artificial vegetables (example: Zimmerman Market Place) or fill it with fruits and veggies from your kitchen! This is an especially good choice if you will not be displaying your turkey in the center of the table, such as if you are purchasing a small breast to roast or slicing from the kitchen.

Vase of Fall

For an extremely low cost option, replace an expensive floral arrangement with a simple branch of preserved fall leaves. Available for as little as just above 4.00 from craft stores (such as Save on Crafts), just put an unadorned branch or two into your favorite opaque vase for a simple, memorable and very orange arrangement. If you have clean & beautiful leaves in your yard, of course you can use them as well, but the preserved branch can be used for years to come. Alternately, you can purchase a cinnamon broom and intertwine it with leaves for a horizontal and wonderful smelling display on your table.

Recycle Halloween for a "Green" Thanksgiving

Its fairly simple to reuse many orange and pumpkin Halloween decorations for your Thanksgiving table, as long as they aren't especially scary. Crepe paper, streamers, stickers, napkins and more can be reinvented for Thanksgiving, often with little alteration.

Consider this list of budget Halloween crafts, many of which can be simple altered for Thanksgiving fun. If you plan ahead, you can have a fantastic display for both holidays for very little money.

However you decorate your Thanksgiving table, have a wonderful and safe holiday. Check your stove before cooking if you don't use it often and read all safety directions if you intend to try a new technique, such as frying a turkey. Thanksgiving is one of the busiest days for fire departments and hospital emergency rooms due to accidents, so be safe and spend your Thanksgiving at home instead of the ER!