Easy, Inexpensive Ways to Dress Up Your Thanksgiving Table

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Saturday, November 20, 2010

Kerri Battista, GoLocalProv Contributor

It's nearly here, and let's be honest: with all the things we juggle, who's had the time for all the fine touches of a top-shelf holiday celebration?

Make it easy: just add a few items to your supermarket list for this week (or check the backyard), and you've got six ways to make that table all the more special.

Cozy lighting: Buy 3 or 5 (depending on table length and space) mini-pumpkins or acorn squash and hollow out the center and place a votive candle or tea light in the opening. Instant ambience!

Centerpiece magic: Pomegranates, cranberries, or apples presented in a glass, pedestal bowl for a centerpiece or on a kitchen island.

Glass tricks: In glass jars or glass hurricane lantern, create a layered look. Start with acorns on the bottom, then add colorful leaves and/or line up vertically small tree branches accented with a mini pumpkin. The mini tree branches will give the glass jar a three-dimensional look.

Napkins in a snap: Wrap your napkins with a velvet ribbon or wired ribbon and a sprig of rosemary in the middle. This will give your tabletop texture.

Easy floral arrangements from the grocery store: Buy tea roses, roses or gerber daisy (rich colors of orange, red and gold), in the floral section, and place in vases or small votive holders with white pine, cedar, boxwood or hemlock and mix some winterberry from your backyard. To arrange your flowers together use sandwich bag ties or zip ties before placing them in vases.

Kids' table touch: Buy small, chocolate turkeys and put it at the children’s’ place settings or tie it with the napkin.

These simple tips will give your Thanksgiving table color and texture and eye candy without running to the florist and staying within a budget. The essentials for a successful party are ambience, music, and simple, good food shared with family and friends. Cheers!