Decorating 'Centsibly,' Thanksgiving Style

Having been a decorating wannabe for years and being asked, "How did you do that?” I have decided to share my some of my ideas with you for this upcoming holiday.

Fall is a beautiful time of the year and a great time to start to think creatively, since several major holidays are right around the corner. As I gathered my fall table decorations I thought about doing something a bit different this year. After trying several arrangements I had a terrific thought, “a cornucopia” or “horn of plenty.” There was just one small problem; I did not have one, so I settled for a two-tiered dish arrangement. Lo’ and behold, the next day I was shopping at a “thrift” store that “provides employment and training programs” and what did I see but a cornucopia! Too small I thought and returned it to the shelf. A few aisles over I found another cornucopia ($1.25) and decided that it would work quite well.

I set up the cornucopia with my small pumpkins and squash and decided that it just did not look right on my animal print place mat or the bare wood of the table. I looked at place mats and runners in several “discount” stores and decided they cost more than I wanted to spend. I give new meaning to “frugal shopper." My next stop, my favorite fabric discount store, in search of an affordable piece of material to make either a placemat or a runner. I left the store with a remnant that cost $.10 (¼ yard of 54” wide material) and welting/welting cord/welting trim that cost $.50/yard. The salesperson measured my fabric to determine how much welting I would need; however, I decided at $.50 yard I could certainly buy 2 yards of welting to be certain that I had enough. I rushed home to begin the project.

A sewing machine is not required to complete a similar project; fabric glue works great, although it can be messy and you should test it a few times before using it on the actual project.

Determine the desired width and length of the runner (or place mat) and press the raw (unfinished) edges under. Attach the welting to the fabric by sewing or by using fabric glue. Follow directions on the glue bottle.

Using your creative ability that has been hidden all this time, play around with items that you wish to use to create your “centsibly” priced centerpiece (flowers, nuts, leaves, berries, etc). You may notice a small silk flower in my arrangement. This was left over from a project two years ago. I finally got to use it!

Remember, “the best things in life are free," so look around your house, yard, side-of-the-road, everywhere, for items to decorate your home. I even pick up my items from my neighbors' trash; no shame. I purchased the pumpkins, squash, etc. for a very low price at an end-of-season sale last year. The green candle was marked down to $.63 and the holder was marked down to $1 at a local crafts store. I purchased the candle to have available during the many times that I am without electricity (falling trees). I do use enclosed candle holders for safety. I purchased the holder because it was a bargain and I thought I might be able to use it some time.  Always remove the wrap from the candle, cut the wick to about ¼ inch and burn it for a few minutes, so that it will appear that you are actually using the candle; in case you decide not to burn it. You should trim the wick to ¼ inch each time before burning the candle.  NEVER LEAVE A BURNING CANDLE UNATTENDED!!

See how easy and inexpensive it can be to do-it-yourself! Did I mention pride? Now get your creative juices flowing and create an original and beautiful fall decoration for your home. I am showing the picture so you can see what I have done and to inspire you, now do your own thing and enjoy!