1. Mini-Pumpkin Placeholders:Using a mini-pumpkin, cut a small slit on the top and insert your name card on top. Incredibly easy. Incredibly festive. To see pictures, click on the link below.
(This idea came from P. Allen Smith from his appearance on the TODAY show- http://www.pallensmith.com/articles/nbc-today-show-appearance-fall-tablescapes)
2. Raffia:
This can be purchased at a craft store and makes anything look fall-ish. Tie it around a pumpkin, a vase, a wreath, rolled napkins, etc. It adds a nice fall touch to something you might already have around your house.
- Here's a link to Joann's (http://www.joann.com/joann/catalog/productdetail.jsp?pageName=search&flag=true&PRODID=xprd191448)- 3 yards/$1.49
Go out for a walk around the neighborhood looking for beautiful red and orange leaves (or go to the craft store for a garland of silk leaves).
- Arrange them in a wreath-shape around a simple cream-colored candle... and voila... a beautiful centerpiece. (Good Housekeeping: http://www.goodhousekeeping.com/food/holidays/15-minute-centerpieces?click=main_sr)
- Roll napkins up, tie it with raffia or decorative ribbon and attach a leaf and name tag or a thanksgiving message to add a personal touch to your table.
- If you have a sweet gum tree nearby, you can recreate the table setting in the photo on the right from MarthaStewart.com. (http://www.marthastewart.com/photogallery/thanksgiving-table-settings#slide_2)
Dress up a table by adding pumpkins of different colors in a basket, on a plate, or in a large bowl.
Martha Stewart has some fantastic and GORGEOUS table settings and decorations for fall festivities. Check them out and see if you can modify them to fit your budget.
http://www.marthastewart.com/photogallery/fall-centerpieces
http://www.marthastewart.com/photogallery/thanksgiving-table-settings
