“Staging” a Home for Thanksgiving on a Budget
“Staging” a Home for Thanksgiving on a Budget
“Staging” a Home for Thanksgiving on a Budget
Turkey time is in less than 2 weeks! Having family and friends over for a feast is certainly fun, but it definitely takes some planning. Use these designer ideas and use the time you’ve got to create a fancy “staged” Thanksgiving feast with these economical tips:
TABLESCAPES – If you need to spruce up your table, try a table runner to create the base of your table design. It doesn’t have to be expensive and there are so many clever ways to get a beautiful table without breaking the bank. An easy (and economical) craft paper runner may be just the ticket–especially at the “kids table” (include markers for some real fun!). Alternatively, you can create a “natural” table runner out of pine sprigs (or ivy or whatever pretty foliage you have access to), along with an assortment of pinecones, acorns or oranges (just be sure to clean them of any pests before placing them near food!)
Of course, a fresh flower arrangement centerpiece is always in style. However, there are other options if your time or budget don’t allow for a flower centerpiece. Find a pretty container or bowl and arrange fresh vegetables, fruit or mini pumpkins into a festive arrangement. If all else fails, a few well-placed apples, pears or pumpkins can pull it all together.
If you find yourself in need of some more table jazz, consider out of the box materials used as traditional items. For example, if you need a bunch of napkin rings, try using coordinating ribbon, twine or wire. You can customize the size and add as much frill as you’d like and still pull off a designer look without having to own dozens of matching napkin rings!
You can easily add that “Pinterest touch” and keep your crazy Uncle twice removed across the table at the same time with place cards. The options are endless—keep it simple with paper place cards or get creative with atypical materials. A few ideas: use a pear (or tiny pumpkin) as the centerpiece of the plate and pin a place card onto it or spray paint leaves in metallic tones and then use a permanent marker to delicately scroll the guest’s name onto the leaf.
THE “EASY TO FORGET” LIST—In the final hours before your guests arrive, don’t forget to pre-mix some drinks (tea, sangria, whatever you are serving) and have the serving glasses ready, so you aren’t running like a crazy person when guests arrive. Also, don’t forget to designate a space for guest’s coats and bags. Seating may be at a premium, so you don’t want the coats to take up the valuable real estate at your gorgeously staged table.
Sometimes the event you dream up in your head doesn’t exactly fallen in line with time restraints or budget realities. However, where there is a will there is a way and you’ve still got a bit of time to get everything pulled together. The good news is, even if you do none of these things, it will still be a great Thanksgiving! This is the season for family, friends and focusing on what really matters and no amount of decorating (or lack thereof) should take away from the spirit of the season. Just remember to restock the toilet paper in those precious last few hours of prep time and never forget that the best decoration you could ever hang is a genuine smile.
Lisa E. Priest wishes you a Happy Thanksgiving and is a local Real Estate Broker/REALTOR® and Property Manager with Picket Fence Realty, Inc. You can reach her via phone or text at 903-948-3343 or at BuyPalestine.com
