Gobble it Up: Cheap and Easy Ideas for Your Thanksgiving Table

Preparing a Thanksgiving feast is difficult enough -- creating a cute tabletop shouldn't be too. This year, focus your energy on cooking a delicious spread and leave the stylish decor up to us. Take a cue from one of the tips below for some cheap and easy decor ideas that'll have your guests giving thanks that they celebrated the holiday at your place.

Place cards pretty enough to eat: Invite guests to the table with this fresh-from-the-market idea. Simply attach a piece of paper with guests names to a pear (red apples or baby pumpkins would be sweet too) using a gold pin and voila, instant chic place card.

Have a ball: You don't need to be a crafting genius to make this festive centerpiece. Using wire cutters, cut silk flower stems down to about an inch and a half long and insert into a Styrofoam ball in a tight cluster all the way around. Make an assortment of balls in various sizes and types of flowers all in the colors of autumn.

Make use of Mother Nature: Creating a big impact can be as simple as a few clippings from your backyard. Find some vibrant fall foliage out back and lay underneath translucent plates. The subtle gesture creates a lovely first impression; and when it's time to cover the plates with the feast, group the clippings loosely in a vase for a pretty addition to the buffet table.

Break the ice: Encourage guests to interact by reading aloud their own special quote. Script some thoughtful words onto a piece of paper slightly shorter than the width of the circumference of a wine glass. Fasten to individual glasses at the end with double-sided tape.

Give them gold: Bring a little glam to the table top with an assortment of gold-flocked pumpkins. The display may seem simple, but it packs a dramatic punch -- and all you need is a can of spray paint! Be sure to spray them at least 48 hours in advance so they have plenty of time to dry before displaying.

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