The holidays are a time to gather, celebrate, and make memories, whether you’re hosting from a modern apartment or a cozy cottage. Decorating your table for a holiday dinner doesn’t have to mean spending a fortune. With a few creative touches, you can design a festive tablescape.
Here are a few budget-friendly holiday table décor ideas that bring the cheer without the splurge.
Repurpose Ornaments as Table Accents
You don’t need to buy all-new décor. Use extra ornaments from your tree to add sparkle to your table. Scatter them across a table runner, place them in a clear bowl for a centerpiece, or tie them to napkins with ribbon for a decorative touch. Stick to a color theme like red and green or silver and blue for a cohesive look.
Go for Glowy Candlelight
Nothing says holiday magic like the warm glow of candlelight. Mason jars, old wine glasses, or thrifted candleholders can all serve as charming, inexpensive votives. Pick up a few unscented tea lights or taper candles at a dollar store and arrange them on your table in varying heights for dimension. If your lease prohibits open flames, opt for LED candles or tea lights instead.
Add a Natural Touch with Greenery
Skip the pricey florals and opt for a natural, rustic feel with clippings of pine, cedar, or eucalyptus. You can often find affordable bundles at grocery stores or craft stores. Arrange them in the center of your table, tuck them into napkin rings, or place them around your candle display.
Try a DIY Place Setting
Personalized place settings are a simple way to impress your guests. Handwrite names on gift tags or folded cardstock, then attach them to ornaments or candy canes and place them on table settings for a thoughtful touch.
Incorporate a Pop of Color with Fabric
A tablecloth and cloth napkins can bring instant charm, so check out your local thrift store for affordable fabric in holiday hues. Don’t be afraid to mix and match! Layering different textures can elevate your setup without much effort.
Holiday decorating is about creating a space that feels festive and welcoming, not about how much you spend. With a little imagination (and a few trips to your local thrift store), your holiday table can be just as dazzling as a designer setup
without draining your wallet.
This article was originally published on December 16, 2015, by Allison Fannin. 
