cheap and easy thanksgiving table

I cannot believe it's Thanksgiving week already! This weekend we had the pleasure of attending two fabulous Friendsgivings with the most amazing food and decor. I took charge of our Friday night Friendsgiving decorations by re-purposing a Halloween pumpkin, finding napkins from the thrift store, and creating super simple table accents. These are perfect ideas if you are on a budget but want your guests to feel extra special or just if you are short on time and need some cute finishing touches in a pinch.


Leftover Halloween Pumpkin = What Are You Thankful For? Centerpiece 

What you will need:

• Pumpkin
• Chalkpaint (I got a quart in the paint clearance section of Lowes for $5)
• Cheap paint brush
• Chalk Markers(We used gold and white)

Gold painted feathers and pinecones

What you will need:

• Pinecones (nothing better than free and it made me giggle since we tricked the two toddlers into a game of pinecone pick-up)
• White Feathers(I got two bags for $4)
• Gold spray paint
• Cardboard to spray on
• Twine
• The feathers we used as napkins rings with twine
• The pinecones we used as seating assignments by just cutting some cheap greeting cards in half and using a marker to write everyones name

Chopped Firewood = Unique Lighting 

What you will need:

• Log
• 1.5" wood drill bit
• Drill
• Tealight Candles 

Table setting (side note- this table is a Habitat for Humanity find too! $40!)

What you will need:

• Tablecloth (we used a white tablecloth she already had and used a plaid blanket scarfto add a little color and drama - always think of what you have before you buy and multi-purpose uses)
• China & Flatware
• Charger Plates(we had these available to us as wedding leftovers but if you don't have them, look for used ones or create fun placemats with kraft paper or another fabric choice)
• Napkins (can you believe I got 10 cloth napkins at the thrift store for $4.50!!)
• Extras - I bought 4 mini pumpkins and we had a little pilgram wine man

Fall Fashion Trends 2016

Fall is my favorite. Not only is it perfect cozy temperature but you get all the fun things that come along with fall, like wineries, beautiful leafs, gatherings around a fire, pumpkins, Halloween, comfort food, and of course fall fashion. Fall fashion is fabulous because I get to wear leggings, chunky knit sweaters, blanket scarfs,  and boots without anyone thinking I look frumpy!

What I look out for at the thrift store for fall looks:

• Sweaters
  • These are bountiful in all colors, thickness, patterns – plaid is my favorite. The brown/black sweaterish jacket I have on in the photos is super unique and a great brand for $8. 
  • Not only wear alone but also think about layering options (turtlenecks and blazers is a stunning work look)
  • Hartley's adorable Gap sweater was also a thrift find at $3 and it matches everything!
• Boots
  • Over the knee, lace-up/military, and ankle bootsare this years fashion craze, and good luck for you they are available at steep discounts if you are willing to hunt. I know not everyone is keen on the used shoe idea, but I will say at least with boots you can wear socks :)
  • Recently I found grey wedge ankle Franco Sarto boots for $9! They are super comfy and look great under bootcut jeans or with the leggingsand sweater dress I paired it with below.
• Printed pants
  • I get so bored of my dress pants and jeans so finding fall prints like the leopard ones I’m wearing below to incorporate into my day or night selection makes me so happy! These leopard Anne Taylor Loft pants were only $7!
• Jackets
• If you step into a thrift store right now you will be OVERWHELMED with all the options you have.
• Fur, leather, velvet and suede are HUGE trends right now, so rock it by finding an affordable option.

• Special Occasion Dresses
  • Start looking for holiday looks now or get a special dress for any fall weddings you may have. This little black dress I have on above was $11...and yes, I questioned the price as my normal maximum at the thrift store is $10, but it is a fantastic wardrobe staple that will be perfect for any occasion. I wore this to an October wedding and paired it with a faux fur coat, which are about $15 from the thrift store. *remember your store clearance days and for higher priced items like designer labeled dresses or jackets, you can get for an even bigger steal*

Getting this evening to spend with Willie, Hartley and some fabulous friends along the waterfront was wonderful. A great pick-me-up to all the fall gatherings, demanding work schedules, and election frenzy. I hope you ROCK your fall looks, because sadly our season is flying by!