Want to set a beautiful holiday table without spending a fortune? Today’s your lucky day because I’m sharing my best ideas for a thrifted Thanksgiving table!
I love to decorate my home on a budget!
**Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, we will receive an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you. We appreciate your support. (disclosure policy)
I’m a firm believer, you don’t have to spend a lot of money to make your home look terrific!
One of the easiest ways to inexpensively decorate your home is to use thrifted finds!
Speaking of thrifted finds, I’m collaborating with my friend, Rachel, who I call the “thrifting queen!”
She blogs at The Antiqued Journey and finds the most unique and interesting items at thrift stores!
We are partnering today so you can see two tablescapes instead of just one!
We hope our posts inspire you to use thrift store finds on your holiday table!
Please take a few moments to visit Rachel and see her beautiful thrifted Thanksgiving table!
My Best ideas for a thrifted thanksgiving table
I’m so excited to share my best ideas to decorate a budget-friendly Thanksgiving table with you!
start with a drop cloth
Every holiday table needs a base to build on!
Don’t want to spend money on an expensive tablecloth?
No problem…
Use a drop cloth instead!
It makes a neutral base for any tablescape and is much cheaper than a tablecloth!
Layer a scarf to add color
A great way to add color to a neutral base is to use a scarf as a table runner!
I’ve had this scarf for over thirty years!
I love how it adds color and texture to the table!
Here are some other ideas for an inexpensive table runner: a throw blanket, a sheet, a piece of fabric, wrapping paper, or craft paper.
shop your house for a centerpiece
First, let me say that a centerpiece does not have to be in the center of a table.
This year we are staying home for Thanksgiving. We will only have three people sitting at the table!
Putting the centerpiece on the side of the table allows you to easily see and converse with each other.
I shopped my house and pulled out several items for my centerpiece.
The cornucopia, turkey, Fall picks, and florals were in my Fall decor plastic tubs.
Last year, I spray-painted the turkey white to give it an updated look!
I sat it on a wooden cake plate to add height, and surrounded it with Fall floral picks.
Each year, I put something different inside the cornucopia.
This year I used a floral branch, pinecones, and neutral orb filler.
Incorporate thrifted items
I’m using three of my favorite thrifted items on this table!
It wouldn’t be Thanksgiving without turkey and gravy!
I think the gravy will taste even better served in this gorgeous gravy boat!
Every holiday table needs some candlelight!
I adore the shape of these thrifted brass candlestick holders.
This ironstone-covered casserole is my favorite thrifted find to date!
HandmaDe place cards
Are place cards necessary?
Nope!
Do they elevate the look of the table?
Yep!
I made these last year and decided to use them again this year!
They were easy to make because I cut out leaves and our initials on my Cricut!
If you don’t have a Cricut you can cut leaves by hand.
Then use a sticker or write the initial or name on the leaf!
Create inexpensive charger plates
Charger plates elevate the look of any table!
I made these Fall chargers with Dollar Tree faux leather leaves.
They are so easy and inexpensive to make!
Mix and match dishes
To add visual interest to your table mix and match dishes.
I found these salad plates about two years ago at Home Goods.
There is no way I could afford or have room to store several full sets of dishes.
Instead, I buy salad plates to coordinate with my everyday dishes.
It’s a great way to get lots of different looks without spending lots of money!
Learn a fun napkin fold
Another way to add visual interest to your table is to fold cloth napkins into festive shapes!
Aren’t these the cutest little pumpkins you’ve ever seen?
You can make these in four easy steps!
I hope we inspired you with our ideas for a thrifted Thanksgiving table!
If you love antiques and thrifting as much as I do, you’ll want to follow Rachel!
Didn’t visit her earlier? Click here to see her post and tell her I said hello!
If you enjoy the blog, please sign up for our email list so you won’t miss a post!
Until next time, follow us on Pinterest, Facebook, and Instagram!
Blessings, Donna and Rich
Pin It For Later
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Holiday Decor Inspiration for different seasons
Curious to see how we decorated our home for different seasons? Check out the posts below!
- How to Create a Nature-inspired Easter Tablescape
- Table Decor for Valentine’s Day
- Add a little Christmas to Your Kitchen
- Inexpensive Halloween Decor for Your Kitchen
- Bring Summer Inside with Simple Decor Ideas
get the look
If you don’t enjoy thrifting but like the look, here are some similar items for your shopping convenience!
**Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, we will receive an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you. We appreciate your support. (disclosure policy)
Losing in the best possible way over these festive pumpkins, Donna! I love the way you accented your table with so many fabulous thrifted finds and added the beautiful cornucopia too. It’s all really pretty. Big hugs and Happy Thanksgiving, CoCo
Thank you CoCo, those pumpkins are sweet, aren’t they? It’s going to be strange celebrating Thanksgiving with only three people, and no extended family, so I’m trying to make the most of it!
Love your beautiful thrifted items Donna. And those napkins are adorable!
Thank you, Wendy! I thought the pumpkin napkin fold was really cute too! Have a great week!
I LOVE your table, Donna!!! All of those thrifted finds are so fun….I adore your Ironstone!!! I’m constantly on the hunt for those beautiful pieces when out thrifting! This was so much fun working together!
Thank you, Rachel! That means so much coming from one of the best thrift store shoppers I know! You keep me inspired to stay on the hunt for small treasures! Enjoyed working with you on this!
Donna,
I love using thrifted tableware also. This looks great. I’d like to share a link on my Sunday, Dirt Road Adventures.
Hi Rachel! Glad you enjoyed the post! Thrifting is so fun! I would be honored for you to share the link in your newsletter! Thank you so much! Hope you and yours have a fabulous Thanksgiving! Blessings, Donna
I’m allover this pumpkin napkin!! It’s adorable and so easy. Thanks for sharing.
The gravy boat abd tureen are beautiful scores!!
That napkin fold is super cute! I hope you try it sometime! Thanks so much!
Donna, your table is stunning. It looks so moody and romantic, I wish I were coming for Thanksgiving!
You are so kind! I wish you, and lots of our other blogger friends, lived close together so we could visit each other! Hope you have a great Thanksgiving!
Excellent idea to mix and match dishes Donna. I haven’t done place cards in a very long time, but think I’ll try it this year. It does elevate the whole table.
Maria, you are so creative, I know you could easily make some amazing place cards! Your kids would probably enjoy making them as well! Let me know if you try it! Happy day, Donna
Great ideas. I’ve been thrifting for years and love to use the items in my decorating. Pinned.
Thrifting is so fun! I love finding new treasures that I can use in my home! Glad you enjoyed the post! Blessings, Donna
Donna, I was thrilled to finally see someone else use that wonderful pumpkin shape napkin fold on a Thanksgiving table! I have used the same fold, using different napkins and stems, to represent apples in other fall settings. I’m addicted to napkin folding and have so far incorporated 25 different folds into tables for all seasons, holidays and occasions! Such a great way to elevate a setting, and so economical too!
Wow! Debbee that is amazing! I saw a video of someone on IG doing that fold and it looked so simple, I thought I could do it too! I’ve gotten tons of compliments on it! Everyone thinks it’s so cute! Thanks!
The scarf is genius! What a great way to easily swap out a table setting style.
Thanks, Rachel! I’m always looking for ways to make a table look different without spending much money! Take care, Donna
I love using scarves and leftover fabric for runners …. is there any way to waterproof or scotch-guard the fabric to prevent spills from leaving marks on scarves and pashmina shawl, especially if you are using something that is passed down thru the family
Good question! I’m not sure of the answer, I have never tried to waterproof one of my scarves. I suggest you read the manufacturer’s instructions on scotch guard to see if it’s a possibility! Sorry, I couldn’t be of more help! Have a wonderful day!