Reading Time: 4 minutes Thanksgiving Table Decorations on a Budget
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This is a sponsored post on behalf of Goodwill with thrifty tips for decorating a Thanksgiving table on a budget.
With a limited budget, I was able to create a beautiful and fun Thanksgiving table. My goal was to spend $50 or less at the thrift store. Keep reading to see how I was able to decorate my table with items from Goodwill.
Table of Contents
How to Decorate a Thanksgiving Table on a Budget with Goodwill
If you are short on time and money this Thanksgiving, but still want to decorate, then head over to Goodwill. They have everything you need all in one place, at a great price.
This year, we will have family in town and I wanted to create a beautiful Thanksgiving table with a limited budget.
Like many of you, the holidays seem to creep up on me and they are here before I know it. Even with limited time and money, there are still ways to save money.
Coming Up with a Plan
Before I went to Goodwill, I got some Thanksgiving table ideas from Pinterest. I knew I wanted to include some greenery and flowers with a mix of fall colors, but I also wanted to look for ideas for decorating for Thanksgiving on a budget. See my Thanksgiving decorations Pinterest board here.
Shopping at Goodwill for Thanksgiving Decorations
As a budget blogger here in Austin, I know there are several Goodwill stores in Austin, Texas. In fact, there are two within just a few miles from our house. I started by shopping at the Goodwill in Oak Hill.
How to Decorate for Thanksgiving on a Budget
How to Decorate a Thanksgiving Table on a Budget
Equipment
- dining room table
- chairs
Ingredients
- 1 Tablecloth
- 6 Plates
- 6 Cloth napkins
- 6 Drinking glasses
- 6 forks
- 6 knives
- 6 spoons
- 1 table runner
- assortment knickknacks and decor
Instructions
- Use Pinterest, magazines, or other websites to get some inspiration and ideas before you start shopping.
- Choose decor in the same or compatible color patterns.
- Choose a plain or matching tablecloth.
- Add a table runner or scarf for that added oomph.
When I got to Goodwill, I headed straight for the housewares section. I had a fun time looking at the assortment of knickknacks, floral arrangements, baskets, serving bowls, and more. The prices were great and many of the items were in new or like-new condition.
I started by choosing my main decor pieces. Then, I found a tablecloth I liked. Next, I looked for some dishes and glasses. Finally, I went back one more time to add a few more pieces to my collection.
As a bonus surprise, Goodwill had a clearance special that day with 50% all blue sticker tags. By chance, I had quite a few items with blue tags, so that helped me save even more money.
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My Goodwill Shopping Trip to Find Thanksgiving Table Decor on a Budget
Here’s what I was able to buy with just $40.
- Tablecloth
- Cloth napkins
- Picture frame
- Vase
- Floral arrangement
- Green potted faux plant
- Serving bowl
- Water pitcher
- 6 plates
- 6 glasses
I really wanted a table runner, but was not able to find one at Goodwill that day. When I got home I looked around my house for something that would work. Perfect! I found a scarf in just the right colors.
Here’s my Thanksgiving table arrangement. The only items that are not from Goodwill are the table runner scarf and the silverware.
I had a great time shopping in the store and I can’t wait for my family to see our Thanksgiving table.
Next: Find out how to clean your oven with this non-toxic oven cleaner you can make at home.
Rachel is an Austin blogger, educator, mom, wife, young breast cancer survivor writing about health, saving money, and living a happy life in Austin, Texas.
Rachel has written for HuffPost and Hometalk and has been featured on KXAN, Studio 512, Fox 7 Austin, and CBS Austin.