Five Easy Last Minute Table Decorations

With all of the cooking and planning and strategizing that goes along with Thanksgiving dinner, table setting decorations may have slipped your mind. But fear not, here are five easy ways to festoon your table with pretty decor using things you already have around the house.

Write a quick note of gratitude for each of your guests and use it to designate their place at the table. Roll up the note, seal it with some melted crayon, and for an extra flourish paint their name on with a brush.

Break out the ornaments (then they'll be right at hand once its time to trim the tree) and thread ribbon through the metal hook. Use one at each place setting and many in the center of the table amongst the stuffing and potatoes.

Use the teacups or matching bowls from your china that never seem to see the light of day for a pretty (and sweet smelling) individual display. Fill them with fruits, herbs and nuts that can be easily grabbed during one of those last minute "Shoot I forgot to get the turkey" dashes to the grocery store.

For a modern and slightly eccentric place-setting, use bangles or bracelets as napkin rings and alphabet stencils for your guests' initials. I happen to have these $3 cardboard stencils on-hand, but they can be purchased in the art supply section of stores like Target.

Use holiday or other appropriately themed gift wrap as place mats and napkin rings. Cut 20"x14" rectangles for the place mats and stick to your table or tablecloth with double-sided tape and 4"x1" rectangles for the napkin rings that are taped together.