Are you looking for ways to make your holiday party stand out from the crowd? We’re always looking for ways to make the parties we host beautiful, comfortable and memorable without spending a fortune.

Table decorations can set you back a pretty penny especially if you have a big table to set. Even if you rent linens and dishes, it can still all add up. Keep in mind that you don’t have to use all matching place settings to have a beautiful table. Check with your friends and see if you can set up a trade—you use her china for this week and then share yours for her party next week. If it’s a family party, ask your cousin to bring her dishes. Then create a coordinated look by alternating dishes in each setting and choosing inexpensive table linens and flowers in complementary colors to tie it all together.

Centerpieces from a florist are an expensive item. They are also one of the easiest places to use your own creativity and save money. Look to nature for some ideas and materials. In the picture to the right, pine cones and greenery easily mix with plain glass jars containing floating candles and cranberries to create a focal point. Use a variety of fruit in a basket or on a platter with a group of candles. You can even guild the fruit with confectioner’s gold dust and have a beautiful and edible dessert centerpiece.

Simple twigs can be dressed up and used in centerpieces or even place cards. Wrap plain vases with them and tie with twine. A small bundle of straight twigs tied with ribbon could be used to hold a place card. If you need to add height to the table, place a branch or two in a tall vase and use ribbon to hang things from the branches such as small ornaments, pine cones, nuts or even origami made from pretty paper. If your gathering is small, choose some inexpensive ornaments and make them into place cards by writing each person’s name on an ornament.

Worried about a mishap with wine and your antique table cloth? Skip the antique lace this year and use kraft paper to cover your table. For a natural feel leave it plain or stamp some organic shapes onto it with embossing ink. Dress it up a little more with paint by picking two or three colors and covering the plain brown paper with a striped or plaid design.

Once you have your beautiful table all put together, you don’t have to give away your secrets unless you want to. When the compliments roll in, just say something like, “I know, the florist did a terrific job staging the table.”  They won’t know that in your head you’re deciding what to do with the money you saved by creating your own beautiful table.