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Step 1
Get outside. Look around. Collect branches and twigs with colored leaves, pinecones, and acorns. Place these throughout the house: in a vase, or taped to a banister. You can also use twine to connect the branches, and make a garland. Or, take a ribbon and tie two bunches of long twigs together at the non-leaf end. Nail these over your front door for a lovely bower impression. Pinecones and acorns can be placed in bowls or tall vases. Using objects found in nature gives your home an organic but modern feel.
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Step 2
Make your own centerpiece. Take a tall vase or even a plastic pitcher. Wrap it in an autumnal piece of construction paper--such as orange or yellow. Then, use a hot glue gun to attach some contrasting ribbon to the bottom and the top (think dark greens, or reds). Inside, you can place more branches--or go to a local craft store and look for fake branches on sale. That way you can reuse them. (Cranberry branches will also work for Christmas...something to keep in mind).
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Step 3
Gourd it up! Now is prime gourd-shopping time. They're all on sale after Halloween. Leave them outside as long as possible so they age slower. Place them around your door or on shelves throughout the house.
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Step 4
Make luminaries and place them along your driveway or walk way. These consist of paper bags, about half filled with sand or dirt. Place a tea light candle inside, and light. The warm glow as your guests arrive sets the mood wonderfully--and tea lights are cheap. If you want to splurge, get one "house warmer" candle in a festive scent: pumpkin, crème brulee, etc. and light it about two hours before guests arrive. Scent can set a mood more than anything else.
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Step 5
Eat by candlelight. You can find table candles pretty cheaply. But candleholders? Well, those can be pricey. But party stores will generally have plastic versions that are very inexpensive. And really, when's the last time you looked that closely at candle holders? Alternatively, you can line the center of your table with votives.
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Step 6
Remember the bathrooms. Go to a discount store and buy some hand towels in festive colors or designs. Buy a holiday-themed magazine and leave it somewhere it can be seen. The bathroom is another place gourds and scented candles can be used.
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Step 7
Remember that Thanksgiving is about being thankful. Those you love are at your house to enjoy you--not to judge your decor. So don't sweat it! Even the smallest efforts will be appreciated.
