Thrifty Centerpiece--Four Versions

• She worketh willingly with her hands
• She maketh herself (and her home) coverings of tapestry

I know it may seem like a bit of a stretch to use the "coverings of tapestry" verse to apply to home decor, but to me that verse is symbolic, even in clothing, of wearing (and making) clothing that's beautiful, or pretty, or becoming, but certainly attractive and appropriate to the occasion. I think the same principle can apply to making our homes attractive.
I'll be going home for the holidays on the 18th, where I'll have access to all of my "stuff" I've collected over the years. Meanwhile, I don't want to see all of the pretty decorations everywhere while I live in an apartment with none; neither do I want to spend a lot of money for decorations for a temporary home. So in keeping with the spirit of the season and my frugal thriftiness, I set myself a limit of $20 for all holiday decorations.
Here are four different versions of a simple and thrifty centerpiece.
First is the basic version. The red charger was $2 at Dollar General; the bowl is a vintage 1951 Homer Laughlin we found at a thrift store for $2. The candle is part of the permanent apartment decor, and the candy I got for almost nothing at CVS a few weeks back. I already had the bowl, so I count this as $2 in actual holiday specific spending.

Version # 2, I added a rolled up square of Christmas fabric I bought at Joann's--I think I got 6 pre-cut pieces for about $6, so estimate an additional $1 for the fabric. Total, $3

Version # 3--take off the fabric, add a couple of berry stems, also from Joann's, bought on clearance for $.50 each. Total, $3
Version #4--full and pretty--the greenery is a plain wreath from Dollar General, $3.50; the berries are the same ones as above, $.50 each from Joann's, and the bird, $1 from Dollar Tree. This still has the red charger underneath, although you can't really see it, but you could do the same thing on a plate. Total, $3.50; $5.50, if you count the charger.
What thrifty decorating are you doing this year? Be sure to come back tomorrow for the Doors of Welcome, December edition, where I'll show you my thrifty wreath I made for less than $10!
This post is linked to:
Three or more Tuesdays at the Gypsy's Corner
Christmas Tour of Homes at the Nester
DIY Day at A Soft Place to Land
Trash to Treasure Tuesday at Reinvented
Vintage Thingie Thursday at Coloradolady
Until next time...