Table Decorations

[PritiPatelsMaker]

I need some cheap ideas for table decorations please money, and artistic ability are both in short supply!

Do you have a garden or access to greenery some other way?

All you need is blocks of Oasis, rubber band them to a saucer (or proper plastic dishes are very cheap) and cover with green stuff and decorations.
Pine cones, fake flowers, ribbons and small baubles all work well, and lots are either free or can be bought from the pound shop

Easiest option is to buy a ready made garland, lay it along the middle of the table and chuck some dried oranges and pine cones on top and then dot tea lights (in holders) around it. Homebase have loads of decorations in the sale.

puzzled

I think you may have missed the bit where I said artistic ability was in short supply

Thank you for responding though

I fill a large glass bowl with gold baubles and a string of battery lights and it looks beautiful, a few candles each side and voila!

A glass vase would work too

As PP said, glass bowl full of decorations / pine cones/ oranges. Or, don’t bother and have more room for roast potatoes.

Real holly and tea lights dotted around the table

napkins in wine glasses

cracker placed on each plate

that would be enough

I always put the food out along the middle of the table so don't have much space for decorations. (I would love a beautiful centrepiece but as it's not easy to get in and out if seats when we have a houseful, can't put the food anywhere else).

I'd go for the 'first impression' - what does the table look like when people first sit down? Probably no-one will notice once they start eating! As PPs have said, Christmassy serviettes in glasses and crackers are decorative. I bought some Christmassy coasters quite cheaply and have a practical purpose only.
Wineglass charms if you have them or can find them cheaply. I know you said no crafts but stringing 3 tiny baubles onto curling ribbon and tying round the stems of glasses is really easy and effective. Or bigger baubles around candle sticks .

As also previously suggested, baubles in glasses or vases can be very effective. I particularly like tiny ones in martini glasses.

I put down a disposable linen-feel white tablecloth. I buy a couple of potted rosemary plants from the supermarket herb section and put them in nicer pots. I fill glass jars with salt (table salt or epsom salts) at the bottom and cranberries at the top. You could stick candles in there, too, or have candles in nice jars, or fairy lights. I arrange those things in a line down the middle of the table, leaving space for food and then scatter gold chocolate coins and clementines. It looks sparkly and festive, doesn't cost much, and most of it gets eaten afterwards.