Thanksgiving can be a stressful time for many. Hosting people is often a daunting task, and the holiday season is no exception. In addition to the ambitious task of cooking Thanksgiving dinner, prepping your house for friends and family can be overwhelming.

We put together a list of five of our favorite last minute and budget-friendly Thanksgiving DIY decor ideas so you can easier achieve a festive look and focus most of your energy on the turkey.

The List

   1) Festive Fall Lanterns

 Photo from Love, Lipstick, and Pearls; http://lovelipstickandpearls.blogspot.com/

What better way to welcome guests into your home than this autumnal front display? With this sophisticated take on the Jack O’Lantern, you can greet your guests before they even reach your front door!

2) The Decorated Fireplace Mantel

 Photo from Midwest Living; http://www.midwestliving.com/

We love this idea to add an extra pop of color to your home for the holidays. Pumpkins, squashes, and gourds are still sold at grocery stores, and most likely you will have to make several trips to the super market on Thanksgiving anyways. They are an effortless way to decorate for Thanksgiving. If you want to add to the display, craft stores such as Hobby Lobby carry different options of cheap faux autumnal florals that you can reuse every year.

3) Harvest Themed Candles

Photo from Quirky Combinations; https://quirkycombinations.wordpress.com

Thanksgiving is a celebration of coming together and sharing the bounty of the year’s harvest. Candles are a great way to dress up the dining table. With these quick and easy DIY candles, you add to the festive atmosphere without much work–and without breaking the bank. All you need are candles, clear candle holders, and corn or cranberries to anchor the candle.

Photo from First For Women; http://www.firstforwomen.com/

4) Gold Pumpkins and Acorns

Photo from A Pumpkin and a Princess; apumpkinandaprincess.com

This DIY project is a bit more ambitious and time consuming than the others, but it is still relatively easy. You will need paint or spray paint, pumpkins, and pinecones. Incorporating metallics is a great way to add an air of sophistication to your Thanksgiving table setting. Simply collect some pinecones and branches and purchase autumnal produce and paint them gold or silver. Once dry, add them to a table runner and you will have an elegant display.

5) Paper Table Runner

Photo from Design Improvised; http://www.designimprovised.com/

This DIY Thanksgiving decor idea is not only beautiful but also incredibly practical. You can create your own table cloth by using butcher paper, leaf stencils, and paint. The best part: the easy clean up. Chances are that someone in the family will spill their food or drink on the table cloth. With this tablecloth, you won’t have to worry about stains; simply recycle it at the end of the night.

Thanksgiving does not have to be stressful; it is an occasion that should be spent enjoying time off with family. These five easy DIY decoration ideas will get you and your home in the festive spirit to ensure a successful Thanksgiving dinner party.