Gorgeous Thanksgiving Tables for Less Than $50

How to Do It

Cut the kraft paper so it’s six inches longer than your table. Spread the paper on the floor on top of a drop cloth and mark 3-inch columns in pencil. With a 1-inch brush, paint all the teal stripes. Next, paint the green stripes, layering a bit on top of the teal edges to cover the paper completely (paint a day in advance). When it’s dry, trim the kraft paper so you’re left with a 3-inch border around the table (no need to be exact). Lay down the paper tablecloth, then top with your painted creation.

Go with rectangular paper guest towels―they’re bolder and more elegant than typical napkins. Dinner plates with simple edging add to the graphic punch, but solid plates work, too. Finally, choose carnations that match some table elements (here, the napkins and the plates). Arrange them in bunches, then twist the stems to keep the blooms in place.