If you're cutting costs this Thanksgiving, start with the decorating. Once Halloween is over, shops start decorating for Christmas, and this can work to your advantage. You know that garden store or card shop you pass by every day with the Halloween pumpkin in the window? Rather than letting the pumpkin spend eternity in the dumpster, talk with the shop owner who will probably be more than willing to let you take the pumpkin away at no charge. In fact, she may even throw in a gourd or two. In that case, your Thanksgiving decorations won't cost a dime.

You can try making decorations from items found in your own backyard. Fill vases with colorful fall foliage or evergreen boughs. Display pinecones on shelves and mantles. If you have a clear plastic or vinyl tablecloth, brightly colored autumn leaves can be placed underneath, giving the table a festive fall atmosphere. Party stores and supermarkets may be selling Thanksgiving items at a discount once the holiday is over. Take advantage of the savings for next year.