Frugalicious Holiday Treats: Lighten Up the Thanksgiving Table But Not Your Wallet

Tonight the folks that enclose those helpful coupon supplements in the Sunday newspapers, RedPlum, treated a group of bloggers to a party featuring frugal holiday ideas for decorating your Thanksgiving table and later your Christmas, Hanukkah or New Year’s celebrations. Some fabuless wines, all under $20.00 , were also featured. Naturally, I felt it was my duty to sample these wines and give you all an update. Not all the featured goodies were Recessionista worthy, but there are a few standouts that are definitely worthy of consideration. Here’s the inside scoop on a few of these frugal delights.

First up, the beautiful Lindsay Wreath, made from olives leaves by the Lindsay Olive company. This wreath smells delicious, looks beautiful and is $30.00. Best of all, proceeds from sales go to benefit Meals on Wheels, a group that delivers meals to those in need.

Pictured: The Giving Wreath made of Lindsay Olive Leaves, available online for $30.00.

If you love olives, as I do, be sure to check out all the great recipes for Olives on the Lindsay site. We always serve them in the relish try at Thanksgiving, but there are many great uses for them in pasta, salads and couscous. Another great holiday centerpiece idea is Ikea’s “set the scene” Candle center piece. Potpourri surround a vanilla candle, inside an elegant glass sconce.

Pictured: Ikea’s Holiday Centerpiece, priced at $25.00.

Ikea showed off some beautifully decorated holiday tables adorned with glasses, plates, silver and dishes. Two tables were presented, one for adults and one for kids. Check them out. You could chose a few pieces, or just what you need as everything is priced ala carte.

Pictured: Ikea’s Holiday Table for adults, all pieces come to approximately $200.00. Of course, you may have a few place settings already 🙂 

I fell in love with the children’s holiday table. If I could squeeze my knees under it, this is where I would be eating my turkey. My little niece and nephew would feel like royalty at this table with all the bright colors.

Pictured: The Ikea colorful children’s table. All the plates, table decorations, table cloth and glass ware are available in-store or on Ikea.com. 

Now onto the most the most important part of the evening, the wines for under $20.00.

Pictured: Six Wines under $20.00, Burgans Rias Baixas Albarino (Chardonnay?), 75 (Sauvignon Blanc ), Peter Lehman (Riesling), Ercavio (Tempranillo), Layer Cake Primativo (Zinfindel) and Navarro Correas (Malibec).

Six wines were presented for tasting, but the two that I will drink again and recommend are:

• 2005 Ercavio Roble La Mancha: A delicious red wine produced from 100% Cencibel (Tempranillo). This full bodied wine has overtones of blueberries and blackberries. I am eager to get a few bottle of this approximately $8.00 bottle of vino onto my wine rack.
• Navarro Correas Colección Privada Malbec: A nice rich, spicy red that would go well with turkey or beef.

Pictured: Two great red wine picks, Navarro Correas and Ercavio

For more holiday tips, check the Red Plum website and look for the coupons in the Sunday paper. The savings are literally at your fingertips. Red Plum features deals on Restaurants, Groceries, Style and Home. Check out their Black Friday Survival Kit before you head out to the stores post Turkey coma!

RedPlum’s Best 30 Holiday Gifts Under $30 might give you a few ideas for your own frugal holiday gifting.