Cheapmommy loves: Thrifty turkey day trimmings

I love Thanksgiving. Especially when I'm invited to someone else's. Thanks to my friend Lisa, this lazy crabmommy won't have to tussle with any turkeys this year. And thanks to me, those of you hosting Thanksgiving-fests of your own can dazzle your diners with these swanky but budget-conscious $13 and under Etsylicious decorations.

How about these Thanksgiving letter-pressed place cards (set of 10 for $3.00, at left)? And how screamingly gorgeous are these needle-felted wool acorn napkin rings (right) bound by double-sided chocolate ribbon? As you know I have a bit of an acorn thing going on right now, but can you blame me? I think these offerings  are a swell deal coming in at $8.25 for a set of two. Convo with the vendor over custom colors, and when T-giving is over, use them to jazz up holiday gifts, or twist around a wine bottle for some serious recycled panache. Recession-fabulous, I tell you!

Continuing with the recycled motif, why not add a stylish, vintage-y, Pilgrim-vibe turkey silhouette print to your permanent home collection? For $12.95 you will receive a framed, handmade cupboard print, specially aged to appear as though it has just been pulled out from the bottom of an ancient family chest. Don't know about you, but I'm digging it madly. I think a turkey silhouette looks good any time of year.

Last but far from least, if you're like my friend Dawn and you can crochet your pants off, you still have time to order and create this custom turkey doll for a dear baby or grownup for whom you'd like to give thanks. Strictly speaking it's not a table decoration (though it could be) but how could I resist linking to this little turkey charmer? $5.50 gets you the pattern for this one-of-a-kind Chester the Turkey Boy doll. So sweet I could just eat him up. Gobble gobble!

Cookie's Thanksgiving Essentials: From turkey tips and side-dish recipes to travel advice and volunteer opportunities, find everything you need for a happy, stress-free holiday.

More from Cookie:

• Make the Most Out of Your Dollar
  Teach your kids—and yourself—about money management with a little assistance from our financial experts
• Confessions of a Mommyblogger
  Are blogging moms writing an Internet love letter to their kids, or just violating their children's privacy?
• Cookie's All-purpose Gift Guides
  New mom? Birthday? Find the perfect present for everyone you know.
• Subscribe to Cookie for Just $1 an issue - Get an Exclusive Red Striped Tote Free!