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![an array of thanksgiving decorations from dollar general including thanksgiving paper plates candles napkins and containers an array of thanksgiving decorations from dollar general including thanksgiving paper plates candles napkins and containers](https://cdn.aarp.net/content/dam/aarpe/en/home/home-family/your-home/info-2020/home-goods-dollar-store/_jcr_content/root/container_main/container_body_main/container_body1/container_body_cf/container_image/articlecontentfragment/cfimage.coreimg.50.932.jpeg/content/dam/aarp/home-and-family/your-home/2023/11/1140-dollar-general-thanksgiving-tablewear.jpg)
Large family gatherings are back this Thanksgiving, with the guest lists up to pre-pandemic numbers (an average of nine people), according to a Butterball report. The more the merrier, right? True, except maybe when it comes to your Thanksgiving hosting budget.
How can you be the hostess with the mostest without breaking the bank?
The answer might be as easy (and as close) as your local dollar store. With everything from pumpkin decorations to scented candles, dollar stores often have affordable and stylish holiday home decor and decorations.
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The best part: most items really cost around $1, especially at 99 Cents Only Stores, Dollar General and Family Dollar. At Dollar Tree costs are slightly higher at $1.25 and at Daiso, the Japanese dollar store, upwards of $1.50. If you see something in bulk you like, especially online, that may also cost more at most retailers.
What’s trending this year? Everything warm, cozy and bursting with fall colors, says Kristin Tetreault, chief communications officer for Dollar Tree and Family Dollar. She adds that classic seasonal motifs like trucks, pumpkins, plaid and autumn leaves seem to be popular.
Get your house Turkey Day-ready on a budget with these 10 great finds at dollar stores.
1. Get back to nature
Incorporate items found outdoors, including acorns, leaves, mushrooms and pumpkins, into your home decor, said Dollar General spokeswoman Katie Ellison. Not only can these items add a touch of rusticity but they typically come in warm neutral tones.
Whether wooden, plush, burlap or beaded, artificial versions of those kinds of items can be found for 99 cents to $5 at dollar stores. White or cream-colored pumpkins are especially popular because they match any other decor.
2. Create a warm glow and a lovely scent
Candles, lights and lanterns create a cozy glow inside or outside. Wrap string lights around the fireplace mantel, windows and front door. You’ll find mini LED string lights shaped like pumpkins at Dollar General for $1 and at Dollar Tree for $1.25.
Most dollar stores sell candles and candleholders in all shapes and sizes for $1.25 and up. Scents include autumn day, caramel cornucopia, cranberry jalapeño jelly. Add a bit of elegance to your dinner table with tall taper candles, $1.25 for two at Dollar Tree.
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