The Preachers Wife

This will be the first year that my husband and I host Thanksgiving and Christmas Dinners. Due to some issues, I took over the big holiday seasons. I sincerely do not mind however, it has become this budgeting nightmare. My husband’s mom and her family will be here and I want my house to look lovely for my mother-in-law (ya’ll hear and feel me, right?). We’ve decided to have it before Thanksgiving because his dad’s family and my family will be sharing honors on Thanksgiving day. Not to mention he will be at the firehouse on his 24 hours shift. He does get 2 (?) hours to be with family so, at least the day won’t be a total wash-out without him.

 Any way, I’m curious… how do you make your home look and feel like Thanksgiving without breaking the bank. I’ve got a few neat ideas but for the most part I’m afraid that it will look like a kindergartener decorated (and we don’t have kids so I can’t pull that off). I’ve been trying to purchase meal items with my regular grocery shopping but I’m dreading buying the ham (yea, it’s like $30!).

Alright, so help a sister out. Ideas? Advice? And while I’m asking, got any suggestions for music at Thanksgiving?