Easy and inexpensive decorating tips for special occasions

Dressing up your home for a special occasion doesn't have to cost a lot of money. These tips offer up easy and attractive solutions that everyone can afford.

• Proud of your beautiful garden? Pick flowers and greenery for your table arrangements from your own garden.
• You don't have a garden? Shop the floral section in your grocery for bargains on bunches of flowers that may be a day or two old, but still fresh looking. If you live near a well-stocked farmers' market, go there first.
• And here's another idea: Fill in fresh floral arrangements with artificial flowers. In the tangle of blossoms and leaves, it's hard the see the difference between real and faux.

• Flowers aren't your thing? Try this instead. Gather an interesting selection of drinking glasses, glass bottles and decorative glass vases and bowls.
• Include cut glass pieces if you have any. Arrange the items in a random yet tidy fashion on your dining table or buffet and add ordinary white candles to some of the containers.
• Clear glass and crystal will create a wintry look; a mix of clear and colored glass will yield a jewel-like effect.

• Silver used to be just for special occasions, but there is no better way to add a splash of sparkle to a room than to stand up silver utensils in tall, clear glassware.
• For a rustic look, place that fancy ware in green antique mason jars (lid off, please), and arrange together on the mantle or wherever a bright light might shine down on Grandma's collection.

• An autumn centrepiece of leaves at the height of their colour is cost-free and beautiful. Add some of nature's dried bounty, like thistle and wild grasses, and light the table with earth-toned candles — exquisite.
• You can also use leaves as place cards; write names in metallic permanent market. If you have clear glass charger plates, slip a perfect fall leaf under each charger when you set the table.

These quick and easy tips will brighten any room in your home for those special occasions when hosting family and friends.