Deck the halls

(with cute, economical stuff

So, you've packed your lunch three times in the past two weeks, gone cold turkey on Starbucks, and turned down the thermostat one degree, all in an effort to save money. It seems to be working. That sock under your bed (where you're now stashing your savings) actually has a few bucks in it, enough to throw your annual holiday get-together. Some traditions you can't give up, Dow or no Dow. As for decking the halls, that doesn't have to be an expensive enterprise. A swag of garland, some candles, a few pretty napkins and serving dishes, and you've got it: that twinkly holiday feel. We've found lots of affordable options out there, all of which will get plenty of use even after the last guest has gone home. And how's this for stretching your dollar? Post-party, those seasonal serving plates and platters can be topped with freshly baked cookies and given as gifts: One for your yoga instructor, one for your kid's teacher, and, of course, one for your shrink - the guy who's helping you deal with your financial anxiety. Party on. HAYLEY KAUFMAN

Bowled over Colorful serving pieces - rather than those with holiday designs on them - make it easy to incorporate and reuse pieces when the party's over. Large cream-colored plate, $12.99. Red dish, $6.99.

Soup bowl, $5.99. Spoon, part of a 20-piece set, $19.99. Glass, $4.99. All at HomeGoods.

Thrifty and nifty Something as small as an elegant table linen can make frugal fabulous. And they don't have to be expensive. Large serving plate, $7.99. Accent dish, $4.99. Glass mug, $7.99. Holiday ornament, $1.99. Scarlet napkin, $7.99 for a pack of four. All at HomeGoods.

Nothing cheesy A loaf of bread, a jug of wine, and a sleek cutting board where guests can congregate around the brie. Now that's a party. Cutting board, $19.99. Table linens, pack of three, $6.99.

Cheese spreaders, package of four, $5.99. Mug, $3.99. All at HomeGoods.

Let's light this candle Everything - and everyone - looks better by candlelight, so stock up for your bash. Just keep the scented ones away from the food. On second thought, leave the scented ones at the store. Large candle holder, $7.99, and large candle, $5.99. Silvery glass candlestick, $4.99. Christmas ornament, $2.99. All from HomeGoods. Red taper, set of six, $2.29. At the Christmas Tree Shops.

Center of attention A sleek glass vase filled with cranberries (walnuts or clementines also work) is an inexpensive seasonal accent for the mantle or serving table. Plus, it's one of the few centerpieces we can think of that, if eaten, improve your overall health. Can't say that about the inflatable dreidel you decorated with last year. Vase, $12.99, at HomeGoods. Cranberries from Shaw's Supermarkets.

Drink up (pictured on the cover) You don't have to spend a lot for pretty stemware for your holiday bash. But if you really want to be thrifty, colorful paper cups are the way to go. Sure, it feels a wee bit collegiate, but after a mulled cider or two who'll care? Box of 12 wine glasses, $29.99, at HomeGoods. Paper cups, Stop & Shop, $2.49 a pack.