It's holiday time, and just about everyone I know is running around like crazy to find all the perfect trimmings for their turkeys and mashed potatoes- but what about their tabletops? If you've got a perfect meal, you need perfect ambiance, and frankly, if you're meal isn't so perfect the only thing you can do to cure that is to set a perfectly appetizing stage (your table)!

Here are 7 easy ways you can spice up your tabletop on a budget this season:

1. Pinecones!

Pinecones are perfect for holiday decor. They are natural and they make any room look warm and festive for holiday. Just fill up any glass vase or bowl and let the holiday season begin- just remember to brush off any dirt or debris from the yard!

2. Candles.

Candles make the holiday season shine bright. Here's a secret tip: use silver candles with silver color candle holders and watch your home sparkle for the holidays.

Silver Mercury glass candleholders ($9.99$16.99, worldmarket.com)

3. Frame it!

Picture frames easily and inexpensively brighten up your walls or tables. You can never go wrong with silver color frames for the holidays! And don't forget- make sure your holiday guests can be found somewhere in all your parade of pictures. Mixing old photos with recent is a fun way to keep the conversation going, too.

Gallery frames ($19.95 - $39.95, cb2.com)

Read Heading Into The Holidays Alone

4. Runners.

Update your table runner to enhance your holiday decor. Avoid primary colors and stick to neutrals. The focus should with the items on top of the table.

Trim a Home Noel Ribbons holiday table runner ($7.49, kmart.com)

5. Recover it!

Want a whole new look for your dining room but can't afford to buy an entire new set? Simply recover your current seat cushions. Indulge in dark suede or something exciting. You can make a total transformation at a fraction of the cost of an entire new set (and who doesn't love that?).

Upholstery Fabric-SMC Designs Sabada Geranium ($17.49 a yard, joann.com)

6. Dress up a lamp.

Dress up your old lamps with new shades! Create a fresh look for your holiday guests by updating instead of replacing the whole lamp. You can find incredible shades at all the usual places, or try vintage and thrift stores for totally unique pieces that'll set your room apart from any other.

Round silk off white lampshade ($17,99, overstock.com)

7. Votives.

Votive. Votives. Votives. They're such a quick (and inexpensive) way to bring warmth to your home. It's an easy update to change to holiday mode with silver and gold votive holders, or try using old, interesting china as a creative way of holding your votives.

Spiced cake candles ($1-$17, pier1.com)

Michael Craig is the founder of Dinette.com and a New York based budget-friendly interior design expert. Follow Michael on Twitter @dinetteguy to stay up-to-date on all his latest tips

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