FASHIONABLY FRUGAL

The turkey has been roasted and you have been stuffed. Thanksgiving is over and now it's time to prepare for the holiday season.

You want to create a festive atmosphere at home, but, with the current economic conditions, you're a little hesitant. You want to decorate and stay within your budget.

As impossible as it may sound, all it takes to create some holiday cheer is a little bit of imagination and creativity mixed in with some expert advice and selective purchases.

"Homeowners can easily give their homes a fresh look this holiday season without spending a lot of money. One simple way to update the look and feel of a room is to add an affordable, bold accent piece, such as a red lamp shade or purple throw pillow," said Joshua Thomas of Target.

Interior designer Chris Madden, who offers a collection of home accents through J.C. Penney, agreed that new colors, textures and textiles are a great way to give the home a fresh look without spending a lot of money. Madden suggests complementing existing décor with items such as new towels for the bathroom, a new rug for the entry, changing pillows and throws in the living and family rooms and fresh linens for the dinner table.

She also suggests adding a layer of sheers to augment window treatments or putting a new pair of drapes over existing sheers for a heavier, winter look.

"As the economy gets tougher, people are spending more time at home so it's all the more important to ensure your home feels comfortable and inviting," said Linda Crisolo, director of merchandising at art.com.

But that doesn't mean completely remodeling the place.

"Instead of changing each room in the house, focus on areas where people will congregate -- the hearth, kitchen, dining room and entryways -- to create a warm, welcoming and festive atmosphere that marks the season," said Lynette Cvikota, vice president of design, home, for Kohl's.

"I love making the entryway a focal point. It's usually a small area that doesn't require major furniture purchases, but it's a high-impact area because it's the first thing that guests see when entering your home. Plus, it is easy to change with the seasons. Make your entryway inviting by adding a knockout light fixture, seasonal flowers or plants and an interesting grouping of art or mirrors," Crisolo said.

Thomas said a fresh look also can be obtained just by rearranging existing furnishings.

"An easy way to bring the magic of the holiday season into your home is to awaken all the senses. Dress up the front door with a classic holiday wreath, add holiday music to the air, cozy up to the warmth of a winter fire and serve guests an aromatic holiday dish," Cvikota added.

Both she and Madden said festive candlesticks, decorative place card holders and napkin rings can easily and affordably dress up a home.

"Color changes make instant decorating easy. Take your color cues from seasonal changes -- lighten up in warmer months with whites, taupes and pastels and make the colors richer, darker and cozier for winter months. Pillows and throws, towels, comforters, curtains, rugs, candles, dinnerware are all great vehicles for color splashes in your rooms," Madden said.

Cvikota said red continues to be an important holiday color and this year's trend is to pair it with rich chocolate browns, soft camels and natural materials. Or, if you prefer a more contemporary or modern look, mix it with bright, shiny silver, black or glass.

Replacing everyday household objects with those that have a holiday motif is another way to infuse some spirit into the house. And because the items will be used, they are less of a frivolous expense or budget breaker.

"Holiday place mats serve to protect the table, but can be left on as decoration even when the table is not in use," she said.

Cvikota also recommends adding warmth for the winter season and holiday color with a fleece throw or red striped quilted coverlet.

"Baskets are great for holiday decorating and organizing everything in a room. Do all those electronic remotes really need to be out in the open? Plus, they come in every size, shape and price imaginable," Crisolo said.

Thomas offers other ideas, tinged with a touch of old-fashioned nostalgia, to add some holiday cheer.

"Everyday items pulled from the kitchen pantry or cabinets can also be used as decorations and made into fun ornaments. Use dried fruit to decorate trees or wreaths, create popcorn strings for the tree and use newspaper to wrap gifts. It's also a great way to get every family member involved and start new family traditions," he said.