DEAR SARA: Do you have any suggestions for dining-room table accessories on a shoestring budget? — Amanda, e-mail

DEAR AMANDA: I’m fond of simple table accessories. Keep in mind that table decor isn’t as limited in height as some believe. It used to be that no one wanted to use anything with too much height for fear that when trying to have conversations at the table, no one could see one another. As long as your accessories aren’t overpowering, you can keep them on the table when dining. Simply arrange enough spacing between your accessories, and don’t use anything too chunky and wide.

Linens such as tablecloths, place mats, chair slipcovers, doilies, cloth napkins and runners can give the entire room a new look. If you’re patient, you can take your time to find accessories that are inexpensive at secondhand stores, flea markets, estate sales or on clearance.

That said, here are a few decorative ideas.

– Use a shallow container made from material such as resin, glass, ceramic or wood. Add pillar candles in various sizes and colors and polished pebbles/rocks.
– Group clear glass odd (as in not matching) and varying-height candlesticks with taper candles.
– Baskets of fruit are lovely and practical.
– Terrarium, topiary or floral arrangements offer a natural look.
– Glass ginger jars, apothecary jars or vases filled with items such as pods, mixed nuts or citrus fruits can bring elegance to a table.
– Ceramic or glass water pitchers, soup tureen, a tiered serving tray or a tea chest and tea set can give a casual, cottage look.

DEAR SARA: When you first started your frugal journey, what were the first things you cut from your budget? — Debbie, e-mail

DEAR DEBBIE: My initial budget cuts were made in areas such as going from high-speed Internet to dial-up, getting rid of all extra telephone features and fewer salon visits. I decreased spending on clothing, all eating out stopped, and I limited junk food, canceled cable television and subscriptions, and stopped going to movies or even renting movies. In fact, we lived television-free for more than two years. Recreational shopping, weekend pleasure driving and hobbies ceased to exist, too.

These were the areas I started with. I realize not everyone would want to start off as drastically, but my goals were about saving, and when I took a hard look at where I was and where I wanted to be, separating my wants from my needs was easy.

Once I was comfortable with these changes, I slowly adopted other frugal strategies, such as coupon shopping, menu planning, cutting down on utilities and hanging laundry, to name a few. I’ve discovered most people are successful if they adopt frugal strategies in baby steps and not try to change all at once.

Depending on my goals, I add and drop frugal strategies. For example, I currently have high speed internet, but we’re a one car family.

Your starting point might be different from others. Frugal choices are based on each person’s priorities.

DEAR SARA: I’m ahead this year and have almost all my holiday shopping completed. I have five more presents to buy for female co-workers. I can’t spend more than $10 per person, and they need to be different. I don’t feel comfortable giving homemade gifts to these people. Any suggestions? — Tracey, e-mail

DEAR TRACEY: You’ve got a good amount of money to spend per person considering you’re not pressed for time. The dollar stores have a lot to offer at holiday time. I’ve seen all types of wonderful gift items, such as bath and body items, candies, kitchen gadgets and Christmas decorations.

The following are a few general gift ideas: garden gloves and seed packets; teacup and tea; stack of chocolate bars tied with an organza bow; oven mitt and dish towels; Christmas ornament; picture frame; slippers; plant; journal; candles; mittens and an ice scraper; stationery and gel pen; paperback book; calendar.

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