Raksha bandhan special (questions!!)..

I have a few questions here people!

The pooja thali for reference image - google

First how I arrived at them. Today while the rakhi tying ceremony, I remembered a lot of things Aai used to tell me as a kid. Don't slouch, bend neatly, rotate the supari (areca nut says wiki..how fancy) and gold ring properly, etc etc. She calls doing things half heartedly बिगार भरणा  (bigaar bharna  - means doing a mediocre job). So as I was following her instructions in my mind, I suddenly thought out aloud and asked everyone around 'Why do we use the supari and gold ring for the pooja ?' 


My aunt went into the ummmm mode and said the gold signifies wishing a prosperous future (golden and all).
I was not entirely convinced. So I passed on the dilemma to Aai who said basically the thali consists of things which every sister can afford - poor or rich. So supari here symbolizes the lord Ganesha who is prayed to before beginning any task/endeavor. Also that's why supari is commonly used as a Ganpati replacement in lots of poojas.
But then I said, how can everyone afford gold (To think of it not everyone can really afford gold). So after my contradictory response, Aai also went in the ummm mode :D


So the burden of not having my questions answered is passed on to anyone who reads this blog.
Kindly elucidate me the significance of these things or at least the stories behind them!!
Also if you guys use other things in the thali then would like to know :) For my own knowledge!


Oh and happy Raksha Bandhan to everyone :)


~nightflier


P.S. I have always secretly believed we need the best Raksha from the devils within :D