Don’t you just love thrift shopping? If your answer is no…..reading this blog may change your mind. If your answer is yes…..than this is the place for you.
Thrift shops can be a little overwhelming. They are usually quite large with multiple sections and things can be very disorganized. So, HAVE A PLAN but keep an open mind. So, what is the plan?
Since it’s January and the holidays are over, I sat down and did a mental review of what I liked about my holiday decorating this past year and what I wanted to add or change. That thinking session generated a list of items that I wanted to keep in mind as I visit thrift stores this year.
Other questions to ask: what on-going collections do I want to grow; and, are there any new things that I should be looking for that will fit in with my plans for this year’s home decorating?
Christmas Linens were on the list for this past Holiday Season and for the next one. You can never have too many linens. Let me show you what I picked up in December.
(6 tea towels, 2 tablecloths, 1 runner, 30 napkins, 4 place mats)
All this for under $20.00.
I also picked up a Lands End throw and a Christmas throw which will appear in future posts.
The wooden goose basket was picked up at the local Goodwill . Then the basket was hand sanded and a new coat of stain was applied to make it look brand new. I added a tea towel, also from the Thrift Store and some homemade baked goods. Add a bow and you’re good to go.
Another example was this wooden bowl made from teak. The wooden bowl was sanded and then oiled and looks better than new. I filled it with a Christmas tea towel and some Christmas goodies and tied it with a bow.
Two of my neighbors were very happy with their gifts and will use them for many years to come.
When purchasing linens from a Thrift Store, t’s important to wash them as soon as you get home. Linens don’t make it past my laundry room until they have been washed in hot water and detergent. I’ve never had a problem with critters but it pays to be cautious.
Thrift Shopping Tips
1. Have a plan but keep an open mind.
2. Record what you purchase. Include the date, a short description and the price. When you look back at your records in a couple of months you will be amazed at how smart and savvy you are.