Charming Thrift Store Discoveries for Summer Gatherings

Welcome to the blog today, dear Friends!
I’m so glad you’re here—and I hope you brought your favorite cup of something cozy, because today we’re diving back into the joy of thrifting!

Lately, my hands have been far busier in the garden than in the thrift store aisles. With classes wrapping up and the garden begging for one last tidy-up, thrifting had to take a little back seat. I do apologize for the delay in posting—let’s just say I’ve been knee-deep in mulch (the final batch of the season, I promise!). While mulch bags aren’t heavy one by one, they certainly add up. And by day’s end, I’ve found myself with more yawns than energy.

Still, I managed to carve out a few hours for a quick thrift adventure, and oh my goodness—what treasures we uncovered!

The picture above is part of a delightful set of plates that immediately made me smile. Four feature charming trucks toting all manner of gardening goodies—like a vintage floral delivery in motion. The other four? Whimsical campers with gardening tools tossed about in cheerful disarray, as if someone just stepped away for a cup of tea.

These plates are made of a delicate, porcelain-like material—light in the hand, but sturdy enough for summertime merriment. They typically sell in the $6.99 to $8.99 per plate range online and in stores. But here’s the bit that made my thrifter’s heart skip a beat: I found all eight—four trucks and four campers—bundled together for the princely sum of $1.70. Yes, really!

They’ll be just darling for Memorial Day, summer picnics under the trees, or even a lighthearted Father’s Day brunch. I can already imagine them layered on a gingham cloth with lemonade in thrifted glasses and daisies nodding in the breeze.

What a cheerful little find! And a wonderful reminder that sometimes, the best treasures wait patiently while we finish the mulch.

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Here’s a peek at the full set of eight plates, along with a close-up of one of the charming little campers. Each plate features its own unique scene—no repeats here!—and they’re brimming with personality. I just adore the delicate rims that mimic the crimped edge of old-fashioned paper picnic plates. It’s such a nostalgic detail. Don’t you think these will be perfect for sunny summer lunches, garden gatherings, or even a cheerful breakfast out on the porch?

Next up on the treasure trail, I stumbled upon a sweet stash of packaged Aida cloth—perfect for cross-stitch lovers like me. These were 14 and 16 count pieces, each a generous 15″ x 18″, just right for a cozy evening project by the fire or a sunny stitching session on the porch. If you’ve priced Aida cloth lately, you’ll know it’s not exactly budget-friendly—so discovering these for just $1 each felt like striking gold. To sweeten the deal, I also picked up a colorful bundle of embroidery floss for only a few dollars. Thread and fabric… all set for crafting something lovely!

Next, I came across this truly striking pottery sculpture, beautifully mounted on a piece of black board. It’s signed and dated on the back by the artist—a lovely personal touch—and it’s ready to hang the moment inspiration strikes. I was immediately drawn to the swirling blues and greens, which remind me of rippling water and lush greenery. The shapes are wonderfully unexpected, like puzzle pieces from nature, and the artist arranged them with such care and creativity. I especially love that it’s a longer piece, perfect for adding a bit of vertical drama to a wall that needs just a little something special.

One of the most delightful surprises of the day was a pristine box of Italian soap—still sealed and oh-so-fragrant. I have such a soft spot for French and Italian soaps… they’re typically much harder than our domestic brands, and they last beautifully, with the scent lingering like a gentle whisper. I’ve had some lovely luck finding unopened soaps at estate sales and thrift shops, but this one felt extra special. It turns out this very box sells for $90 online—can you imagine? So you can believe I did a little happy dance when I found it tucked on a shelf, and then danced a little more when I realized the shop was running a 25% off sale! Now that’s what I call affordable luxury.

The final treasure of the day turned out to be one of the most exciting—and it came from the same store where I found that dreamy Italian soap. Nestled neatly on a shelf was a perfectly coordinated set in classic black and white check: one long runner, twelve placemats, and eighteen cloth napkins. The store assistant confided that they’d just been donated by a lovely lady who mentioned they’d never been used. And sure enough, every piece still had its original folds, crisp and pristine as if they’d been waiting just for me.

Now here comes the part that had me doing mental cartwheels: the entire set—runner, placemats, and all eighteen napkins—was just $10.50. I had to double-check the tag. It’s hard to believe such beautifully made, high-end linens were priced so modestly. Naturally, they came home with me and will be lovingly shared with my daughter. I can already picture a summer table dressed in checks, lemonade glasses sparkling in the sun.

It was such a lovely little thrift store adventure, and a gentle reminder that yes—you can still find real treasures tucked away on quiet shelves. Thank you so much for joining me today, friends. Thrifting remains one of life’s charming pleasures, full of surprise and delight. Whether it’s a bit of beautiful linen, a bar of fragrant soap, or a quirky little plate that sparks joy, there’s something magical about uncovering unexpected bargains.

Wishing you all the luck on your next outing—may it be filled with unusual finds and happy moments. Until next time, happy thrifting!