Using Thrifted Finds to Set the Table

Welcome to the Blog, Friends

Today I’m sharing a collection of thrifted treasures I’ve gathered to create what I’m calling an “almost Fall” table. The air isn’t quite crisp yet, but I’m feeling that gentle nudge toward autumn—the soft shift in light, the warm tones creeping into the landscape. Rather than heading out to buy something new, I decided to do my favorite kind of shopping—right here at home. It’s amazing what you can pull together when you start mixing pieces from different corners of the house, letting them find new companions at the table.

For the foundation, I chose a pale yellow damask tablecloth. Its soft, buttery hue provides the perfect backdrop for the muted tones in the china and the gentle patterns of the napkins. The color feels like late-summer sunlight—warm and mellow—while still hinting at the richer shades to come as we move into Fall.

Here’s a closer look at the napkins—aren’t they lovely? Their muted roses, soft yellows, and gentle greens create such a graceful bridge between the fading tones of summer and the richer, more vibrant colors of Fall. I especially love how the curved lines in the napkin’s pattern are echoed in the gentle scallops of the dinner plates.The plates themselves are a treat for the eyes, with a decorative edge that feels like a little flourish of elegance. Along the rim, delicate images of Fall—leaves, fruits, and seasonal motifs—circle the plate in a way that draws your gaze around, inviting you to linger over the details. It’s these thoughtful curves and repeating shapes that bring harmony to the table, making it feel both relaxed and quietly refined.

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For the base of each setting, I used a woven mat to cradle the plates. I love how its natural texture adds a grounded, organic feel to the table. Here you can see the layers in the plate stack—each one adding depth and interest. I tucked the napkin between the dinner and salad plates, letting just enough of it peek out to soften the edges and bring a gentle, fabric touch to the arrangement.

The mix of textures—the woven mat, smooth china, and soft napkin—creates such pleasing variety, drawing the eye in and inviting guests to linger. Best of all, every piece I’ve mentioned so far, from the plates to the mats to the napkins, was found through thrifting. It’s proof that a table can feel warm, inviting, and seasonally inspired without spending a fortune.

The Mikasa plates were a wonderful find from last year’s thrifting adventures. The set included dinner plates, salad/dessert plates, and pasta bowls, cups and saucers—a complete treasure trove for the table. The design is simply gorgeous, with those soft, seasonal motifs that work beautifully for an “almost Fall” look. And, as much as I love pretty things, I also appreciate practicality—these beauties are both dishwasher and microwave safe. That’s always a plus in my book, especially when it means we can enjoy them often without worry.

Today I reached for Mikasa’s French Country water goblet—its simple, stately lines bring a lovely sense of balance and a bit of weight to the setting. To pair with it, I added a wine glass that sparkles with a beautifully cut pattern, catching the light in the most delightful way. Together, the two create a charming blend of elegance and shimmer, just the right touch for making any table feel special.

The twig flatware in gold brings just a touch of the outdoors to the table, echoing the golden hues of autumn. I love how the playful, organic shape adds both elegance and a bit of whimsy to the setting. This pattern has been such a joy to collect—piece by piece, often thrifted treasures waiting to be discovered. I’m just three pieces away from completing a full set of eight place settings, and that little hunt makes each find all the more special.

The centerpiece began with a cheerful gathering of late summer and early autumn blooms—sunflowers, mums, and alstroemeria in shades of sunny yellow and soft rose, all tucked in with generous sprigs of fresh green. To deepen the palette, I wandered out to the garden and snipped some coleus, their rich rose and burgundy leaves adding such lovely depth to the arrangement. The flowers found their home in a sparkling cut-glass vase—yet another thrifted treasure that adds a touch of elegance while letting the colors of the season shine.

Flanking the vase on either side are petite golden cups, brimming with fragrant herbs gathered straight from the garden. Fresh basil and sage, in their soft, lovely greens, bring not only beauty but a gentle fragrance that whispers of harvest abundance. The thrifted cups gleam softly in the light, perfectly echoing the golden tones of the twig flatware and tying the whole table together with a touch of rustic elegance.

Here’s an overhead view of the table. The thrifted pieces blend together so nicely, giving just a hint of the autumn beauty that’s on its way. Outside the window it’s another rainy day, but these colors bring a welcome brightness and a little smile to my face.

I’m serving a simple but delicious meal of roasted vegetables over rice. Many of the veggies came straight from the garden, so the flavors are especially fresh and full. Everything is cut into bite-sized pieces, then tossed with olive oil, salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and just a pinch of hot pepper flakes for a little extra warmth. They roast at 425 degrees for about 20 minutes, then I give them a turn and pop them back in for another 15 minutes or so until they’re golden and tender. For this batch, I added Brussels sprouts and carrots, giving them a quick head start in the microwave so they’d roast up perfectly with the others.

The colors of the food add their own cheerful note to the array already spread across the table. Paired with a nice glass of wine, it’s the perfect way to settle in and enjoy a simple, delicious meal.

Thank you for joining me today as we pulled together a thrifted table using pieces already at hand. There’s something so satisfying about watching these collected treasures—each with its own story—blend into a welcoming “almost autumn” table. It’s a lovely reminder that beauty doesn’t have to be complicated; sometimes it’s just a matter of bringing things together with a little thought and care.