Are you looking for a unique and affordable way to decorate your Thanksgiving table this year?
Look no further than your local thrift shop!
If you’re already a regular customer at your local thrift, I don’t need to sell you on the benefits. But if you’re a newbie to the scene, let me share just a few points of the value of these charity shops, consignment stores, garage sales, vintage shops, and flea markets.
FOR THE SAKE OF THIS BLOG, WE’RE GOING TO CALL ALL OF THESE SECOND-HAND SHOPS, THRIFT SHOPS.
Thrift shops provide a sustainable and eco-friendly option to regular retail.
Most thrift shops are non-profit companies driven by a social mission; they give support to your local community helping those in need.
Because thrift shops sell gently used items, you can secure some great deals, saving you money during the high holiday shopping season.
These shops are a literal treasure trove of items that can be repurposed and used to create wonderful, one-of-a-kind holiday tablescapes. You’re only limited by your own imagination.
In this blog post, we'll share some tips and tricks for finding the perfect items at the thrift shops to create a beautiful and festive holiday table.
So, grab your reusable shopping bags, and let's get started!
The Settlement Home Garage and Estate Sale
There is a wonderful organization in Austin called The Settlement Home for Children.
The Home is a licensed nonprofit organization serving individuals who have experienced severe emotional trauma, abuse, and neglect. They provide 24-hour care to help these children in foster care access the materials and support they need to restore a sense of well-being. They promote healing and growth in children, young adults, and families by providing a continuum of care, support, and other resources.
Every year, for the past 48 years, Settlement Home for Children hosts its annual fundraiser. A huge garage and estate sale.
Held at Palmer Events Center in downtown Austin, in over 10,000 square feet of retail space, it is a behemoth of a sale.
For the last few years, my good friend Darlene has traveled from Fort Worth to Austin specifically to do the sale. Over the years we have created such a funny ritual around this sale. To say it’s memorable would be an understatement. Beth even joined us one year – we had a blast.
As I’m writing this blog, the Settlement Home Sale will be this weekend – the first weekend of November.
In this blog, I promised you thrifting tips for your Thanksgiving table.
Let’s start with Tip #1 – the same Tip I’ll use for the Settlement Home Sale
TIP #1 You’ll want to create a Thrift List
It’s crazy to go into a thrift shop without a list.
There’s just too much to see. Before you’re actually in the shop it’s easy to think you’ll remember what you’re looking for. But once in the thrift shop environment, all bets are off. It’s simply too easy to get side-tracked by the hundreds of items on display. The list helps us to remember we’re specifically on a hunt for Thanksgiving décor and unique pieces for our tablescape.
You’ve no doubt taken an inventory of what you already have at home. Your created list tells you what you need or want the thrift to provide.
Maybe you’re looking for vintage tablecloths and napkins, candlesticks of various heights and patterns, serving dishes and platters, and dessert plates.
There may be some other things (clothes, for instance) you want to look for while at the thrift shop, but you might want to put that on a separate list, so it does not compete with your initial purpose.
TIP #2 Stay Flexible
Yes, I know. I just said stick to your list. But for any veteran thrifter, you know the fun of thrifting is being open to an alternative item you’d never considered.
For instance, on your list you wanted individual candle sticks to hold taper candles. But you enter the store and see a beautiful, silver-plated candelabra. You fall in love immediately, knowing this piece will add just the drama you wanted for your holiday table.
At the Thrift Shop, you want to be organized but you certainly don’t want to become rigid. If you stick too closely to your list, you’ll miss out on some great finds.
TIP #3 Be willing to shop at more than one Thrift Shop
With The Settlement Home Sale, I’m going to a really BIG sale. It’s 50 shops under one roof. But if you’re going to a regular-sized Thrift shop, hit several stores on your shopping days.
I find it useful to go to Thrift Shops like Goodwill Stores, which are standard thrifts. Then it’s possibly onto an antique mall, then a smaller more niche Thrift, and maybe end with a consignment store.
With a little shop variety, you’re sure to find what you want for your Thanksgiving tablescape.
TIP #4 Bask in the creativity of it all.
Because shopping The Thrift makes for endless possibilities, enjoy the variety, the uniqueness, the distinctiveness.
Your Thanksgiving table and dessert buffet will be marked with your individual sense of style.
Think how decorative items like figurines or small sculptures can add whimsy to your centerpieces. For instance, consider using a mix of low, ceramic, and glass, vintage vases to hold fall flowers, pinecones, and acorns.
Above all else, have fun! Keep these tips in mind. Take your time and enjoy the process of finding unique and affordable items to decorate for the holiday!
PS. TIP #5 Don’t forget to grab a little snack before you go thrifting! Believe me, it will come in handy.
PSS: While preparing this blog post, I found several national directories of Thrifts across the USA.
Happy Hunting!
A Spendid Thrifted Table...such fun!