Sometimes when I go thrifting I am just mindlessly walking around hoping that something AMAZING will pop out at me! But, sometimes I like to go with a plan so I don’t get suckered into wanting to buy all the things that I don’t really need . . . “but they are such a good deal” and “they are in such great shape”, says my brain. When I go prepared and have a plan of action already set up then I am good to go and am ready for the hunt.
This is going to by a new series. Every Thursday I am going to share five or so items to look for at the thrift store. On my Instagram Stories over on my Instagram feed, @homechronicles, I am going to also start a series every Thursday where I show myself actually going thrift shopping. So when you are done reading this blog and figure out what you are looking for at the thrift store hop on over to my Instagram feed and lets go thrifting together!
I asked my Home Chronicles tribe over on IG if they thought a series like this would be helpful for them, thankfully they did!
The only thing that’s better than thrifting, is thrifting with friends. Over the years I have learned some tips and tricks on what to look for and when to look for it at the thrift store.
What To Look For When You Go Thrifting Series #1
Here are five items that I am looking for right now at the thrift store.
Candles
When I say candles, I am talking about the basic plain white ones. The thrift store is a great place to look for candles because candles are actually pretty expensive when you buy them new. Usually you can find some that haven’t even been burnt at all yet. Sometimes they might have a little nick in the side just because they are so soft, but I have found that you can “hide” those spots by strategically placing them in a group. I love grouped candles for the holidays! They add such a warmth and brightness to the ambiance.
Wreaths
I always check out the wreath section. There seems to be no real rhyme or reason to when they put out certain wreaths. So that’s why I always look for them no matter what season it is. I have found gorgeous fall wreaths before when it was the middle of winter. I also look for grape vine wreaths that people have designed (which may or may not be my style). Look for the ones where people have not used hot glue on them because then you can easily take the decorations off of it and create it into something you love.
Plate Sets
You seriously never know what you might find at the thrift store. I almost always go and look at the plate section. I look for sets of six or more. I have seen some really beautiful sets. I also look for ironstone plates. I just love the look of them, and I love the look of a tablesetting with all mis-matched ironstone plates. Plus you can always make a plate wall from them or use them as a soap dish, or put them under a pot. There are so many uses for plates.
Metal Decor
Right now I am getting prepared for Christmas. This year I am wanting to use lots of mixed metals with soft whites. So, I am looking for metal containers that a tree could sit in. I am also looking for any ornaments that are metal or faux metal looking.
Seasonal Decor
This leads me to my last point. Look for seasonal decor. A lot of times you can find good seasonal decor. Maybe you just find a basic Christmas Tree, but you can add ornaments and lights to make it your own style. For Christmas right now I am looking for nativity scenes, little houses, ornaments, lights, signs, etc.
You seriously never know what you might find at the thrift store. Hope this list helps you for when you go thrifting the next time. I would love to know what you are looking for right now while you go thrifting? Also, I would love to see what you guys are finding while you are out thrifting. If you share on Instagram please use the hashtag #hcthrifting and tag me @homechronicles to make sure I see it.
I am looking forward to going thrifting with you all in my Instagram Stories later today!