Thrift Store Decor

You don't have to spend a fortune to decorate your home these holidays. On Saturday morning I decided to be brave and venture out to the thrift store. Usually on weekends, I avoid places where people shop like the plague. I hate crowds and the thrift store is no different. But I had my heart set on something different for my kitchen table. What was currently being used as a centerpiece was to high for conversation-and to monitor who was giving who the sinister look over supper- so it had to go. I had in mind a bowl filled with simple glass or mercury balls. I love the vintage decorations and have gotten lucky in the past at the thrift store.
I was right-it was packed! But I forged ahead, straight to the dishes. Immediately something caught my eye, as if it were laid there just for me! A beautiful ironstone over sized bowl, made in Italy! The details were gorgeous, little hobnail bumpy dots and grape leaves sat along the curved rim.

I picked it up and began to tell it how I had fallen in love..."Are you gettin' that bowl?" Someone interrupted. I looked over my shoulder to see a woman, ready to snatch it from my loving embrace. "Yes, mam. I am". She shot me a look and went about her way. Some people just don't understand commitment and a loving relationship. And did I mention that one can find a love like this for $3.88? Um, hmm!
From there it was over to the holiday section, where I began to dig for the needle in the haystack of piled up bagged ornaments. But then, a light caught my eye. I reached into the dark abyss that was under the shelf and held my breath. There was no telling what lurked. I pulled out my hand and in the bag I held were a grand assortment of gold balls and a lone little glittery Santa bust ornament. Score! $1.98!
I took all my loot home and threw it into the bowl. I added some mardi gras pearls that I had left from the Christmas parade as well as a sprig of greenery and a couple pinecones from the yard. Perfection-for about six bucks!

Something else I am loving in my kitchen-and goes along with the "Going Green" is my rosemary tree. I get one every year at Lowes and transfer it to my yard later so it can really thrive. I use rosemary all the time in cooking-so it really is the prefect Christmas tree for my kitchen. To it I added some more of those mardi gras beads. A single Dollar Tree red garland. And a glittery Noel decoration for the top, another Dollar Tree purchase!

Finally, I wanted to show this off- a last find from my Saturday at the thrift store, it is little vintage plastic Santa's. I imagine what used to be a garland. There is a hole at the top and bottom of the Santa's where it was strung. But I thought I might could find something to do with it. Ok, I kid, I am counting on you all, my crafty friends, to come up with something clever. Any ideas? I just thought they were cute.

And there you have it, Christmas Decorating on a budget!