10 Affordable Thrift Store Finds That Instantly Upgrade Any Tablescape

Creating fantastic tablescapes can be expensive, whether you like to switch them out every season or prefer a casual vibe. If you tend to buy new items to suit a seasonal theme or match a specific style, why not try stepping back and imagining other possibilities? One of the best places to look out for fun tablescape ideas for every occasion is your local thrift store. Take your time walking around the aisles, and you can find all kinds of items to add that finishing touch to a table or place setting. Some examples include ornate metal candlestick holders, quirky ceramic figurines, unique silver-plated (or real silver, if you're lucky) utensils, decorative plates, and pretty napkin rings, among other discoveries.

No matter the product, thrift stores are packed with an enormous variety of shapes, sizes, and designs. It's best to have a goal in mind instead of running around without a plan. Since thrift stores stock a jumble of old and new items, you can find currently trending décor or, if you're fortunate, valuable antiques. Before grabbing your wallet and heading out the door, consider which items you're most likely to find in-store and how they will integrate into your design. Brush up, too, on vintage brands that are always worth buying at thrift stores. You don't want to miss out on a real bargain or the chance to add some authentic flair to your tablescapes.

Set up a formal table design complete with candlestick holders from the thrift store. These items are a common find when secondhand shopping, and they look fancy, despite their budget price. Don't just buy the first one you see. Be patient and look around for unique candle holders that are a perfect addition to your dining room table: ornate and tall brass holders or something bright and cheery made by a studio potter. Depending on what your thrifted candlestick holders are made of, you may need to restore their shine before using them.

Vintage table linens dot the shelves of thrift stores, waiting for a new home and a new purpose. Search for tablecloths with whimsical patterns and vibrant colors that will really pop on your tablescape. When looking through thrift store fabrics, run through all the possibilities for reuse before dismissing an item something. For example, you could transform an old sheet or even a shower curtain in good condition into a tablecloth or runner. Plus, it's typically going to save you money over buying new, at least where quality is concerned.

Many tablescapes include a unifying decorative element in the middle of the table, whether it's a beautiful vase filled with seasonal flowers or a large candelabra. Your local thrift store can be a good source for one-of-a-kind centerpieces, from ceramic figurines that match your theme or tiered trays to display a selection of candles, faux flowers, or candy. A whimsical woodland centerpiece could include vintage ceramic rabbits or foxes, whereas a classy holiday display could feature a black metal tray covered in gold-edged baubles.

If you have sharp eyes, there's a valuable kitchen essential you might find at the thrift store for way less: solid sterling silver serveware. Even if you don't find this holy grail of thrifting, you can still source the unique utensils you need to make your table complete. Embrace creating an eclectic tablescape by mixing and matching forks, spoons, and knives in different styles and sizes. Or, if you're missing something practical for your table, like cake servers, salad tongs, and ladles, the thrift store is a good place to find them affordably.

A beautiful vase sometimes is nothing without quality florals or greenery to accompany it. If cut flowers are too much maintenance, or someone at your dinner party suffers from a pollen allergy, artificial flowers are best for tablescapes. They're something you can find at thrift stores, too, especially if you're not too fussy about the specific variety or color. Look for high-end artificial flowers made from quality materials like silk over cheap plastic options. Choose unusual, sculptural blooms, like periwinkle blue irises, to make more of a statement.

Emphasize your tablescape theme with quirky salt and pepper shakers. Thrift stores are full of fun designs at affordable prices. You can find cute ceramic figurative sets resembling animals, plants, or even people. Or go for something more elegant, such as ornate vintage glass shakers. A seasonal summer tablescape with lemon-shaped salt and pepper shakers is playful. You're also likely to find kitschy shakers that celebrate various holidays, like Valentine's Day kewpies, Thanksgiving turkeys, or Mr. and Mrs. Claus.

Designing a tablescape on a budget shouldn't mean that you need to compromise on formalities, and that includes having charger plates. Charger plates sit underneath serving plates and add an extra decorative touch. Luxury chargers are expensive if bought new. At the thrift store, you're very likely to pay less for an equally elegant option. Look out for sets of large plates in a color or pattern that either matches or contrasts with your existing serveware. Alternatively, paint cheap white thrifted chargers to match the décor without feeling bad.

Perhaps the most essential elements of a tablescape are the plates, bowls, and serving dishes. Secondhand plates and dishes are a treasure waiting to be uncovered; thrift store shelves are typically filled with a near-endless display of tableware in different colors, sizes, trim, and materials. Look around for mono-hued pieces at thrift stores or find dinnerware with patterns and adornments that match your theme. For example, watermelon-shaped bowls and plates work for a summertime get-together, while plates in different sizes allow you to create a multi-course dining experience.

Buying new glassware is usually expensive. Even if you're not lucky enough to encounter a set of pristine wine glasses or vintage tumblers at the thrift store, you're very likely to find exciting individual pieces for your tablescape. Keep your eyes peeled for pretty glass pitchers for iced lemonade or colorful juice glasses you can mix and match for place settings. Look out for valuable glass items at the thrift store, too. You never know when you will run into a milk glass jug or jadeite teacup and saucer.

Napkin rings are a cheap, common find at thrift stores. Instead of buying these nifty table fixtures new, spend some time scouting for unique secondhand designs that fit your theme. A delicate gold-finished napkin ring will stand out dramatically in an all-white tablescape arrangement. Choose napkin rings shaped into the same species of flower that sits in the vase at the center of your table. Collect these affordable thrift store finds over time so you have a good selection ready whenever you need them.