Thrift Store Secrets that Make Hosting at Home Easier

These thrift store secrets make hosting at home easier and help support my entertaining habit. I love hunting for treasures at thrift and second-hand stores (almost as much as I love throwing a party). There’s something so fun about scouring aisles in search of a great find. One peek inside my cupboards will tell you just how much I love it.

I like shopping online too. Who doesn’t love staying in pjs to scour the internet and buy at the click of button? And if you’re interested, here’s my online shopping bar accessories essential list. In the meantime, here are the advantages to thrifting (see below)

Why go thrifting for entertaining and hosting items?

Cost – by thrifting some basic items, my party budget goes further. This means I can splurge in other areas, like food and wine.
Selection – looking in both places (second hand and new) doubles my chances of finding something I love.
Unexpected factor – think vintage or one-of-a-kind pieces
Quality – some items (in particular table linens), you can get exceptional quality at a fraction of the price.

Interested in thrifting for your next party? Here’s what to look for.

For your bar

Glass Pitchers and Wine Decanters – a must-have for entertaining as I use glass carafes and pitchers all the time. Their simple design goes with any kind of décor or theme. They’re perfect for keeping water within easy reach for guests and they make great juice pitchers for my mimosa bar.

Glassware – I love serving and mixing up cocktails so this is usually the first place I start. Pretty glassware is not only for the obvious use, it can also double as a pretty vase or candleholder.

glass bar cart with mimosa bar ready with glasses and juice carafes a thrift store secret to look for glassware — Here’s the link to my bar cart

For decorating

Vases – most thrift stores have a great selection of vases for only a few dollars. Look for classic shapes (cylindrical, square) in various sizes, and it doesn’t hurt to keep an eye out for other unique shapes (eg. gourd, pitchers). When looking at unique shapes, don’t worry about the colour so much. A quick coat of spray paint and you have yourself a real cool looking vase… for not a lot of money! If you need help spray painting – here’s my tips for spray painting like a pro.

thrift store finds of white milk vases filled with pink and white flowers

Candleholders – This section is another well stocked section at second hand stores, which means you’ll have lots of choice. I tend to look for basic shapes in classic materials (like glass votives, silver or brass taper holders)

For your table

Cutlery – having a big party and need more silverware? The thrift store usually has some options for you to choose from. They may be tarnished, but once their home, a quick clean you’ll have a quality cutlery set for a very small price. I bought a set of 4 silver (forks, knives, spoon) for $2, shined them up and now I have a fabulous looking set for whenever I need them.

Table linens and cloth napkins– this is an area where you can really find a bargain. I’m talking excellent quality linen tablecloths for less than $10! And (most times) quality cloth napkins that have never been used. I look for neutral colours so I can use them any time. But if I find some fun ones you bet they’re coming home with me (like the ones in my video!)

Serving Trays/ Platters – Need a turkey plate? A small tray? A silver tea platter? Again, there’s usually a good selection for you to choose from.

table set for brunch with green tablecloth and thrift store finds like plates, cutlery, glasses and trays — Most items in the photo were thrifted: plates, silverware, glasses, napkin rings, silver tray, white vases

Hope you enjoyed these thrift store secrets for hosting at home – happy hunting!

Joyful Hostess Tip: Buy a pretty tray at a thrift store. Next time you’re invited somewhere you bring food, tell the hostess they can keep the tray you bring your goodies on!