How To Thrift Your Holiday Dinner Table

Dolly Madison set

One of the best way to keep your holiday table on budget is thrifting part of it. Every time I visit my neighborhood store, my first stop is always by the home décor and kitchen section. Here are my quick tips on creating an affordable and beautiful table this season.

Look For Full Sets

Whenever possible! Sets really save you time because they already have a cohesive look and can give you several serving options. You can also mix 2 or more sets for a more eclectic look if one set is not quite enough for all your guests..

Royal Worcester Astley set

Same Volumes, Same Sizes

If you can’t find sets, then mismatched dishes and plates can also work as long as you keep an eye for similar sizes or volumes in the pieces you pick. No guest wants to be eating from a salad plate while others load their entrée plates. Same rule goes for glasses, if mismatched, all should have the same volumes, for wine or water. Finally, think about your color scheme and how you can incorporate your thrifted items in it.

Dishes according to Courses

Think about all the courses you will have during your dinner party. Will you be having soup or salad, or both? From appetizers to dessert and coffee, plan your needs and make your pick accordingly, possibly enough options so you can enjoy your meal without dish washing interruptions.

Check The Care Instructions

Before jumping on a set of dishes or glasses you might love, keep in mind that some items like porcelain or fragile crystal do better when they are hand washed than through the machine. It could mean more handwashing for you after dinner and it is a chore to consider in advance. For example, sterling silver cutlery requires special care to maintain its shine unlike stainless steel. Consider that the beautiful set with a metallic border you have your eye on can’t go in the microwave which can become inconvenient on the day to day.

So here we are! Let me know if these quick tips to thrift your table were helpful to you. I have found my best dinner sets that way and can only recommend to check in your local thrift stores to see what is available first before buying new. Feel free to share your best finds below for dinner and hosting!