Holiday Planning & Ideas Christmas Christmas Party Ideas 14 Surprising Thrift Store Finds Perfect for All Your Holiday Parties A quick thrifting trip can yield hidden gems perfect for entertaining. By Katie Cloyd Published on December 9, 2024 Close Photo: Thomas Loof Holiday parties are all about making memories, so curating a beautiful event shouldn't have to cost a fortune. Thrift stores are perfect for finding cool, affordable pieces to make your celebrations stand out. Whether you’re going for a cozy family vibe or planning something a little fancier, you can discover unique serving ware, décor, and party essentials without paying retail prices. Thrift shopping for holiday parties isn’t just about saving money; it’s a way to add charm, personal style, and one-of-a-kind details to your celebration. There’s something special about giving a second life to pieces that have already been part of someone else’s holiday stories. Ahead, find expert tips to help you locate thrift store items that will take your hosting game to the next level. Lily Wright, owner of Nashville, TN-based concierge thrift service, Lily of the Valley 14 Gifts You Should Always Buy at the Thrift Store, According to Experts 01 of 14 Silverware and Flatware Whether you find real silver or just pretty stainless steel, the thrift store is a great place to add extra forks, spoons, and knives to your flatware collection. Even if you stash it away for most of the year and bring it out just for parties, it will always be better than disposable flatware. 02 of 14 Glass and Mirror Serving Trays, Plates, and Platters Abby Jiu Photography Vintage glass trays are readily available at almost every thrift store, and they’re a beautiful way to present even the simplest of foods. Everything looks extra nice when presented on a pretty glass or crystal tray. Lily Wright, owner of concierge thrift service Lily of the Valley, often sees brands like Lenox available for just a few dollars. 03 of 14 Tablecloths "Look at the fabric sections or the drapery," suggests Wright. “I’ve found some of my favorite vintage tablecloths at thrift stores that are perfect for the holidays.” 04 of 14 Punch Bowls Jonny Valiant Even if the ladle and cups are missing, a beautiful punch bowl is a cute addition to a holiday table. See if you can find cute glasses or even teacups to replace the original cups. 05 of 14 Candleholders Billye Donya A row of mismatched candleholders down the center adds ambiance and soft light to your holiday table. Look for a mix of glass and metal in varying heights and sizes to add an eclectic charm. 06 of 14 Holiday-Themed Dishes Silvia ND / Getty Images This is a great item to source after the holidays for next year’s parties. “Always go the first week or two of January! A lot of people are donating the décor they don’t use anymore once the holiday is over,” Wright shares. 07 of 14 Vases Johnny Miller “Glass or crystal jars and vases are a must for a beautiful party," according to Wright. "Fill them with faux flowers—clay or silk are the best imitations)—and use them year after year. I keep two holiday arrangements in my attic, and they were so worth it." Wright shares. 08 of 14 Egg Trays Bill Boch / Getty Images Egg trays are surprisingly versatile! Even if deviled eggs aren’t on the menu, you can use these for charcuterie, nuts, condiments, mini desserts, herbs and tasting salts, or mini appetizers. The little cups make perfect spaces for tiny treats and treasures. 09 of 14 Ornaments and Figurines Kate Mathis Small seasonal decorations like ceramic Santas, snowmen, or reindeer make perfect table accents or mantle décor. “I’ve also bought really nice, originally expensive ornaments at thrift stores,” says Wright. “My favorite Christmas thrift find was several De Carlini ornaments still in their original packaging. Their retail prices are quite high, so I was thrilled to find them several years ago at Goodwill.” 13 Valuable Christmas Collectibles to Look for in Thrift Stores 10 of 14 Cake Stands and Tiered Trays Martha Stewart Creating height on your table adds visual interest and maximizes the space. Look for stands and multi-layer pieces that allow you to display food and décor on different levels. You'll reach for these pieces for party after party. 11 of 14 Unique Glassware Courtesy of Claire Thomas Mismatched glasses for wine or cocktails add whimsy and personality to your holiday table setting, either for drinks or other uses. “Tie some pretty ribbon around them and put a candle inside,” suggests Wright. 12 of 14 Jars Emily Wren Photography While you may already be on the lookout for canning jars during your thrift store trips, keep in mind that they come in handy during the holidays, too—for everything from cookies to candles. “You can put dried flowers, holly, mistletoe, pinecones, or ornaments inside," says Wright. "I also like buying mini jars to use as bud vases. They look great on a dinner table." 13 of 14 Crystal Bowls undefined undefined / Getty Images “I always find amazing crystal when thrift shopping, and it’s priced way below what it’s worth,” Wright shares. Beautiful bowls aren’t just for serving food, by the way. “I love buying crystal or glass bowls at thrift stores and filling them with bulbs or ornaments for a fun holiday centerpiece,” she explains. 14 of 14 Luxury Brands Courtesy of Bloomingdale's “I commonly see Vietri, Wedgewood, Lenox, Villeroy and Boch, De Carlini, Christopher Radko and Noritake at Goodwill and local thrift stores," Wright shares, so be on the lookout for high-ticket items. "A lot of people donate these because they don’t realize their worth,” says Wright. Who knows—you might just find your family's newest heirloom. 10 Brands to Look for at the Thrift Store, According to Interior Designers Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit