FOCAL POINT STYLING: 5 TIPS FOR SHOPPING HOLIDAY THRIFT

Not all holiday decor needs to break the bank - Shopping thrift can save money and recycle these donated items - saving them from ending up in a landfill. Each year, before, during and after Christmas people are cleaning out attics, garages, and closets - getting rid of tired, old decor or evening purging new items because they are wanting a new look - that's when you can scoop up the savings. When thrifting for holiday, also look for everyday items such as glass containers - great for candles, pinecones or ornament displays. Look beyond expected or traditional decorations: Even winter items such as fur, and my personal fave scarves, can be used to dress a form or a wreath. Here are a five other tips to keep in mind when thrifting for holiday finds:

1. Know before you go
Have a vision of what it you're looking for. Is what you've spotted going to work with your existing items, or can it be the foundation to start your own new look? Staying focused will help you save money - and clutter.

2. Shop Year Round
Thrifting for holiday need not only be at holiday time - Keep your eye out for those key pieces you'll want come next November & December. Several thrift shops will clear-out their warehouse with a book sale. Books are a great way to add color, texture and height to shelves as well as vignettes and tables. Join email lists for your neighborhood thrift + shop their special sale days for extra savings - even if thrift shops such as Goodwill has raised their prices, you're still saving vs shopping a big box retailer.

3. Splurge and Save
Mix thrift finds with specialty stores end of season clearance to be ready for next year. Maybe you pinned several cookie recipes, and next year you want to host a cookie exchange - Thrift stores have several stacks of dessert plates, perfect for entertaining, also fun to mix & collect, while specialty retailers will have plenty of ribbons and decorative boxes to pack your cookies in. Some finds that are great to thrift for are:

Tabletop & Barware - You need not buy an entire set: Look for metallic rimmed plates for your next holiday gathering or tablescape - especially plates with gold rims. Metal stemware can also be used off the table and on a mantel filled with mini trees.

Silver & Milk-glass -Start a collection of milk-glass or silver pieces - polish silver with toothpaste - and fill with fresh cut greens. Some of the most beautifully displayed Holiday decor are Christmas decoration at all. Creating a collection to display at holiday will help personalize you holiday style! The plus to collecting non-Christmas decor: you can display your collection any time of year.

Garlands, wreaths & trees - easy to make these into your own creations for indoor or outdoor decor. If they're faded: Paint them anything from a refreshed green to metallic or white & flock. After Christmas is a great time to pick up new decorations for these thrift finds to make something spectacular next year!

Textiles & Pillows - from plaid & knit throws to tablecloths, napkins, and window panels - Most all are easy to wash and make like new. Look for classic prints such as buffalo checks, plaids and ticking stripes.

Ralph Lauren - Kids Christmas - 2013

4. Give Purpose to your Pins
Of course, Pinterest is the 'go-to' place to collect looks you're swooning over this year, and you'll want to do next year. Keeping that look in mind can save you from over buying while thrifting. Your board may have hundreds of pins on it, but try to pick that one image that speaks to you to use as your target inspiration.

Donations loaded up!

5. Donate
If you recognize your style has changed, you may want to consider creating a few of your own donations as well - Some thrift shops will give stamp cards or $$ off coupons for your next purchase. If you have a significant amount of trim in good condition, consider bringing to a consignment shop, or donating to your local church.

Besides thrifting for Christmas, keep an eye out for items you can use to create your own Rockin' New Years Eve too...

St. Vincent de Paul Thrift here in AZ has some great deals to be found - This giant wall clock was only $35 - perfect for a holiday focal point over a mantel!

Faith Farm Thrift in Florida has some of the best chair finds - these gold cane chairs with black velvet seats were only $5 each (and they sold!)

Salvation Army has some fab furs - And has 50% off during their Wacky Wednesday Sale....

Consignment stores have even better finds - I spotted this set, serving for 12 and includes an eight piece serving set - clean modern design (MCM) in a case for only $79 at TurnStyle Consignment, Mesa AZ.