It's beginning to look a lot like … well, you know

I know I beat this drum all year long, but Christmas wares really are much more affordable when you find them off season! In recent weeks, I've found several new Christmas goodies, and my favorite was this pedestal plate, a $1.99 find at Goodwill. I have four tea-and-toast sets in this pattern, and one day, I hope to come across a matching teapot. But the great thing about Christmas tea wares is that they mix and match so well.

At a thrift store in Carrollton, I found this large, pitcher-sized Santa. I used to display my Christmas cards in one, but mostly, I just like to display pieces like this on a table or mantel, especially when they're $2 like this one was.

Finally, I was tickled to find a vintage boot vase for $1.59. There's a ton of this green design out there, and I've got several pieces of it now thanks to friends and family who send alerts (or gifts, in some cases!). I've seen these boots used to display silverware at Christmas, a fun idea for any teas or other gatherings you may have planned. So if you go thrifting this spring, please don't neglect the Christmas aisle!