By now, you know I thrift 90% of contents for my home.  I usually share home décor items, but in this post I’m going to focus on the kitchen and items I look for in thrift stores and at estate sales.

Here is a small list of 5 – Must Thrift Items to have in your kitchen

1) Kitchen Towels

A pet peeve that annoys my some of my guests… I don’t buy paper towels.. When my sister and sil comes to visit they’re always reaching for paper towels and the eyes roll when I tell them I don’t have any, grab a towel..  I keep a slew of hand towels in the kitchen for multi-purpose use.  At every estate sale I look for kitchen towels.  Believe it or not.. (especially the homes where elderly women lived) these towels are in great condition and most are hardly used.  I hit a sale and in her linen closet she had half a shelf filled with towels, some barely used, some with tags still on them and of course you could tell her favorites she used.   Of course it’s nice to have a pretty kitchen towel hanging on your oven door, but in keeping it real – it’s going to get used – so why spend lots of money on kitchen towels.  At estate sales, they usually run about $.50 – so scoop some up.  You’ll be surprised how much you save by not buying paper towels all the time.

2) Trivets

Do your countertops a favor… thrift some Trivets… I don’t think they’re old fashioned especially if they’re shining brass.  You’ll find black iron to blend with contemporary kitchens and raffia if your style is vintage for bohemian.

3) Cook Books

I know in the modern internet world it may seem people aren’t buying cookbooks like they used to, and it’s probably  true…  but there are soooo many cookbooks are in the stores and estate sales.  Even though I search the internet for recipes, I love having cookbooks around for references, but also for décor aesthetics.  I love the pop of color they add on the counter and around the kitchen

4)Ring Holdler/Trinket Trays

These are a must have.. especially a ring holder.  I remember the “I Love Lucy” episode when Lucy lost her ring after she took it off in the kitchen and laid it on the window sill.  If there was a ring dish nearby, it wouldn’t have slid down.  Sometimes, by habit we’ll slip our ring off (or watch) and lay it down, and it’s best practice to have a dish nearby for convenience.  A few times I’ve taken my ring off, got busy and forgot where I laid it down.  Now with a ring dish.. it became a habit to put it on the tray.  This simple one is perfect and doesn’t take up much space.  I even use it to hold the blade I use to clean the stove top.  It’s the best dish to have for that.  I also use a trinket tray to hold the kitchen dish sponge, brush and steel pad.

5) Spoon Rests

Let’s face it, we all need these while cooking.  You’ll find all kinds out there – especially the ones you see in souvenir shops.  Years ago I picked up one that was from New Orleans.  At the time I had never been to New Orleans, but I bought it to keep it in my mind to get there.  Eventually I went, and when I saw the price of them there, I was glad I thrifted mine.  Unfortunately, it broke and now I have this brass pineapple and I love it.

So there you have my simple list of must-haves that you can thrift.  To see more of my thrifted kitchen and a quick update – here’s my latest video.

Happy hunting – while you thrift your house into a home!!!

CIAO!!!!