Now that the holidays are behind us and the entertaining season is near a close (if you believe there is such a thing) there's a few things you can pick up in the world of retail to give yourself a hand up next year. Make sure to be on the lookout for sales on these 5 items!
1. Tableware: Although most don't have the budget to pick up service for 20, if you pick things up bit by bit, year after year, it will be a little easier. Most tableware (glasses, silverware, dishes) will be going on sale in the next few months as new designs start to hit the shelves. Act quick and you can score some real finds! If you don't plan on entertaining until next year, keep them in the same boxes their shipped in to keep them safe and sound. If you're into disposables, watch for those too and pack them up with your holiday decor for later!
2. Platters & Servingware: When you head to your parents or grandparents home there seems to be this magical supply of platters and serving trays that just keeps coming from the cabinets. For most of us, we acquire them when you get married or pick up one or two here and there, but post-holiday sales can score you some serious discounts and you might find yourself dragging home two or three in one trip!
3. Linens: Although you'll find linens on sale throughout different times during the year, more often than not they'll be at the largest discount right now. Look for neutrals and metallics that will allow you to use them year round and keep things pretty without screaming SANTA at everyone who attends your dinner party in April. Don't forget about napkins, we promise you can never have too many.
4. Guest Bedroom Accents: Even though it's probably a little early to pick up spare mints for your guest's pillows, it is a good time to be on the look out for extra bed linens, small trays that could hold personal items and even their own cozy slippers or bathrobe!
5. Centerpiece Items: If you head to your local craft store you are sure to find large clearance pieces of glassware, bowls and vases. While you're there check for sparkly sprigs or sticks that could be used in combination with fresh flowers or plants.
What are you always in need of but hate to buy at the last minute? Let us know in the comments below!
Image: Flickr member JoeInSouthernCA licensed for use by Creative Commons
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Comments (9)
What a great list! I'm heading to Ikea's annual sale this weekend, I'll be sure to keep an eye out for items on the list above!
-ChicDoneCheap
chicdonecheap.blogspot.com
I'm always in need of drinks for guests. We don't drink much soda. Mostly water, green tea and sweet iced tea (with stevia, not sugar) so I never seem to have enough drinks that majority of the public enjoys.
ironically, i just picked up a great platter in white at target on clearance for just $10 this past weekend! the thing is massive, i'm talking like 24 inches at least, but i know i'll need it soon (think super bowl) and who can pass up that great of a deal?!?
"When you head to your parents or grandparents home"
parents' or grandparents' home
"For most of us, we acquire them when you get married"
Most of us acquire them when we get married...
"keep them in the same boxes their shipped in"
they're shipped in
Maxwell should hire me so I can afford platters, metallics and slippers for my phantom guests.
It's a little sad to see this site pimping them, considering its socially-aware tendencies -- even if it's just in a photo.
Remember that Target is donating YOUR money to decidedly socially unconscious politicians the next time you are buying anything there.
Target is also donating your money to schools. And if I recall correctly, the political donations headshake is referencing were at least somewhat tangential. Pretty sure you could make similar accusations about a lot of companies.
@ headshake - I hardly think they're pimping - you have to be someone who already shops there semi-regularly to recognize the store from a pretty generic looking price tag, it's nowhere named in the article. Secondly - that was apparently a pretty isolated incident (find me ANY sizeable organization that doesn't harbor some whackjobs in their ranks). For the most part, they are a fairly decent corporate citizen, especially as compared to most of their peers.
Crate and Barrel has some great post-holiday sales right now too, lots of items 1/2 off. Cute baking dishes.
Sales are perfect for buying bedlinen as well as table linen. I always buy one new doona cover and bedsheet set in the post-Christmas sales, so an old one can be retired. A good way of keeping bedlinen fresh.