Well, blow me down.
I got a little pre-Christmas thrifting and antique mall shopping in last week and thought I'd better show you the goods before Santa gets here and decides he wants to haul some of this stuff up to the North Pole with him.
I have started collecting thermoses and thought they were perfect for a little vignette on the kitchen counter. Let's face it, anything that has red in it is good for Christmas decor.
The gray bodied one with red lid/cup to the right of Santa (our right, not Santa's right) and the red, gray and dark brown shorter one to the left of Santa (again our left, not Santa's left) are the newest ones. He has no hands, so pretty sure he would be confused by left hand and right hand anyhow.
The cardboard Santa box to the far right (let's not get into whose right) is actually a small promotional item for a Christmas club at a bank in Terre Haute, Indiana. It has a slot in the top where you can insert your spare change. What ever happened to Christmas clubs?
And I know you are all going to be as excited as me about this next find. I found some new-to-me blow molds this year.
Yes indeedy!
This is where half the people reading have just exited from my page. Let's talk about them now that they're gone.
Can you believe not everyone likes blow molds? I know!!!
When I first saw these vintage outdoor Christmas candles sitting on the porch of a little out-of-the-way antique mall, I about peed my pants.
And then when I flipped the price tag over, I really did pee my pants. $8.25 for the set.
Do you hear the orchestra music and see the rays from heaven shining down on this booth of kitschy Christmas goodness? Oh, I did.
And this is how my porch ended up this year (you can see more of it in it's own post - Adding Retro To Your Christmas Porch Decor). Still using the candles, but more greenery going on!
My #1 Tip For Thrifting For Vintage Christmas Decor
Another of my favorite thrifted blowmolds is this Santa.
He must have toppled over a few times on someone else's front porch because they attached his feet to a piece of wood to keep him steady.
I think my favorite thrift store find for Christmas was this vintage ceramic Christmas tree I found for a few bucks a couple years ago.
I couldn't get out of the store fast enough with this thing, thinking they may change their mind about the price and come running after me 🙂
A couple years later I found this much smaller ceramic Christmas tree with a holly base, which I did a Christmas giveaway for my readers with in 2018.
And just this year I found a white ceramic Christmas tree with red birds!!!
OK, I have to admit then when I found it I didn't even realize it didn't have a base to it. I'll just stick a battery operated candle in it until I run across a decently priced white base somewhere.
Speaking of vintage Santas (we were weren't we), I found this Rushton Coca-Cola Santa in 2017. And he goes perfectly with some of his other Santa cousins on my dining room buffet.
The Rushton Coca-Cola ones (on the left in this photo) originally held a mini bottle of Coke, but I have NEVER seen one in the wild with the Coke bottle still attached.
You can see the rest of my 2018 Christmas Home Tour: Thrift Store Decor Style HERE.
Both the scale and the vintage plastic Santa with sleigh in this post about A Nostalgic Christmas Breakfast Room were thrift store finds. I think Santa may be a 70's Christmas decoration?
Practically everything in my Vintage, Rustic, Industrial Holiday House Tour is thrifted including quite a few thermoses and this cool old syrup tin.
This vintage Santa and his flocked deer friends are also thrift store finds from my Vintage Farmhouse Christmas Decor where I show you how I mix a bit of farmhouse with a bit of vintage.
Speaking of deer, I've found quite a few of these hard plastic Christmas deer at the thrifts over the years, so I just casually place them around my house to add a bit of fun to my Christmas decor.
I have a whole post dedicated to the little guys, called Oh Deer.
My skis on my Holiday Front Porch For The Picnicking Ski Bums started off life as a nasty old pair of chipped skis I found at the thrift store and transformed them into one of my favorite pieces of holiday decor with a little bit of paint.
I run across nasty, banged up, chipped skis ALL THE TIME at the thrift stores and they are normally under $5 a set.
And of course, Santa Mugs are one of my favorite vintage Christmas decor that can be found every so often at thrift stores. I just love the thought that some kid in the 40's used to get all excited to drink out of this mug every single year.
Have you found any fun Christmas stuff at the thrift stores?
Any pants peeing incidents? Related to thrifting, of course.
Vickie @ Ranger 911
Loving your latest finds, Pam! I only have one vintage thermos, but I'm on the lookout for more. It's a good thing we don't live in the same state. And I adore candle blow molds! My oldest daughter and I found a set when we were thrifting, but they're lighting her front entrance. She also found a Santa, which their 2 year old is terrified of. Go figure!
As for pants peeing moments, they have been limited to The Cough that I can't seem to shake.
Merry Christmas!
ThrifterSisters
I have been looking for blow mold candles all season. But finding a decently priced pair has not happened. I mean, $25+ for some old plastic? Don't get me wrong, I love old plastic but I would like to spend a little less. And now I have to find the ones with the Santa's! Thanks for the mission, Pam!
Happy Holidays~
Erica
Diane
Love the cardboard Santa bank. Yeah-- Christmas Clubs... there's a term you never hear anymore!
suzieQ
At one time, I wasn't a fan of blow molds, but they are growing on me. Perhaps not enough to have one, but I don't cringe when I see them. Isn't it funny how our tastes change? You create lovely displays, so even a blow mold looks good. (Was that a left handed compliment?)
[email protected]
WOW! What a great price on the candles and I'm so happy you finally found some! They look awesome on your porch! Not that into blow molds but I do have one of my Grannie's plastic Santas that I put out. I think you need to invest in some Depends before you head out for some after Christmas thrift shopping. One of our largest thrift stores is having everything 50% off starting Dec.26...I may need some Depends too!! Merry Christmas, Vicki
Linda @ Itsy Bits And Pieces
OH you did have some great finds, Pam! I'm looking forward to getting out thrifting again in the new year! Merry Christmas!
Hunting Tigress
I stayed with you - I love blow molds! What a great price, too! And I have thermos collection so this post made me pee my pants. Merry Christmas! P.S. - love your porch and the big red yarn balls on the ice skates!
Michelle Myrow
Hi, Pam! I'm a new reader and just wanted to say I looooove your blog. I haven't been inspired much lately, but looking at your awesome finds and decor, I feel like poking around in vintage shops for cool stuff and redecorating, yay! Can't wait to show my mom your blog, she's gonna love it too. 🙂
Junkchiccottage
Ha Ha Pam love your thrifty candle find. Wooo Hooo! Love your collection of thermos. They are awesome. Have a wonderful Christmas and I look forward to seeing more of your blog in the coming year.
Kris
The Quintessential Magpie
Don't you love to find a deal? Merry Christmas, indeed! 🙂
Love your decorating. I have enjoyed keeping up with your blog.
Hope you have a wonderful. Christmas and a sparkling 2914 to match!
xo
Sheila
Van
I love your vintage items juxtaposed with modern ones. Beautiful 🙂
TARYTERRE
Love your blow molds. Perfect for your front porch. Festive, indeed.
Yolanda
I am so glad to have found your blog.I love vintage and thrifting . I hope you have a wonderful christmas!
Melinda
No on both accounts, thankfully!
Glad for you though-such cool candles.
M : )
lifespassion
You are waaay too funny and cute to boot (except for the coffee thing....I do like my coffee) and I so enjoy reading your posts. Love all your stuff ! Merry Christmas and here's hoping for only good things in 2014 🙂
[email protected] Salvaged Treasures
Love your thermoses, I'm thinking they need to be there all year long! Your candlestick blow molds were an incredible deal and made me think of one I had years ago....why did I sell it? Merry Christmas to you and your family Pam.
Debby
I like those other candles too, the chunky ones. Maybe it's time you invest in some Depends, he he.
Have a Merry Christmas. I hope Max gets everything on his list.
scott7258
So wonderful. I have never seen those particular candle blow molds before. They look perfect as does your thermos corner! Merry Christmas to one of my favorite bloggers, Mary
Denise @ secondtimearoundfinds
You have some great finds.
I really like the thermos's.
Merry Christmas and all the best in the new year.
Denise
Musings from Kim K.
I have candle blow molds but they aren't nearly as dandy as your pair! Those Santas make them over-the-top fantastic! Great price too! Wishing you a wonderful Christmas, Pam. Can't wait to see what's in store for 2014!
Olive
I love your love of blow molds. Every time I see any I think of you up there in the snow with the blow molds on the porch and in the snow. The gaggle of thermoses is very fetching with the Santa's. I have not been thrifting lately and really need to get some done. I did get a box full of antlers a couple of weeks ago. That's it though, no peeing. xo, olive
Sarah
Not a fan of blow molds, but happy for you that you found these. 😉
I am a fan of plaid thermoses and have a few of my own. Always bring them home when I find one.
Happy Holidays!
Dawn WeCallItJunkin
Whoa! That's an unbelievable deal! I wouldn't have hesitated. I also see some fabulous vintage milk glass bowls I'd have loved to get, too! Hope your Christmas was great, Pam, and Happy New Year to you! -Dawn
Ann Krucek
Love your sense of humor - just joined as a follower. I don't know how I had not found your blog before this - but I will be back!!
Gayle
Pam, have you ever considered writing for comedy? You are a stitch!
Happy for you on the finds.
Alice Wingerden
Came by way of Common Ground...love your little thermos vignette! So adorable and unique!
Vintage Home
oh how delightful! Love the vignette!
ScrappyMama
Hmmmmm...where IS this "little-out-of-the-way antique mall" ??? I live in Marysville (I think I've mentioned that before) & am wanting to take advantage of this beautiful weather we're having...while we have it!
Pam Kessler
That one is in Rockbridge down near Hocking Hills.
Anonymous
One of my college jobs was working in a ceramic shop making those VINTAGE, watch it, trees. The garden club ladies came in and cleaned the mold marks off, etc and I "fixed" their mistakes! The mold for these was hard to pour as it weighed about 30 pounds full of slip. They never knew how much of their work was my work!.
gadawn57
Yep... this is THE post that hooked me on looking for thermos for display and in particular, to reproduce this exact look on MY kitchen counter this Dec 2014. Yep... I am your #1 copy-cat!
Katie Mansfield
Well, this is a hilarious post for a Friday morning. No peeing my pants over blow molds but I do have a fondness for them. I love, love vintage thermoses and you have some good ones. I'm not sure that I've ever found my way here but I'm certainly glad I did. What a cute blog.
Mj
At GOODWILLthis week, I found an old sled for$18.00 and a pair of white figure skates for $3.00 PLUS,a 30%'of discount on both because I purchased them on Wednesday and I am 55+!!!! Real good finds especially since I live along the Texas Gulf Coast where it doesn't snow!!!! I can't wait to decorate with them!!! Wahoo!!!!
Pam
Fantastic finds! Around here they have half price days once a month and I always make sure I'm there first thing in the morning 🙂
KayCee
I loved your blog about the vintage Christmas haul! I love blow molds! I WOULD pee myself if I saw those things for such a crazy price! Thanks for sharing! I have a blow mold Frosty that we put out every year. I paid 20 bucks!
Pam
I actually passed on one this year, because it was just too ugly (never thought I'd say that about a blowmold), and then people on instagram told me that it was rare and worth at least $150 on ebay. It still didn't make it any cuter though 🙂
Barbm1712
I've never been a fan of the red plastic candles but my mom made a ceramic Christmas Tree much like this years ago and it still lights her home during the holidays to this very day. She's getting older so putting up a big tree in her living room really isn't her thing, so this tree and a few other holiday items she's collected for years pretty much decorate her home during the holidays. No one will ever find that ceramic tree in a resale shop, I'll take it over someday for a touch of mom/Christmas in my home.
Pam
That sounds perfect for your mom! Every year I end up putting the ceramic tree in different places. This year it's on top of my fridge. It makes the kitchen look so festive at night with the traditional colors glowing 🙂 You just don't get that with the white led lights nowadays.
Evelyn Gilliland
I have my mothers ceramic tree. Might be the only tree I use this year during our house building/apartment living transition year. Thanks for reminding me I have it....stored in one of our storage units....ugh.
Pam
It's become on of my favorite things to pull out every Christmas season. And I think it would be perfect as your tree this year!
Emily
I adore the ceramic tree! It reminds me of my childhood. I've been on the lookout for one for years, but they've all been pretty broken or really pricy. Might have to bite the bullet and just give in on the price. Love your decorations! Merry Christmas!
Yvette moseley
I would love a pair of skies. If you ever come across a set can you let me know the name of a store and phone number. I have a old sled and would love some skies. Can’t find any in Louisiana
Jodie Robinson
Great finds! I like the Buckeyes hat :). I do have a peed-my-pants kind of thrifting moment to share. I found a framed print that I bought for the frame. I took it jome, took the picture out of the frame, and there was an 1890s calendar back behind the picture!!
Here's to many more thrifting adventures, from one Central Ohioan to another 🙂
Ruth Fitzwater
Your decorations are wonderful and I just learned about blow molds. Never heard that term before. I have a jolly looking Santa that I’ve had for a few years and I found the cutest little reindeer blow mold on the fantastic 127 Yard Sale a year ago. I have never seen a cute reindeer so paid the $25 which was more than I wanted to pay. I have a plaid thermos bag (cloth) with the thermos, food containers, etc. inside. I have a vertical swag of greenery and a red bow on it and it graces the fireplace hearth each year. Love the combination of vintage, modern and kitsch. Will be checking you out and enjoying your blog.
Karen Garnett
My son and I stopped at a Goodwill in New Mexico on our way to take him back to school in California. I found a fantastic 3' tall lighted blow mold Santa!! He was insanely cheap and I wanted to buy him so bad! Unfortunately, the car was crammed full of darling son's worldly possessions so there was no room for Santa...not to mention that I would have to ship him home from CA! (We drove his car out so that he could have it and I flew home!) Sigh! Love all your vintage Christmas goodies!
Brenda Latham
Ok. Its been a few years for this post followed a link from Pinterest. I would have brought all of the blowmolds home!
Gail Martin
I saw your blow molds. I used to have the candy canes that I got at Walmart when my oldest was still little enough to sit in the cart. He is now 31. AND I have coveted your middle Santa. I have one a bit bigger that him that I got for Christmas when I was a year old. I am now 61. Time flies !!!! I still put him out at Christmas. Your sight just brings back so many memories of years gone by. I tell my sons that they missed out on the best years. My aunt was very crafty. She would make her decorations. Her daughter has taken after her. She will take a drawing out of a magazine and enlarge it ( just for the outline of the picture) and tape it together and then paint it on Plywood. Everything she has done looks fantastic. Thank you for all of your ideas.
Pam Kessler
You are so welcome! Glad you are enjoying my site!
I want to make a huge wooden Santa for my porch next year. I think they used to sell patterns in the wood working magazines way back when, because I've seen them at yard sales and they're always exactly the same. Maybe I'll try your cousins method.