Home ยป Decorating ยป Want a few fun ideas for summer season decor using vintage finds?

Want a few fun ideas for summer season decor using vintage finds?

galvanized bucket with pink flowers sitting inside a rusty plant holder
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Howdy Friends!  Want a few fun ideas for summer season decor using vintage finds?  Oh good because today I’m joining some dear friends as a guest on their Thrifting With The Gals series.  We each live in different parts of the U.S.  I’m in Texas, Ann is in Vermont, Rachel is in North Carolina, Robyn is in Florida and Kristin lives in Wisconsin.  We adore all things old and interesting but my favorite thing about us… We each have our own kind of character in our decorating styles.  If you’ve hopped over from Dabbling and Decorating, welcome!  Did you enjoy her treasures as much as I did?!

Want a few fun ideas for summer season decor using vintage finds?

vintage vage with books and corbelsOld Wire Cage

All of the pieces I’m sharing were found at antique or thrift stores.  I’m not lucky enough to ever find anything on the side of the road but if you are… Woo hoo!  I’m cheering you on from afar.

Last weekend we were in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.  We found a vintage mall and as soon as I walked in the door I saw this cutie.  The store displayed it with books and corbels but here are 3 more ideas to put inside.  And if you can’t find a cage similar to this one, any birdcage will work too.

  1. Put it on your dining table and load it up with potted plants or flowers.  You can leave the lid open if needed.
  2. Cut a board to fit the bottom and display your favorite collectibles like candlesticks, vintage dishes or linens.
  3. Fill it with clear or blue bottles and add small flags for a patriotic look.

wood box with white hydrangeas and iron planter Vintage Wooden Box

This wooden box is a favorite of mine.  Right now it has faux flowers inside and it’s sitting on one of my favorite vintage chairs looking pretty but here are more ideas.

  1. Hang the box on the wall to hold paper plates, napkins or jars with utensils inside.  Gotta love organization!
  2. Use it like a small bookshelf or to highlight a small collection.  
  3. Attach a strap or rope and hang it on the front door to greet guests.  I think I’m doing this soon.

A Mom's Day Tea Party without the tea and a spring party hop by CountyRoad407.com #bloghop #teaparty #MothersDay #MomsDay #SpringPartyVintage Teacups

Y’all know I love vintage cups and saucers but not a fan of hot tea.  At my age I’m always hot and have no plans on making my innards match my outer sweaty head.  So how about using them for more than just tea?!  

  1. Use the cups to serve food like chicken salad and crackers or fruit.
  2. Make a fantabulous gift by pouring wax inside and making a candle.
  3. Use them as scoops inside flour and sugar canisters.  I change mine out seasonally. ๐Ÿ˜‰ 

jello mold candle holder with book pages and plantOld Jello Molds

I come across jello molds all the time while thrifting and this week was no different.  I always say it’s not a good thrift store if you don’t find a velvet Elvis print or a Jesus picture while scouring the place and molds might get added to the list.  With these molds, I mounted one to a scrap piece of wood and added a candle.  Here are 3 more ideas.

  1. Serve your favorite scoop of ice cream or gelato inside.
  2. Secure several to a wire form for an adorable wreath.
  3. Drill holes in the bottoms and poke string lights through using hot glue to secure them.

galvanized buckets with pink flowersVintage Galvanized Buckets

Last but not least, I always find this vintage-loving-decor-staple.  I’m sure they aren’t always used as decor but in my world our buckets are plastic and we save these babies for pretty stuff.  Like using them to hold beautiful pink flowers in a container garden Pinterest Challenge.   Or you can…

  1. Use a bucket to corral dog (or kid) toys.
  2. Fill it with ice and drinks for your next party.
  3. Drill a hole in the bottom of a small sized bucket, turn it upside down and make a hanging light fixture.

stack of wicker baskets with bucket and white sofas

Next up is Robyn from Robyn’s French Nest.  I know you’ll love seeing how she decorates with thrifted baskets!

watering cans in thrift storeDon’t forget to check out where Kristin at White Arrows Home has been thrifting and what she found.  Just look at those amazing watering cans!

2 cutting boards haning with wooden spoons in white basketRachel from The Ponds Farmhouse is sharing 17 reasons for shopping second hand shops!  This is a must see also!  I would love to have those cutting boards!

large dog with floral bouquetAnn from Dabbling and Decorating has one of the cutest dogs I’ve ever seen.  Hop over to check out her vibe aesthetics to treasure.  You won’t be disappointed!

Thank you for stopping by and I hope you found several exciting ideas Thrifting with the Gals!  If you’re new here, please click on the ABOUT ME page so you can get to know me a little or follow me on Instagram or Pinterest!

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18 Comments

  1. May 19, 2022 / 6:26 am

    Cindy,
    What a great post. I love how you use all your vintage finds. Thanks so much for joining us today.

    • May 19, 2022 / 3:44 pm

      Thank you so much Rachel. I love using them over and over. And thanks again for allowing me to join in.

  2. May 19, 2022 / 7:10 am

    You have such fun thrifted finds! So glad you could join Thrifting with the Gals this month!!!

    • May 19, 2022 / 3:45 pm

      I loved joining you “gals”! Thank you Robyn.

  3. May 19, 2022 / 7:27 am

    Cindy I love all your finds. I never thought of jello molds before and that wire cage is amazing๐Ÿ™Œ๐Ÿป

    • May 19, 2022 / 3:46 pm

      I am amazed at how many ways you can use old jello molds. Really fun to have. Thanks for letting me join in this month. Have a great weekend Ann!

  4. May 19, 2022 / 9:20 am

    Cindy, I have every one of your vintage finds, so thank you for the great ideas.

    • May 19, 2022 / 3:46 pm

      Woo hoo Carol! Sounds like we both have some great treasures. Hope you found a new idea?!

  5. Pamela
    May 19, 2022 / 9:22 am

    I wonder what that cage was used for?

    • May 19, 2022 / 3:47 pm

      I asked the guy at the front check out but he didn’t know. Wish I knew as well.

  6. May 19, 2022 / 9:25 am

    I love all of your vintage goodies, Cindy. I’ve been searching for an old washtub for years but gave up looking. Your post reminded me that I need to add that back to my “wish list” Happy almost fri-yay, friend!

    • May 19, 2022 / 3:48 pm

      Yes, put that back on your list! I love mine and use them all over the place. Hope you have a great weekend as well. Thanks Jen!

  7. May 19, 2022 / 10:09 am

    LOVE THESE, Cindy!! What clever ways to use things that I find all the time! I love your ideas for an old cage. So cool!! Thank you for making me laugh every time I read one of your posts. Hope you have a lovely day!!

    • May 19, 2022 / 3:49 pm

      You are so welcome Rachel and I’m always excited to see a comment from you. Thanks for the visit! Happy Spring!

  8. Marlene
    May 19, 2022 / 1:40 pm

    You found some great items, love these and the way you displayed them. There’s only one place I like to go in OKC, and that’s The Rink. Have a blessed weekend.

    • May 19, 2022 / 3:50 pm

      I’ve never been to The Rink! I’ll have to check that out. Thanks for the sweet comment and the great recommendation Marlene. ๐Ÿ™‚

  9. July 13, 2022 / 2:15 pm

    I love all of the ideas you have shared here, Cindy! Catching up a little today. ๐Ÿ’•

    Summer hugs,
    Barb โ˜บ๏ธ

    • July 13, 2022 / 11:47 pm

      Thank you Barbara for the sweet comment and the visit! Stay cool!

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