The Reveal: Thrifty Threads Mystery

I was very excited to see how many of you proffered a guess as to what I bought on my last trip to Thrifty Threads. I think if I were still living in my house in Austin, I probably would have bought it all, but downsizing and lack of space has caused me to be even more selective than I was trying to be in Texas. Let's have a rundown of those fabulous choices again...

The dishes got one 'second guess' from a reader. I did love these, but ultimately I decided they wouldn't mix well with any existing china.

The fish plates got three votes. They were adorable and if they had cups along, I probably would have snatched them and ran.

The pile of blue ceramic fruit got three votes. I am definitely in the market for a pile of ceramic fruit, but even with a blue color scheme in my house, I'm not sure I want to limit myself.

The wooden leaf tray got two votes. A lot of people seemed to really love it. I guess I should have bought it and saved it as a present for a lucky person.

The ice cream plates got one vote. I did really like these and they would certainly brighten up the table during these dark times, but there were only four.

The Pyrex gravy boat got two votes. I was surprised it didn't get more, considering my awful and often-confessed obsession with Pyrex. Plus, look at that handle. Perfection. And it comes with an under plate. But, sadly no.

The daffodil tile got zero votes. Funny, because I was actually holding onto this as I approached the cash register. But, the crack made me say no.

The chair got one vote. Fabulous as the fabric is, Molly was right: there is no room at the Inn and the Manger is pretty darn full as well.

Of course, looking back at the post I spotted my 'tell.' I'm surprised no one else noticed it: pidgin French. When I start writing about something and getting excited, I start throwing out "n'est-ce pas," "mais oui" and "zeut alors" like I am walking down the Avenue des Champs Elysess. I think the other tell is probably when I start addressing you as 'reader,' in that sanctimonious tone I sometimes use. I did like reading all the justifications for your guesses, very fun. But, only one person got it right.

I waffled on these, because of the fuchsia. I thought they didn't go well with my other things, but sometimes reader, it is all about contrast. And they definitely contrast with the Temporama, and give a little 'pop' of color to the china cabinet that makes everything look better.

Scott, I don't think I have a prize fabulous enough for you. But, I will think of something. You probably want the salt and pepper, don't you?

Thrifty Threads Mystery

I found the equivalent of St. David's Next-to-New in Indy, called Thrifty Threads and run by an auxiliary in the area to benefit the Julian Center. They have all kinds of wonderful dishes, furniture and clothes. It's not organized quite as well as St. David's, but I did find all sorts of things to consider buying: and one item that I did buy.

Vote for the item you think I bought and I'll reveal the winning item after the new year--plus send a special prize to those who voted for it.

Item #1
This set from Mikasa was decorated with a lovely pink leaf design and had cups, saucers, berry bowls and soup bowls.

Item #2
This diminutive set of hostess plates would be perfect for some little nibbles--and what is more fun and whimsical than a little fish?

Item #3
Reader, you know my passion for wooden fruit, but do you know how I feel about stacks of ceramic fruit? And the blue would look lovely in my living room, wouldn't it?

Item #4
Almost everything arrived safely from Texas, but my large leaf-shaped tray was broken while I was unpacking and sorting. Could I have replaced it with this?

Item #5
This lacquer-ware salt and pepper set is much more fuchsia than in the photo, but they are still intriguing objets, n'est-ce pas?

Item #6
You know I love specific-use items, and these ice cream dishes have a distinctive 70s flair.

Item #7
Molly was shopping for a gravy boat last week and I think she might have loved this one. I have several that match specific patterns, but none for general use. Plus, you know how hard it is for me to resist Pyrex.

Item #8
What better way to chase away the winter blues than with a daffodil trivet? The graphic sensibility is certainly appealing. Plus, it can hang on the wall, saving valuable counter space.

Item #9
The David Hicks-style fabric on this chair would look great in my bedroom, and I think I could paint the woodwork.

So reader, which item do think made it home?