8 things I can always score at HomeGoods + TJMaxx

Stops into HomeGoods and TJMaxx used to always be hit or miss for me.  While there are always some trendy gems to be found, it was usually my luck that if I went in looking for something in particular, I would come out empty-handed.  Over the last few years, though, I’ve found that there are actually quite a few things both TJMaxx and HomeGoods seem to always have in stock that, for me, are diamonds in the rough and will never go out of style.  Here are eight things I buy over and over again and am always on the lookout for, for myself as well as clients:

Blue and white ginger jars + white platters.  Every one of my blue and white beauties has come from HomeGoods, including a ginormous one that sits on a hutch in my dining room that I scored for less than $40! Simple white platters in all shapes and sizes are another favorite.  I keep a bunch on hand and mix them in with my mother’s ironstone platters on my hutch to use whenever we have company.  That way I don’t worry about breaking or chipping one of my good ones.  They’re always priced so well (I don’t think I’ve spent more than $12 for one) you can amass quite a collection!

Chunks of coral + glass hurricanes in different sizes.  I’ll throw elbows for chunks of lookalike resin pieces; they add texture and interest to shelves, mantles, coffee tables and stacks of books and are a great way to bring a bit of the beach home.  Another versatile favorite are simple glass hurricanes.  They’re inexpensive and they work great as vases, candle holders, corraling office supplies, you name it.  I especially love those with thicker bottoms (they give the illusion of being more expensive) and the little ones look amazing grouped down a table with unscented white votives as a centerpiece!

Woven trays.  I use them to corral my cooking oils in the kitchen, lotions and potions in the bath, seasonal displays on my breakfast table and books and decorative objects on coffee tables. 

White pitchers.  These look fabulous on their own, grouped together or filled with flowers and it’s always helpful to have a few extras on hand when hosting dinner, luncheons or baby showers!

Baskets.  I’ve scored some oversize woven baskets that are dead ringers for those you’d find at Pottery Barn or Wisteria for a quarter of the price!  I always tell clients and friends to look at HomeGoods first before spending big bucks for them elsewhere.  Now that I have a toddler, they’re even more valuable for hiding toys, books and stuffed animals from grown up spaces, too!

Silver picture frames.  Memories look even more special in silver frames.  A grouping can make as dramatic an impact as a few placed on their own.  I’m loving the modern, thin frames that are popular now, so I’m always sure to pick them up whenever I see them.

What are some things you look for?