Preparing for the holidays can be stressful. That's a fact.  Between decorating the house, holiday parties, fighting your way through the mall on Black Friday, the holidays can also be really hard on your pocketbook. 

Good news!  Your friendly neighborhood consignment shops can save you a bundle.  Here are 5 quick tips to help you keep more money in your pocket this holiday season.

1. DESIGN:  Is the family room or dining room looking a little ho-hum?  How about a new dining room table and chairs that can fit the whole family?  Maybe the perfect love seat and area rug?  Consignment furnishings can cost well below retail and be of exceptional value and quality.
2. DECORATE: Look for unique pieces for every room in the house. Don't forget holiday pillows, a colorful throw or pillar candles to bring in a pop of color.
   
3. SHOP:  You can find the same old, same old at the outlets and malls.  Find something truly unique for everyone on your list by shopping consignment.  A piece of art, a designer bag (many with the tags still on!), gorgeous one of a kind jewelry, or even a basket filled with Waterford crystal, holiday plates paired with a bottle of wine.
4. GIFT:  If you can't find the perfect gift, consider purchasing a gift certificate to your favorite consignment store.
5. CONSIGN:  When you consign regularly, you put REAL money in your pocket all year long. Plus, consigning helps you stay organized.  

We look forward to helping you with ALL your shopping needs this holiday season!

The New York Post recently dubbed the Connecticut shoreline as “the next 'new' Hamptons" in a recent article. Those of us who live and work here, or who enjoy visiting us in the summer months know that you don’t have to live in a mansion on the Long Island Sound to enjoy all the shore has to offer. 

We thought it would be fun to share some our favorite places to go when you visit each of our locations along the shoreline. After shopping at The Cedar Chest II Family Consignment located on Rt. 1 in Branford, it's just under 15 minutes off Leetes Island Road to discover the Thimble Islands by boat. Cruises on the Sea Mist run weekends in May (then daily, except Tuesdays) and offer a fun way to get to know the area from a different view. Pack a lunch before going and get there early to park.

The Cedar Chest Consignment Outlet is located on Rt. 1 in Clinton. After finding a bargain or two in the shop, spend the afternoon at the beach at Hammonasset State Park and enjoy the nature center (expansion underway), miles of trails, the bike path and of course, the beach. Don’t forget your binoculars! Discounted parking on weekdays and season’s passes are available. With over 400 campsites, many of our regular shoppers are frequent campers at the park. One stop you have to make is to visit Lobster Landing and sink your teeth into one of the best lobster rolls you’ll ever taste. If you decide to stay on Rt. 1, right up the road in Westbrook is Ed's Place, another local favorite outdoor dining option. It's on the low-key side, and don't look for a website or Facebook page, but the food is tasty and the view of the creek is good!

​Our newest store, Design 2 Consign is located in Waterford, also on Rt. 1. There are many things to do in Waterford, but one of our favorite stops is Harkness Memorial State Park.  While there’s no swimming (May is a little cold for that anyway), there are beautiful views of the Sound, you can walk the beach, stop for a picnic, fly a kite and take a tour of the Eolia Mansion beginning Memorial Day weekend.
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Finally, as you reach Old Saybrook on Rt. 1, you’ll find The Cedar Chest II Family Consignment. Nearby is The Trove, a fun consignment antique store that's packed with treasures.  Hungry? Be sure to check out​ Johnny Ad’s, a roadside seafood stand boasting over 50 years of service! ​

Where are YOUR favorite places to go at the shore?