Planning Your Year: A Seasonal Schedule for Stocking Your Antique Booth
Running an antique booth is so much fun — but it can also be a lot of work to keep your space fresh and full of the right items at the right time. Over the years, I’ve learned that having a yearly schedule makes a huge difference! It helps me stay organized, plan ahead for holidays and seasons, and avoid that last-minute rush to decorate or restock.
Here’s a look at how I plan what to take to my booth throughout the year:
January – Fresh Starts & Winter Whites
After the holidays, shoppers are ready for a clean slate. Prepare for this month to be a little slower. Use the time to freshen up your booth with new displays, rugs, wall treatments, etc.
What to bring:
White and neutral decor (ironstone, milk glass, linens)
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Organization pieces (baskets, jars, trays)
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Cozy winter accents (candles, games, lamps, books, blankets)
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Valentine’s Day items by mid-month
February – Vintage Romance
Lean into the Valentine’s theme with romantic details.
What to bring:
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Vintage valentines
Anything in a red and pink color scheme
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Old books with red covers
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Heart-shaped decor, lace, and florals
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Garden or spring preview items
March – Spring Awakening
People are itching to decorate for spring! Clean up and freshen up everything in booth after cold winter months!
What to bring:
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Easter and spring decor (bunnies, birds, eggs)
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Garden tools, flower pots, and seed packets
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Lighter textiles and pastels
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Small furniture and baskets
April – Garden & Outdoor Focus
Perfect time for anything that feels fresh and outdoorsy.
What to bring:
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Patio and porch decor
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Watering cans, enamelware, galvanized pieces
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Vintage planters and floral prints
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Mother’s Day gifts
May – Americana & Summer Preview
Start prepping for Memorial Day and the 4th of July.
What to bring:
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Red, white, and blue decor
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Picnic and camping items
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Vintage flags and patriotic quilts
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Summer kitchenware
June – Summer Fun
Shoppers are looking for lighthearted, seasonal finds.
What to bring:
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Nautical or beachy items
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Vintage games and toys
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Picnic baskets and glass beverage bottles
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Summer florals
July – Mid-Year Refresh
This is a great time to rearrange your booth and clear out older stock.
What to bring:
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Sale or clearance items
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Late summer florals
Outdoor Game pieces like tennis racquets and croquet mallets
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Transitional pieces toward fall
August – Fall Preview
I like to finish up the summer with a nautical theme. But it's time to start thinking of autumn items because fall decor starts selling earlier than you’d think!
What to bring:
- Nautical items such as artwork, seashells and sailboats
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Mushrooms, amber glass, warm colors
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Fall florals, baskets, and cozy textiles
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Rustic farmhouse items
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Back-to-school or harvest themes
September – Full Fall Mode
This is prime time for your fall displays. Everyone is looking for fun fall items!
What to bring:
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Halloween previews
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Leaf garlands, plaid blankets, vintage books
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Wood tones and copper pieces
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Large furniture for cozy spaces
October – Holiday Prep
As soon as Halloween wraps up, Christmas shoppers start early. But don't forget about Thanksgiving as well.
What to bring:
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Neutral dishes that can be used for Thanksgiving or Christmas
Thanksgiving decorations
Christmas ornaments and smalls
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Giftable vintage items
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Holiday linens and dishes
November – Christmas Wonderland
Go all out! This will probably be the BIGGEST month of the year. People are shopping for Christmas decorations and Christmas gifts. Bring it ALL in!
What to bring:
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Full Christmas displays
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Santa figurines, garlands, and tree decor
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Holiday china and glassware
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Cozy gifts and winter decor
December – Finishing the Year
Keep your booth festive, but start preparing for post-holiday turnover. This might be a little bit slower month, but there will still be shoppers looking for the perfect gift.
What to bring:
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Last-minute gift items
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Winter whites for January
Lots of Vintage and Antique items
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Clearance section for end-of-year shoppers
Tips for Staying Ahead
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Plan one month ahead. For example, start bringing spring in by mid-February.
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Rotate displays often to keep your booth looking fresh.
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Keep a storage bin for each season so swapping inventory is easy.
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Watch what sells each year and adjust your schedule accordingly.
Having a yearly booth schedule not only saves time but also helps you keep a consistent, inviting space that your customers look forward to visiting every month.
