I did what I've heard others do; went to Goodwill in search of colorful still life dishes (and my daughter can use them in her apartment). It seems that Monday is a good morning to go - new things are in after a weekend of people unloading their garages, etc.  I got a good haul that day, about eight Pier One mugs for 50 cents each.  Also found a nice big heavy wood tray for $5 that had a $50 Pottery Barn sticker on the bottom.  Since I avoid the mall (and most shopping) like the plague this worked out well for me :0)