Sure, clutter drives most people crazy.

But the sentimental pull of a set of mismatched Depression dishes or a great-aunt’s costume jewelry may overcome common sense when it comes to packing the rafters with junk.

And believe it or not, some of that stuff destined for a garage sale could come in handy for entertaining instead. Take a Dumpster-diving tour and see what riches await for truly original holiday soirees.

Rummage sales

The first rule of garage sales: Go early. By 10 a.m. everything is picked over. Pick up coffee on the way so you can be there when they open the door.

The second rule is not to come with any preconceived notions. While the promise of vintage clothes in a newspaper ad might not live up to expectations, you might find loads of retro kitchen items instead – an enormous heavy glass cake dome or plastic ware in avocado, including a Thermos, and a ’50s Raggedy Ann cookie jar.

The plastic ware is ideal for picnic parties, and the cookie jar is great when the nieces and nephews visit.

Rule three: Give yourself enough time to shop. Often these sales are a big jumble, and you’re looking for a needle in a haystack. But what a slammin’ haystack! Go with a friend and root around together. Your buddy will also keep you from making a big mistake, like buying a “Bonanza”-style giant wagon-wheel coffee table that wouldn’t fit in your backyard, much less your living room.

Stop thinking "kitsch" and start thinking "catch." Remember: it's not junk, it's a collection. (Steve K. Zylius/Orange County Register/MCT)

One last rule: Bring cash. Even though prices are marked, most folks having this kind of sale want to get rid of these possessions rather than move them. Make a reasonable offer, flash some green, and you just might snag that rhinestone cowboy suit.

Thrift stores

These are almost like estate sales because the goods come in lots, sorted according to type and style of item. That helps when you’re looking for a very distinct era of vintage clothing to wear when attending or playing host to that special party.

You’ll find all kinds of campy fashions: bowling shirts, pillbox hats, boas, monster boots, leisure suits. Take your time and sort them. Buy only the threads you can resell when they start to bore you.

Check labels for designer names. Check suit linings. Are the fur pieces clean? Make sure zippers and buttons still work. Give everything the sniff test. Sometimes you absolutely can’t get rid of the stench of patchouli no matter how many times you wash that burnt orange Nehru jacket.

If you make a mistake, don’t sweat it: you got it cheap, and any money you spent probably went to a good cause, as thrift shops often benefit various charities.

Antique malls

Do you throw a lot of dinner parties? If you want a perfectly matching classic set of china or flatware without spending a fortune, get thee to an antique mall.

There you’ll see tons of wedding band china: porcelain with a simple gold trim. And you’ll find flatware, sometimes in silver and often in its original velvet-lined storage box. These dishes sit elegantly on top of gold chargers.

At antique malls, you’ll spend less for almost everything, but jewelry and furniture commands top dollar if it is truly collectible or at the peak of a trend. Just try pricing an original Formica table and chairs or anything in ’50s style that’s in good shape with clean, elegant lines. That style is now known as mid-century modern, and it’s pretty pricey.

But you’ve got to take a look around, especially for “props.” These are any objects that provide drama and help set the tone of your soiree. Your mom’s hokey-looking glass grapes from back in the day would now make a fun centerpiece for a wine-tasting.

How about an Emmy Awards party tray with appetizer sandwiches served from TV-themed lunch boxes: “That Girl,” “Green Acres,” “Kung Fu”? Throwing a luau? You’ll need old Hawaiian postcards, ukuleles and Don Ho records.

Stop thinking “kitsch” and start thinking “catch.” Remember: it’s not junk, it’s a collection.

More ways to appreciate “junk”

Euphemisms

¢ Mid-century modern (’50s stuff)

¢ Shabby chic (Dilapidated in a stylish sort of way)

¢ Hillbilly crap (Americana)

¢ Vintage (Old but not antique, from a recognizable decade)

¢ Antique (We think it’s 100 years old, and we think you will, too, but we haven’t verified it)

Prop ideas

¢ Old wedding photos for an anniversary party

¢ 1940s movie magazines at an Oscar party

¢ Mardi gras masks for Halloween

¢ Old-fashioned champagne cups for an after-theater nightcap

¢ Sinatra and Rat-Pack memorabilia for a pizza and spaghetti supper

Garage sale tips

¢ Take a shopping basket and collect everything you’re interested in, then make final decisions at the end.

¢ Don’t overspend; if you can get the modern equivalent for the same money, think hard about whether this item is stylish enough to justify the price.

¢ Always consider how this item will coordinate with others you have at home.

¢ Bring your own empty boxes and packing material so fragile items can be properly packed.