‘Tis the Season For a Joyful(ly Kitsch) Thanksgiving
Let’s face it: when we think of holiday decorations, Thanksgiving probably isn’t the first to come to mind. Always in the shadow of Halloween and the December holidays, Thanksgiving usually gets short shrift when it comes to holiday décor. Let’s make this year, though, the one where we rethink how we can make our decorations as dynamic and delectable as the Thanksgiving dinner spread – and perhaps even more fun! To give you some inspiration, we’ve pulled together some of the most kitschy-yet-fun, loud-yet-lovely, vintage Thanksgiving-themed accents so that you can start brainstorming how to bring some extra joy to your holiday this year.
Dazzling Decor
Antique Thanksgiving Postcards
A selection from a lot of Antique Thanksgiving and Halloween postcards from early 1900’s. Sold for $105 via TEG Auction Gallery (May 2021).
While an original Norman Rockwell might be a bit over-the-top for your Thanksgiving décor, vintage Thanksgiving-themed postcards can make for equally heart-warming additions to your holiday décor. Kitschy and colorful vintage postcards could be framed and added to fall display in your home, or they could be scanned and transformed into invitations or name cards for those planning on joining you at the Thanksgiving table.
Thanksgiving Decorative Art
Add some additional funky flair with cute accents around your home that remind of fall. An ornate vintage glass or ceramic cornucopia or some ostentatious vintage candles in the shape of pilgrims, pumpkins, or turkeys are sure to magnify the mood as you welcome Thanksgiving guests to your home.
Vintage Turkey Items, c/o 3 Pilgrim Candles, Turkey Candles, 5 Turkey Figurines, no date. Sold for $40 via William Bunch Auctions & Appraisals (October 2019).
Jim Shore Heartwood Creek, “Cornucopia of Plenty,” no date. Sold (as group – not pictured) for $60 via Link Auction Galleries, Saint Louis, MO (January 2016).
It is not Thanksgiving unless there are pumpkins! Just like in nature, kitschy pumpkins can be found in all shapes and sizes. Mix and match between brilliant blown glass or gaudy gold pumpkins to add some extra cheer to your space.
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- Steven Lundberg Art Glass Pumpkin Gold Luster. Sold for $110 via Manor Auctions (September 2013).
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- A pair of silver and silver-gilt pumpkin-form casters. Sold for $900 via Christie’s (June 2006).
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- Exquisite Murano Gold Swirl Amber Glass Pumpkin, no date. Sold for $86 via Auction Kings, Tampa, FL (November 2015).
Setting a Showy Table
Your Thanksgiving Tablescape
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- Copeland Spode Turkey Platter with 12 Dinner Plates. Sold for $1,610 via Cottone Auctions (November 2015).
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- Haviland Limoges Hand Painted Porcelain Presidential Turkey Platter (from the Rutherford B. Hayes White House Administration Service). Sold for $17,500 via Doyle New York (March 2019).
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- W. Ridgway Co, English Flower Blue Turkey Platter. Sold for $425 via Constantine & Pletcher (October 2014).
Nothing says “Happy Thanksgiving” as well as turkey-themed dishes to decorate your table. If you want to go all-in, a full set of showy turkey china can be adorable. Those who want just a taste of turkey, though, can opt for a vintage platter to serve as a playful pop for your table’s centerpiece.
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- Cameo Depression Glass Soup Bowls. Sold for $190 via Jeffrey S. Evans & Associates (February 2016).
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- Assorted Depression-era glassware, amber. Sold for $46 via Jeffrey S. Evans & Associates (July 2019).
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- Assorted Depression-era pressed glass, red. Sold for $128 via Jeffrey S. Evans & Associates (July 2019).
We can probably all agree: too much turkey is never a good thing. Continue the fun of your Thanksgiving decorations by thinking outside the box but within the fall color palette. For example, a frilly set of vintage cranberry glass serving pieces or vintage amber glass drinkware can add warmth to your table while also pulling your holiday décor together.
Tastefully Tacky Toys
Vintage Turkey Toys
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- Tin Wind Up Turkey Toy, Made in Germany, DRP and DRGM. Sold for $50 via William Bunch Auctions & Appraisals (August 2011).
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- Turkey candy container and early 1800 tin turkey pull toy. Sold for $950 via Morphy Auctions (October 2018).
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- Alps turkey toy, made in Japan. Est: $75 – $125 via Richard Opfer Auctioneering (October 2006).
Equal parts décor and entertainment, vintage and antique toys are sure to delight. Antique turkey pull toys come in all colors and sizes – and some still work, flapping their wings as they roll along! These dear tin toys recall an earlier, simpler era of toy design that can spawn some great Thanksgiving table talk.
Fun and Fashionable Flair
As the old saying goes: never forget the hostess! Take the holiday of thanks to give some to yourself for a job well done. Not only have you volunteered to host Thanksgiving, but you’ve taken your decorations to the next level by adding in some whimsical wonder. We’re not necessarily talking a bejeweled brooch that breaks the bank. Rather, a spirited vintage rhinestone brooch or delicate pair of earrings can give you some personal flair that complements your delightful decor.
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- Vintage Lisner Autumn Brooch. Sold for $14 via Handline’s Auctions (March 2019).
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- Gold & Enamel “Autumn” pendant, Rene Lalique, circa 1898-1900. Sold for £19,000 via Bonhams (September 2021).
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- Sterling David Andersen (Norway) “Autumn” Brooch in enamel from modernist period c. 1960. Sold for AUD160 via Barsby Auctions (August 2015).
That said, if you want to take the turkey theme literally, then there’s plenty of jewelry to help you accessorize…
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- Vintage Turkey Brooch Marked Staret. Sold for $275 via Main Street Mining Company (September 2015).
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- Lunch at the Ritz, Large Enamel Turkey Brooch. Sold for $175 via Uniques & Antiques (November 2019).
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- Artist signed Thanksgiving turkey earrings. Sold for $300 via J Levine Auction & Appraisal LLC (November 2012).
Find Your Fun This Thanksgiving Holiday
Remember: there are no rules when it comes to decorating for the Thanksgiving holiday, so feel free to get creative! Given the incredible array of vintage fall and Thanksgiving-themed serveware, décor, and other diverting ephemera available at auction, you can carve out your own kitschy array of Thanksgiving treasures. Whether it’s glittery and gaudy or brassy and bold you prefer, here’s wishing you the most joyfully kitsch Thanksgiving yet!
