Thanksgiving is that unique middle child holiday that seems to get forgotten sometimes. It follows the spookiness of Halloween and precedes the wonder of Christmas. I am here to tell you today that Thanksgiving decor is worth the time and has many beautiful, warm notes to add within your home.
Vintage decor is my favorite, as you all know, so I thought it was worth sharing my favorite Thanksgiving inspired collectibles with you all during this season of gathering. I hope they offer a sense of cozy and bring light to your family gatherings this Thanksgiving.
Vintage Gurley Thanksgiving Candles
Gurley candles are special holiday pieces anytime of the year, but the Thanksgiving collectibles are so adorable. There are turkeys in all shapes and colors and adorable pilgrim characters too. Gurley candles were produced by Gurley Novelty which began in Buffalo, New York in 1939. These candles were created for holiday decor and were not meant to be burned. Interestingly enough, these candles were originally produced as a way to use extra parafin that was created in part from the oil refinery process. The Gurley line of candles was first commissioned by a company called Socony Vacuum Oil Company, which is now ExxonMobil. So when you are buying these candles, you are basically saving the world too. My favorite Thanksgiving candle I have is a Gurley Mayflower candle.
Vintage Thanksgiving Postcards
In the days of yesteryear, postcards were the choice of communication for spreading well wishes and Thanksgiving greetings. Thanksgiving postcards host such picturesque graphics and the most wonderful messages. I love to display my post cards by standing them up with flower frogs, but the options are endless! My Mom did a fantastic display using this copper card stand this year! There are really neat books you can purchase now that are full of reproduction Thanksgiving postcards, which you can find here, here, here, and here!
Vintage Ceramic Turkeys
Vintage ceramic turkeys come in all varieties; planters, salt and pepper shakers, candle holders and individual ceramic figurines. These turkeys were commonly used as housewarming gifts after World War II. Manufacturers of these delightful turkeys included Relpo, Lefton, Napco, and Enesco. All of these make for wonderful items to display on your Thanksgiving table. Planters for florals or to hold flatware and the other forms for their intended uses as candlesticks, shakers, and decorative display. Look for pieces that have no chips or cracks. They can range in cost from $15-$30.
Vintage Thanksgiving Plates
Thanksgiving plays host to so many amazing glassware options for your Thanksgiving table, but these beautiful plates can also be used as a unique decor pieces. I love to pick up various plates that emphasize hues of brown, orange, and green. My favorite styles of “Thanksgivingesque” plates are Spode and Wedgewood. Simply display them as a plate wall or use a plate rack to highlight your favorite finds. Most of mine have been picked up at garage sales throughout the years.
Brass Candlesticks
Brass is all the rage right now. Brass candlesticks, figurines, you name it, they are a hot ticket item. The warm glow of candlelight is so magical for any Thanksgiving celebration, add in an ornate vintage candlestick and you have a truly stunning space. These candlesticks double as amazing holiday decor for Christmas as well! If you can’t find vintage, there are many beautiful new styles as well.
As all of these pieces are vintage, you can find them at garage sales, thrift stores, antique stores, auctions, flea markets, and estate sales. The thrill is always in the hunt! I hope this post gives you a few new ideas as you hunt your next turkey for Thanksgiving decor! Shop the looks below!
Honorable Mentions
These are new to me vintage Thanksgiving items that I am still hunting for currently. They include Thanksgiving die cuts, Thanksgiving knee-hugger elves, yes! I have one and he is so adorable, think pilgrim + knee-hugger elf. And finally Turkey blog molds. I scored a turkey blow mold at a garage sale this summer and he is adorable!
Love the turkey platters