COLLECTIONS: Turkey Platters and Thanksgiving Dinnerware

COLLECTIBLES EXCLUSIVELY FOR RANDOLPH STREET MARKET BY NENA IVON, REPOSTED WITH PERMISSION

n 1863 President Lincoln proclaimed the fourth Thursday of November the nation’s official Thanksgiving Day. By the 1870s, America’s middle class celebrated the occasion with fine Thanksgiving china and turned to the English for delectable transferware patterns depicting the holiday’s bird of choice, the turkey — and their popularity continues to this day. At the time UK was having economic difficulties and knew the States gobbled up (pun intended) their special transferware so why not do stunning platters to celebrate this annual tradition. Our celebrations will be done with smaller groups and social distancing this year, but, in my opinion, our traditions are more important than ever.

Turkey Platters and Thanksgiving Dinnerware

Norman Rockwell’s “Freedom From Want” 1943. You can be sure this iconic painting’s star of the feast is presented on a treasured turkey platter.

When collecting look for vintage Spode, Wedgwood, Johnson Bros., Staffordshire, and others. As always, when collecting anything authentic, check labels, bottom of China, etc. and engage each dealer in conversation and absorb their expertise, alone worth the trip. In addition, don’t limit your search of “time specific” items to that month seek out treasures year round.

Turkey Platters and Thanksgiving Dinnerware

I thought it would be appropriate to continue our transferware journey with this fun collectible. Lots and lots of colors and styles many newer pieces are not transferware at all. Let’s look at some pieces and, of course, how they can be used in decor.

Turkey Platters and Thanksgiving Dinnerware

Not all feature the star of the feast… Tom Turkey… many feature autumnal themes such as the Horn of Plenty.

Turkey Platters and Thanksgiving Dinnerware

I want this for my green transferware collection and I don’t even do Thanksgiving at my home!

Turkey Platters and Thanksgiving Dinnerware

Gorgeous I think for any roast, don’t you agree!!

Turkey Platters and Thanksgiving Dinnerware

Or a winter scene.

Turkey Platters and Thanksgiving Dinnerware

But mostly turkeys…

Turkey Platters and Thanksgiving Dinnerware
Turkey Platters and Thanksgiving Dinnerware

Obsessed with this set…

Some modern pieces…

Turkey Platters and Thanksgiving Dinnerware
Turkey Platters and Thanksgiving Dinnerware
Turkey Platters and Thanksgiving Dinnerware

Some decor suggestions…

Turkey Platters and Thanksgiving Dinnerware
Turkey Platters and Thanksgiving Dinnerware
Turkey Platters and Thanksgiving Dinnerware
Turkey Platters and Thanksgiving Dinnerware
Turkey Platters and Thanksgiving Dinnerware
Turkey Platters and Thanksgiving Dinnerware
Turkey Platters and Thanksgiving Dinnerware
Turkey Platters and Thanksgiving Dinnerware

My absolute favorite stuffing, beyond delicious! Here is the recipe in its original form…you can see by its age it has been much loved! Since I no longer host Thanksgiving dinner, I do, however, help prepare the feast every year, we don’t do my dressing. We include my Hot Carrot Mold on the extensive menu, it has become part of the tradition.

Always loosely stuff your bird at both ends. You can cook separately, but I always stuff my bird. This will do up to a 15lb Turkey.

All photos found on Pinterest photo credits unknown.

11 thoughts on “COLLECTIONS: Turkey Platters and Thanksgiving Dinnerware

  1. Marcia Buchanan November 2, 2020 / 1:10 pm

    Oh Nena I am all in for Thanksgiving coming up especially this year! So much to be thankful for. That recipe is exactly the same one I have prepared for many, many years with two caveats. Walnuts instead of macadamia and not stuffed in the turkey, but baked separately. Love!🦃🦃🦃🦃🦃🦃🍁🍂🍁🍁‼️

  2. Sally Schwartz November 2, 2020 / 1:52 pm

    Nena, what a wonderful piece you researched and present here, I love these beautiful platters! And have just come to the frightening realization that I alone will be cooking our thanksgiving dinner this year – it will be a first! I will definitely try that stuffing recipe, looks delicious. On a (turkey) wing and a prayer, wish me luck!! ❤️❤️❤️

    • nenasnotes November 2, 2020 / 2:47 pm

      You will do just fine. The dressing is superb….it’s the Macadamia nuts that make the difference. Check out the Hot Carrot Mold I posted a couple years ago from the same lady who gave us the Kugel. It is always a hit!

  3. Marcia Buchanan November 2, 2020 / 4:10 pm

    Can you put the hot carrot mold recipe out again.? I do carrots but never a mold . Sounds wonderful!

    • nenasnotes November 2, 2020 / 4:59 pm

      I’ll find it and repost. It is really delicious. Do not make any substitutes.

      • Marcia Buchanan November 2, 2020 / 6:08 pm

        Ok! Can’t wait, however don’t go to any extra trouble!

      • nenasnotes November 2, 2020 / 11:12 pm

        Looking for it now…stand by!

  4. Marcia Buchanan November 2, 2020 / 6:09 pm

    Plus I will try the macadamia nuts this time for the stuffing.

    • nenasnotes November 2, 2020 / 11:12 pm

      They make it sensational, in my opinion!!!

  5. Vicki Hofstetter November 2, 2020 / 6:26 pm

    Outstanding post. That recipe sounds delish!!!! XOOVV

    • nenasnotes November 2, 2020 / 11:12 pm

      It is delish!

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