This weekend (well Monday if you want to be exact) is Canadian Thanksgiving and I love this holiday. I’m going home to see the family and going to stuff my face with tons of yummy goodies. I can’t wait.
For today’s post I have gathered up vintage ads with helpful tips and ideas on how to have the “perfect” Thanksgiving dinner. I have used the word “Perfect” in quotes because I’m not sure if that is actually possible for any sort of dinner BUT lets give it a try anyways.
Disclosure: Some of the links on my blog from Etsy are Affiliate Links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, I will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase.
NOTE: If you click on any of the items featured below and they are not available, don’t fret! Hit the search button and see what else is on the websites. There are 1000’s and 1000’s of items being listed daily.
Vintage Thanksgiving Recipes & Dinner Ideas
Lets start off with a 1956 Thanksgiving Dinner Menu idea
Source: Modern Retro Woman
The Thanksgiving Turkey
Foil Roasted Turkey will ensure you have the perfect turkey every time.
Note: I can’t be positive on this as I don’t cook but the ad sure makes it look like it does.
I think that a “Guaranteed” Turkey means that your dinner will be…”Perfect”.
Instructions from Butterball on how to cook a Turkey-1956.
The Thanskgiving Sides
Stuffing…Mandatory, and this ad gives you many different kinds to try (not sure how I feel about “Oyster Stuffing” though).
Source: Found on vintage-ads.livejournal
Did you purchase too many Cranberries? Well don’t fret Ocean Spray has you covered.
Kids can help as well with the trimmings for Thanksgiving.
Source: Ismoyo vintage playground
The Drinks
Of course Coca Cola must be served at dinner. No recipe needed for this task.
Source: Flickr-Christian Montone
Maybe your more in the mood for a beer because “Beer Belongs”.
Source: Auto Straddle
Whisky also has a place at the Thanksgiving table.
Here in Canada we are about to celebrate our Thanksgiving on Monday and then I know my lovely neighbours to the south will be celebrating their’s next month. So I thought it would be fun to put together a post on items you could purchase to add some “Vintage” to your Thanksgiving holiday (decor, cookbooks, clothing and more).
Post Updated October 4th, 2023.
Disclosure: Some of the links on my blog from Etsy & Unique Vintageare Affiliate Links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, I will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase.
NOTE: If you click on any of the items featured below and they are not available, don’t fret! Hit the search button and see what else is on the websites. There are 1000’s and 1000’s of items being listed daily.OR you can visit my Etsy ‘Vintage Thanksgiving‘ Collection.
How to get a Vintage Thanksgiving Look
Thanksgiving Table Decor Inspiration
Table Decor is a MUST to bring your Thanksgiving table to next level, starting with a pretty themed vintage tablecloth like the ones below.
1960’s Linen floral tablecloth with fall colours. This is a beauty.
Source: Etsy
1950’s tablecloth with an Autumn maple leaves motif.
Source: Etsy-whatadishcollection
This is a perfect 1960s fall / Thanksgiving tablecloth with all the fruits of a bountiful autumn harvest printed around the border.
Source: Etsy
A pretty vintage tablecloth with a bounty of Fall Harvest items as the pattern. So lovely.
Source-Etsy: LinensandThings
As for what goes ON the Tablecloth how about these delightful 1940s Vintage Anagram Letters?
Source-Etsy: JustSmashingDarling
If you love the Turkey in the image above, then you can take them home below- 2 Morton Pottery Turkey Planters circa 1940s.
Source-Etsy: CRCRUMSEY
Kitschy Salt & Pepper shakers will always be appropriate on the Thanksgiving table in my home (and yours too!).
Source: Etsy
Mid Century Fall basket: A variety of velvety fall apples, nuts and plastic branches in a woven basket.
Source: Etsy – ShipItToMe
Not into the kitsch? No worries! This Mid Century vintage white speckled ceramic Cornucopia will be a stand out on your holiday table.
Source: Etsy
Having lots of guests over? Here is a nifty idea on how to remember where everyone should sit-Place Cards!
Place card holder Thanksgiving fall tablescape from the 1950s.
Source: Etsy
Turkeys! One more example of vintage place cards you can be inspired to add to your vintage Thanksgiving decorations.
Need some help with your turkey or thanksgiving recipes? Then Butterball has you covered with their 1950s advertisement and informational pamphlet for Swift’s Premium Butterball Turkey.
P.S. Etsy has LOADS of vintage cookbooks if your in the market for going down that route.
Source-Etsy: ThirstyOwlVintage
Source-Etsy: ThirstyOwlVintage
Spice up those Gravy recipes with Campbell’s ‘Gravy Dishes Recipe Booklet’, 1960s.
Source: Etsy
Now how to take the turkey out of the oven? How about with this Thanksgiving kitchen towel? This is funny, cute and vintage all at the same time. I’m guessing this towel has to be late 1930s by looking at her hair and shoes but that is just a guess.
On another note, I would totally cook the turkey if my husband would pull me around on a trolly to bring it to the table lol!
Source-Etsy: NeatoKeen
Your holding the turkey now what to put it on?? This 1950’s vintage Turkey Platter should do the trick.
Source-Etsy: FrancesAttic
Or a 1950s/ 1960s Vintage Noritake Bordeaux pattern large oval serving platter. Stunning!
Source: Etsy
One more pretty Turkey platter from the Mid Century.
Source: Etsy-Junkarella
Vintage Thanksgiving Dessert Ideas
A vintage cookbook is always the way to go for authentic recipes from a bygone era (as mentioned above). This particular gem was made in 1958. It features 61 pages of recipes and illustrations.
Source-Esty: cocoskitchen
I love Pie! Mmmmmm Pie! Party Pie Book Good Housekeeping Cookbook 1950s.
Source: Etsy
After your dessert decisions have been made I’m SURE one of those is pumpkin pie and you will need just the right plate to serve it on.
This plate is from the 1970’s but I don’t mind at all because I just think it is fantastic and so perfect for your thanksgiving table. It even has the recipe for pumpkin pie in case you forget. Just don’t put the pie on it till your done WITH the recipe 🙂
Source-Etsy: VLDDecorandHome
You could also use the Blue Ridge Southern Potteries ‘Thanksgiving Turkey’ plate for some of your goodies. The image on the plate is a bit quirky which I like.
Source-Etsy: PastPiecesVintage
Thanksgiving Fun for Kids
Like my household (I have 2 nephews and niece) there might be kids at Thanksgiving so what can you do to keep them entertained? How about reading a Thanksgiving story like this wonderful 1954 book Written by Esther M. Schenk?
I know I know! this idea will only keep them amused for 5 mins but it falls into the “vintage” theme and so therefore perfect for this blog post.
Source-Etsy: grandmothersattic
Source-Etsy: grandmothersattic
Vintage Thanksgiving Fashion Ideas
Lastly what to wear? Well that could be anything from a cute vintage dress, slacks, vintage apron or vintage novelty skirts. The list is endless!
A cute terry towel cotton half apron from the 1960s. It has shades of green and a tan brown “Thanksgiving bounty” of fruits and vegetables with fall leaves on the edges.
Source: Etsy
Can’t get any more “Thanksgiving” then Cornucopia baskets on this 1950s/ 1960s full skirt.
Source-Etsy: SavvySpinsterVintage
Bring a little 1960s into your holiday plans with this Autumn Fit & Flare Dress. So Cute!
Note:Unique Vintage has LOADS of new items added daily to their “Modern vintage style” website. This item may not be avail but they have new collections to review. Just head on over to their website and browse.
Source: Unique Vintage
BUT I think a must for whatever outfit you chose, there should be a themed vintage brooch on your lapel.
Now as Canadian’s we don’t have “Pilgrims” in our Thanksgiving story but this pin is too cute to pass up!
Source: Etsy-Desert Gemstones
Pilgrims not your thing? How about Vintage Turkey Brooches?? Yup, this is awesome!
Source: Etsy
Source-Etsy: roseluv
Here is the Cornucopia basket again (2 of them to be exact!) -Kitschy and fun!
Source: Etsy
Source-Etsy: AllureofJewels
I will now leave you with the BEST earrings for those who love to bring the fun to the Thanksgiving Table..the 1950s John Morrel Baked Thanksgiving Ham Earrings!
Source: Etsy
And that my friends is some of my “Vintage Thanksgiving deocrations & fashion” ideas. I hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving whenever you are celebrating it 🙂
Looking for more vintage items? Then take a look at my Vintage Thanksgiving Etsy collectionHERE(updated regularly).
Question: I would love to know if you have vintage Thanksgiving deocrations that you already incorporate into your holiday decor? Please Share!
