Decorating for Thanksgiving with Vintage
November is here and it is time to decorate our homes for Thanksgiving. I have collected turkey platters for a long time and I so much enjoyed using them along with other turkey-themed things for my Thanksgiving decorations.
Decorating for Thanksgiving with Vintage
For Thanksgiving decorating, I kept my fall mantel decor the same and also the pillows on the chairs. I switched the decor on all of the flat surfaces from fall to Thanksgiving.
Decorating the Chest for Thanksgiving
When I decorate our living room for the season, I start with the mantel since it’s the focal point of the room and then move on to the chest, a second focal point.
You’ll notice that all of my Thanksgiving decor is accented with Bittersweet. My cousin and her daughter cut a huge box of Bittersweet and delivered it to my door.
I was so excited to get this Bittersweet and it adds color and texture to all of my Thanksgiving vignettes.
Bittersweet is an invasive species. If you decorate with it, do not throw it in your compost pile or chuck it into the woods when you are finished with it. Throw it in the trash.
I have collected vintage turkey platters for a long time and used this beautiful platter with a gold rim in the center of my display.
I filled a crock that I recently scored at Goodwill for $2 with pheasant feathers. I used long male tail feathers, along with long hen tail feathers, and a few feathers that remind me of a tiger’s stripes.
The Thanksgiving postcard was mailed on November 27, 1911.
To the right of the turkey platter, I used a wheat sheaf and a vintage turkey-lidded dish.
When my mom owned her Outer Banks beach cottage, we used to enjoy going to the beach in the off-season. Both the turkey and wheat sheaf are finds from the OBX.
Vintage Thanksgiving Postcards
I decorated the table between the wing-back chairs with vintage Thanksgiving postcards.
This postcard was sent to my Great-Great Aunt Lulie in 1911.
This one was sent to Great-Great Aunt Willie in 1910.
Willie received this one in 1909.
Lulie sent this one to Willie in 1908. Lulie lived in Norfolk and Willie in Vinton.
Willie received this one from an aunt living in Washington DC in 1917.
I purchased this postcard in the Shenandoah Valley long before my grandmother gave me her postcard collection. This one was sent in 1917 from Croson, South Dakota to Westfield, Wisconsin.
Vintage Quiver and Arrows
Thanksgiving makes me think of Pilgrims and Indians.
Indians make me think about hunting with a bow and arrow which led to using my dad’s boyhood quiver and arrows for decor.
I had to figure out a way to prop up the quiver and arrows and found that an antique iron placed in front and in back of the quiver worked like a charm.
I also have my dad’s bow. I used it for decor a long time ago in a Vintage Cowboy and Indian Mantel that I created.
Music Stand Thanksgiving Decor
I decorated the music stand to the left of the mantel with a turkey and one of my grandmother’s cornucopias.
The turkey isn’t vintage but has a vintage feel.
I found it when my mom and I were shopping one year in downtown Staunton the day after Thanksgiving.
I noticed here that my cornucopia has a bare spot where the green floral foam can be seen. I’ll have to hide this spot with more Spanish moss.
Thanksgiving Decor on the Marble Topped Table
My grandmother’s marble-topped table is another favorite spot for a seasonal display.
The decor in this area started with another vintage turkey platter from my collection.
I left my grandmother’s green vase filled with River Oats and my aunt’s gold and bronze Magnolia leaves from my fall decor in place.
To the right of the turkey platter, I used two vintage turkey candles from my collection and a Byers’ Choice male and female pilgrim.
Mama bought my Byers Choice pilgrims for me a long time ago.
I hope you enjoyed seeing my mostly vintage Thanksgiving decor. I am so happy that I didn’t skip over decorating for Thanksgiving this year.
My dining room is still set with my Pinterest Challenge Thanksgiving table and having these two adjoining rooms decorated for Thanksgiving and given me so much pleasure this Thanksgiving season.
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Paula, beautiful !! Sue
Thank you! Looking forward to your next visit!!
Paula
Paula, I love your home and decor. It just has an utterly comfy and vintage feel to it. Each time you describe items kept through the family I love hearing about them. I honestly think Virginia is the most Southern state there is in terms of the family values and its cherished items. Your posts consistently point to it!
Thank you, Rita!! I am so lucky that both of my grandmothers and also my mother saved everything.
Paula
Your style brings a smile to my face, Paula. So beautifully done.
Thank you so much, Larissa!
Paula I just love it all! You always amaze me with your treasures and stories. I see that you came by your bittersweet much easier than I did this year!
Great Thanksgiving postcards and lovely vignettes!
Thank you, Amber! I am so glad that I did not skip over Thanksgiving this year. It was so nice of my cousin to gather Bittersweet for me and I loved using it for my deor.
Paula
What wonderful vintage items!! Love the ephemera especially. I have a turkey collection that I bring out every year, with some really vintage ones, like yours.
Thank you, Carole! I am always on the lookout for vintage turkeys but I don’t see them too often when I’m browsing in antique shops. I’m really glad that I didn’t skip decorating for Thanksgiving this year.
Paula
Hi Paula!
I’m always in awe of the heirlooms you have. What treasures! Your turkey platters are beautiful, and your living room looks lovely for Thanksgiving.
>>> Kim
Thank you so much, Kim!
Paula
Paula, your post are amazing. It brings to mind of being in Virginia again, in a vicarious way. Happy Thanksgiving!
Thank you so much, Sue!!
Paula
Your home always looks so beautiful decorated for the seasons, Paula. I love all of the vintage touches. Especially the feathers. So fun!
Thank you so much, Jen!
Your home looks beautiful, Paula! I love all your vintage decor.
Thank you so much, Marieza!
Paula,
I love the way you use all your family heirlooms. Just lovely!
Thank you so much, Libbie!
Oh my goodness, I am in love with all your vintage pieces. The postcard collection is priceless! So special!!!
Thank you so much, Crystal!
Paula, you always have so many treasures to share and those post cards. How amazing to have such treasures.
Love your dads arrows too. I hd a hard time deciding what to Pin, it’s a Pin fest!
Thank you so much, Cindy!
Paula, this room is a fall delight. So warm and cozy … and traditional. I love it. Your family’s postcard are treasures … as are all the wonderful pieces you have passed down from family and vintage hunting with your mom. It’s just a beautiful room … I’m sure Sherman enjoys it too! xo
Thank you so much, Juliet!
Love it – you have such a way decorating and especially with vintage items. You have so many great memories with them too.
Thank you so much, Rosemary!
Thanksgiving and vintage go together!
Thank you so much, Michele!