For the Love of Turkey Platters

Who else can relate to the line in “A Christmas Story” when Ralphie explains that his old man is a turkey fiend, and lists all the ways he loves to enjoy turkey? I do love Thanksgiving, complete with the traditional turkey and all the trimmings. And I also have a weak spot for vintage turkey platters and table decor that commemorates our national day of gratitude. If you’ve ever been curious about the veritable cornucopia of turkey platter designs that abound, here’s a quick history lesson.

Turkey platters are as old as the holiday that features a roasted bird at the center of this annual gathering of friends and family. Even before President Lincoln declared the fourth Thursday of November as the official national day of Thanksgiving, back in 1863, the demand for turkey-festooned platters was growing, and had drawn the attention of both English and American potters, who were only too happy to offer an array of decaled and painted plates and platters to grace our dining tables on this day dedicated to feasting.

One of the earliest platter makers was Spode, and the black-and-white photo from a 1960s catalog  was one of their earliest designs, according to their website; the antique platter similar to it is currently offered on a few sites for $1200-$1400.

Johnson Bros was another English firm that developed a variety of decal designs, including “Friendly Village” among others. The “Historic America” platter is one of my personal favorites even though it doesn’t feature a turkey, but the scene is reminiscent of one of my favorite Grandma Moses prints, aptly titled “Turkeys”.

American pottery companies have contributed to the plethora of Thanksgiving platters over the years, along with many other makers from around the globe. Some of them feature vivid coloring such as one is from California Potteries and a hand-painted one from Italy.

In addition to platters and tableware, you’ll find vintage tablecloths and napkins with lovely Thanksgiving scenes depicted, often in the rich golds and greens associated with late fall. Paper napkins and plates can also be found in vintage-inspired colors and patterns, if you’re feeding a crowd that isn’t too formal. Whether you go for cloth or paper linens, look for a pattern or colors that will complement your serving platter.

Where can you find vintage turkey platters?
One of the upsides to turkey platters is their sheer abundance. Pricey Spode and others notwithstanding, vintage platters can often be found in estate sales, auctions, and thrift stores, with prices ranging from a few dollars to a few hundred dollars.

But remember, even the most hard-core collectors have a hard time rationalizing multiple turkey platters, so trade-up when you find another one you like better than the one you currently have. Gift one to a family member or friend, or sell it and hopefully recoup what you paid for it.

How to care for your vintage turkey platter?
Due to their size and their intrinsic value it makes sense to take care of your platter. Always hand-wash. Place a napkin or paper towel between it and other platters if you store it stacked with other serving dishes.  To protect the pattern in the center of your platter, find a small thin cutting board you can discreetly place under the bird, so the carving knife doesn’t nick or scratch your platter.

How to display your platter(s)?
If you do find yourself with a collection, there are ways to make an attractive wall display from them. (One collector amassed such a number of turkey platters that they were put on display in Los Angeles’ China Town for several months back in 2014-2015.) Assuming you have just one prized platter, find a great spot to show it off until it’s needed to cart the turkey to your Thanksgiving table.  But whatever you do, enjoy it…and the family that gathers around your table this year.