Without a doubt the iconic American bird, the turkey, majorly influences all things Thanksgiving, right down to our tabletop décor. It’s a colorful history, nearly as old as the holiday itself.
When Abraham Lincoln proclaimed Thanksgiving an official holiday back in 1863, English potters seized the opportunity to target the growing American market by producing turkey-themed dinner plates and platters. These ingenious designers generally took an existing design and replaced the center with a turkey motif to create those first Thanksgiving patterns.
“Even today manufacturers are creating design options for consumers by producing Thanksgiving or turkey-themed accent plates to mix and match with their everyday dinnerware,” said vice president of product marketing at Replacements, Ltd. Robin Long. “You’ll find colors and motifs to fit all tastes and lifestyles, from the very traditional to a more modern aesthetic.” In fact, Replacements’ most popular Thanksgiving pattern, His Majesty by Johnson Brothers, started as an accent plate in the Friendly Village pattern. Demand proved so great for this particular motif, the English manufacturer turned the proud Tom Turkey-adorned plate into its own pattern.
Gobble up serveware
Perhaps just as popular as the turkey pattern this season is the turkey platter. These large platters are not only highly collectible,; they’re becoming the entertaining centerpiece for seasonal gatherings.
Turkey platters aren’t only fun, some also are functional. Lenox and several other manufacturers produce turkey-shaped platters and other autumn themed serving pieces in alternative metal serveware. This is a special alloy that maintains a constant temperature to keep foods warm or cold when heated or chilled.
Tabletop trends for turkey day
Whether you’re planning a huge buffet or an intimate dinner with close family and friends, the color trends for Thanksgiving entertaining remain a bright version of fall: strong oranges, sages and brilliant turquoises.
Both individual candles and groupings of candles are popular for the Thanksgiving tabletop. Burlap also is a hot trend for table runners or place settings.
If you need to gobble up more ideas before you serve your big meal, Robbins plans on posting additional seasonal tabletop décor tips on Replacements’ Facebook page throughout the holidays.
This article is courtesy of Brandpoint.