Variations on turkey

 
What's Thanksgiving without a little turkey? I was really worried that my family was about to find out, because I had been uncharacteristically laid back about getting ready for the big meal. I guess it dawned on me this morning that I needed to get busy, and so I raced out the door, went to the grocery store before it got busy, got home, unloaded the car, got back in the car and went to work. It was worth it to avoid the crowd. And now I can show you my various turkeys without guilt. The little collection of Napco turkeys - salt and pepper shakers, a napkin holder and a gravy boat - is living on the dining room table.

 
The salt and peppers also come in white.

 
Many of my turkeys are wax.

 
Most of them are made by Gurley, but this turkey might be a Tavern candle.

 
Many of the turkeys, wax and otherwise, are roosting in the honeycomb pumpkin field in the living room.

 
That's a candle on the left and a wooden turkey on the right. (He's not old, but he's kind of cute.)

 
The honeycomb turkeys are some of my favorites.

 
Of course there is a lineup of embossed postcard turkeys.

 
This one features an unfortunate turkey.

 
And these are mystery turkeys, living on the little shelf on the Hoosier. They're made of a hard, light plastic. They might be celluloid, but I'm not sure. And today at a store where I hardly ever find anything, I found three other turkeys. I think they might be bisque. It was dark by the time I got home, so maybe there will be photos tomorrow.

I'm enlisting my lovely children in the cooking tomorrow. I find that 16- and 19-year-olds are the most cheerful, willing helpers. ("Why would you want us to help you?" my son asked. "Why would you want to ruin Thanksgiving dinner?") I'm just giving them menial jobs. I'm hoping it will be a fun day. (For me at least. For them, maybe not so much.) 

 

Comments

[Lena]

I think I need a honeycomb pumpkin field. I have a small collection of turkeys, but I've never found a really nice way of displaying them. I love your vingette, as usual.....you have such a way with things.

[laurie magpie ethel]

Thanksgiving collection clarification- your third photo. I do have three of those wax turkeys...forgot to include them in the photo shoot and too lazy to go take a photo of them (has been in the 20s here and not wanting to stand outside taking turkey photos!) We do have more in common after all....xo

[Kim]

Love the line about 16 and 19 year olds being the most cheerful helpers!! I have 2 boys ages 16 and 19 and I know all about how cheerful they can be about helping mom! LOL!
Happy Thanksgiving!!!

[susan]

you've got quite the collection!! happy thanksgiving!! susan

[HeidiAnn]

I adore your Thanksgiving collections. I am of the opinion that one can never have too many turkeys.
My husband looked around in the dining room and said "You sure do have a lot of turkeys, sweetie" - and all I could do was think about the ones I was sorry I passed up at the thrift stores recently. It is getting to the point around here (or maybe it's already gotten there) where if I bring anything else into this house, there quite literally is NOWHERE to keep it. As it is, my myriad bins full of holiday decorations have to be stored elsewhere.
Sheesh. It's a sickness.
I hope you all have a wonderful Thanksgiving, Barbara!

[Lavender Dreams]

How sweet they all are! Happy Thanksgiving my friend! Hugs, Diane ♥

[Brenda Kula]

I have Thanksgiving alone, as my husband works. And I'm blissful about it. Because I don't have to cook and I get to make ornaments for my tree all day!
Brenda

[Beth Leintz]

You are absolutely the queen of vintage holiday decor- you should write a book.