I’m not sure just what started it, but more than likely it was just like any other collection, you just find something that speaks to your heart and you purchase it and put it in a place where you can enjoy it and it goes from there.
That’s probably the way my obsession with turkey platters started. I bought a set of Johnson Brothers Thanksgiving dishes and when they arrived, the platter was so beautiful it just took my breath away. The whole set was well crafted and I knew this would be something that I would hand down to my children, but then, I have three, and a granddaughter, so I had to buy enough so that each of them would have one set when I’m gone.
I found the next set, complete with platter and even a tureen (!) at an auction. I was lucky enough to win the whole set, and a box of amber glasses to go with them.
Then I discovered eBay… need I say more?
eBay is both a blessing and a curse. You can find almost anything you want there, the problem is, there is practically an unlimited supply of anything that anyone could possibly want. And you can shop in your pajamas.
So, one day I clicked on an eBay search for turkey platters. Oh, what a big mistake that was!
There are little platters and big platters, antiques, vintage, new, used, and NIB, which means New in Box, for you eBay novices.
There were hand-painted platters, name brand platters and platters no one has ever heard of before.
So started my obsession with new and different turkey platters for each year. Now, in a repurposed entertainment center in my foyer, resides , for 364 days a year, my collection of turkey platters which come out this time of year to fill bookshelves, wall nooks, tables, sideboards, mantles and any place I can find to put one.
The house looks a little like a crazed turkey collector’s paradise, with more turkey platters than anyone would ever need in a three or four lifetimes.
Of course, while looking online for all of these turkey platter deals, you come across other turkey stuff that goes along with the platters, and the season, like salt and pepper shakers in every shape imaginable that anyone ever thought of associating with Thanksgiving. There are little pilgrim and Indian salt and pepper shakers, in addition to hundreds of tiny turkey sets. Then there are miniature ears of corn, cute pumpkins of every shade of orange under the sun, gourds and autumn leaves. So, there begins another collection…
Then of course, you need a tablecloth, and not any old tablecloth will do when you have such an important table to set.
So, the hunt for the perfect tablecloth is on, and of course, eBay is glad to oblige you in your search!
Now you have the dishes, the salt and pepper shakers, the perfect vintage tablecloth and BAM! You realize that you need a centerpiece, so back to eBay and another collection is born!
There are ugly turkey centerpieces, lifelike turkey centerpieces, wooden ones, ceramic and porcelain ones, resin, straw and ones with real feathers. It’s mind-boggling to even begin to try choosing just one, so you get two…or three.
Now, what else could you possibly need to make your holiday home complete? Dishes, of course, duh…how can you have a holiday meal that important without the dishes that go with the platters? Which leads to chargers, soup bowls, bread and butter plates, and cups and saucers.
George Carlin would have a field day with the amount of stuff that goes into this one meal. He would also have fodder for several one-hour sets about the amount of food prepared and served at one time. And he would be right…
One thing I can tell you about cooking Thanksgiving dinner is this: My paternal grandparents had 11 children. Those multiplied into 24 grands and 43 great-grands. Needless to say, the term ‘groaning table’ was aptly applied in the case of Thanksgiving and Christmas at their house. Now, I can safely say that Thanksgiving is a real celebration here, too, with turkey platters for almost every dish.
It’s sort of scary how one turkey platter can lead to all of this, but it sure makes the house feel like a celebration of all things turkey – and of family and friends, and food – but especially of thankfulness and love.
We at The Cullman Tribune and CullmanSense would like to wish you and your family a wonderful Thanksgiving season!
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