Hi friends! I’m so glad you’re here today since I am sharing a Thanksgiving mantel decor styling inspired by traditions and history. Thanksgiving is the quintessential American holiday ingrained in culture, history and tradition, which is celebrated on the 4th Thursday in the month of November. This traditional Thanksgiving mantel decor is a bit unconventional, taking a page from the history books.
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Inspiration Behind the Traditional Thanksgiving Mantel Decor
Not too long ago I stumbled upon this tapestry at a vintage sale at my local thrift shop. There was quite a few varieties, and although I wanted to bring all of them home, this old fashioned sail ship design just called to me. It called to me loudly! I don’t know why, but it gave me all the Mayflower vibes and here we are.
All the tapestries at the vintage.sale had the same hanging loops. I don’t know if they were window treatments or wall coverings, but they were quite a few and would assume from the same home. I really, really, REALLY wanted to bring a whole bunch of them home. Most of them had more of the romantic type of Roman scenes, which are reminiscent of the Victorian era. But this sail ship was a little bit different and it just spoke to me. I think the details in the sails did it for me.
It really wasn’t realistic for me to bring more tapestries home. Although they were all beautiful and actually priced reasonably, I resisted and only came home with this one. If I remember correctly I paid $14, which is amazing considering the quality. This mantle styling is just a pit stop for the tapestry since I have a final master plan for this pretty. For today, I will be using it as an accent on my traditional Thanksgiving mantel decor styling as a Mayflower inspired decor piece. I will share how I ultimately use this beautiful tapestry piece once the Holidays crazies are over.
Components for the Thanksgiving Traditional Mantel Decor Styling
Mayfair Ship Tapestry
The Mayflower is one of the most famous ships in American history, primarily known for transporting the Pilgrims from England to the New World in 1620. Upon reaching the New World, the Pilgrims established Plymouth Colony. The ship played a crucial role in the early settlement’s survival. The Mayflower’s journey is commemorated annually in the United States during Thanksgiving, symbolizing the Pilgrims’ quest for freedom and the establishment of a new home.
The story of the Mayflower has become an integral part of American folklore, representing themes of exploration, perseverance, and the quest for religious freedom. The ship’s legacy continues to influence American identity and history today. And although I’m very aware that this tapestry is not period accurate from the style of ship itself, the garments and more. BUT for today’s purposes and this styling, it represents the importance of the Mayflower for the Thanksgiving festivities. Stay with me.
1st Thanksgiving Painting
I found this historic painting of “The First Thanksgiving” by artist Jennie Augusta Brownscombe in1914 online. I had it printed to fit this thrifted frame. Then I used a similar treatment as this to make it look like a painting. Pilgrims in Puritan-looking dress gather around a table with Native American Indians ready to feast together, while a pastor blesses the meal.
It is said about the painting that this view of the first Thanksgiving in 1621 is very far from accurate. Although wildly inaccurate, the First Thanksgiving story is undoubtedly a key piece of American identity. I love the emotions the painting depicts and few things could be more quintessentially American.
Vintage Turkey Mold
The main event for the Thanksgiving menu in modern days is mister turkey. Turkey was probably not served at the first thanksgiving feast, but rather other wildfowl like duck or geese. Regardless, turkey has become the Thanksgiving meal symbol. This vintage chocolate mold has a stately presence, representing the beloved thanksgiving meal. .
I bought this vintage candy mold many years ago from a fellow colleague at Paris Flea Market, where we both peddled vintage goods. It’s a prized possession around here, and I absolutely love it. It’s a great size and in wonderful condition. I remember at the time I thought it was pricey even with my vendor discount, but I’m so glad I splurged. It comes out to play every Thanksgiving and it’s a great representation of the turkey meal.
Pumpkins, Acorns & Leaves
It’s believed pumpkin was probably at the original Thanksgiving feast. Pumpkins are ingrained in Thanksgiving menus and of course pumpkin decor has saturated through so many decor sensibilities. Velvet pumpkins are scattered on the mantle shelf along with other organic inspired elements.
The velvet pumpkins are paired with velvet acorns, DIY walnut acorns, dried leaves and eucalyptus pods. The organic elements bring a touch of freshness and sparkle across the mantel styling.
Dried Floral Arrangement
To add to the organic feels and include added texture, a rattan vase with dried eucalyptus branches flanks the mirror on one side. I have had these branches close to 10 years now, and they have gone from vibrant green to muted brown. I have loved using them in every stage of the journey.
Many of the leaves and pods have fallen off through the years. I just save them and use them scattered about like on the mantel here.
Thanksgiving Traditions
There are so many Thanksgiving traditions starting from that Mayflower voyage across the Atlantic to the first feast bringing the Pilgrims and Indians together to the current day celebrations across the United States. And although all our own personal traditions and particular festivities might look a little bit different they are all ingrained on the same history and beliefs.
Thanksgiving is all about coming together around a meal, to count our blessings and be thankful for the freedoms these Puritans set in motion so many years ago when they landed on Plymouth Rock. Whatever your traditions might be, take a few minutes to honor the amazing history and symbolism behind the holiday.
Closing Thoughts
Although this traditional Thanksgiving mantel decor styling is a bit unconventional and not my usual aesthetic it speaks volumes and makes me happy in an unpredictable way. This sail ship tapestry inspired the project as I had Mayflower emotions. It’s refreshing to allow creative license to guide you sometimes. It will take you to unexpected places.
I am looking forward for Miss Masterpiece to arrive from college next week. We will all be together again to celebrate the Thanksgiving festivities. I have ordered the turkey and will start shopping for non-perishable supplies this week. The last few years we have spatchcocked our turkey, and now it’s our go to technique. How do you prepare your turkey? If you don’t have turkey, what do you eat instead? I love to hear everyone’s traditions and customs. Thanks for being here friends, until next time.
Shopping the Traditional Thanksgiving Mantel Look
- Mayflower Art Print
- Mayflower Canvas
- First Thanksgiving Vintage Art
- Chocolate Velvet Pumpkin
- Set of Brown Velvet Pumpkins
- Golden Velvet Pumpkin
- Velvet Acorns
- Artificial Eucalyptus Pod Branch
- Preserved Foliage Dried Eucalyptus Pods, 20 Stems
- Rattan Vase
- Basketweave Vase
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Give thanks not just on Thanksgiving Day, but every day of your life. Appreciate and never take for granted all that you have.”
Catherine Pulsifer