ROADSHOW's Retro Thanksgiving Tips

Nostalgia hits at Thanksgiving, especially at the dinner table with family and friends. Whether it's by setting out the silver or stirring up an old recipe, using vintage pieces can add just the right dash of warmth to your holiday meal. Go for retro to give a sense of humor and brighten up the table; mix in some primary colors or a fun pattern to your place settings. Accessible and easily collected, vintage kitchenware can spark a fond childhood memory or help build new ones with the family this Thanksgiving. From classy to cozy, ANTIQUES ROADSHOW has some helpful hints for keeping your kitchen from looking cookie-cutter this Turkey Day.

This Gourmet Cookbook holds the key to retro recipes. Photographs and descriptions of yesteryear's feasts in this book are the perfect fodder for mealtime talk. While you might use your grandmother's secret recipe for a perfect turkey every year, seek out a whimsical side dish to test out. Vintage recipe books are fascinating to explore with family and friends, a perfect way to revisit childhood Thanksgiving tales and treats.

Check out this vintage mixer; it has enough settings to whip up just about anything. Vintage appliances, while often non-functional, are generally inexpensive collectibles since they were mass-produced. From skillets to toasters, appliances from the mid-20th century can be appealing collectibles when they foster childhood memories.

As harvest season comes to a close, wooden crates and boxes can be reused as rustic accent pieces to warm up the living room. Stacked together like these two crates, they make a quaint side table for your extra appetizers and drinks. Simple designs and labels ensure that these pieces won't steal the attention from your world-famous pumpkin pie.

In order to preserve condition, silver is often saved for special occasions. While perfectly polished silver can make any meal look gourmet, part of the appeal can also be its idiosyncrasies. You might want to use the family silver on Thanksgiving, but a fun alternative is to look for inexpensive pieces with a few dings and scratches — that nice "worn-in" quality is perfect for comfort food.

In general, flatware table sets come in settings of 8 or 12. If you're looking to collect, search for complete sets, checking for prominent engravings and making sure they are in good condition with straight tines and smooth surfaces. If your purpose is to just add a bit of "shabby-chic" to your meal, though, it's playful to mix and match styles.

Take care of the silverware; a little wear and tear can be charming, but make sure not to put these pieces in the dishwasher. Hand-wash vintage flatware with warm, soapy water, dry with a soft cloth and keep it away from other metal pieces. Since the metal is delicate, vintage flatware isn't for daily use, but feel free to use it from time to time.

This hotel coffeepot, for example, has seen better days, but the years of handling give it character and a bit of backstory.

Kick up the excitement in the dining room with a retro twist! Search for energetic, unexpected colors that will add some pizzazz to that bowl of mashed potatoes. Using the bright and simple kitchenware from the 1950s and 60s can lend a clean, yet whimsical tone to your holiday meal.

These casserole dishes are unlikely to be found in a kitchen store anywhere today. Look for pieces that really represent the era that resonates most to you in a way that you appreciate; this could be bright colors or more humble hues.

Dessert, anyone? Retro pieces are often made of materials that can easily be cleaned with care and used more regularly. Plus, since they are oftentimes inexpensive, you won't be torn apart if gets dropped or chipped in the hustle and bustle. These glass cups, bowls, and saucers have a wacky pattern and texture, whipping together playfulness and functionality.

Kitsch is collectible, too; these cartoon glasses aren't just for kids. Irreverence adds a pinch of freshness to the table setting and a touch of sweetness on par with those candied yams. Avoid appearing too literal with kitschy items by matching them with modern, sleek pieces. Too casual for your Thanksgiving meal? Humorous dining items like these are welcome additions to pre-dinner reminiscing.