Forget Pyrex: The Autumnal Dishware Pattern To Thrift For Your Thanksgiving Table

We may receive a commission on purchases made from links.

There are no shortage of discontinued Pyrex patterns that naturally fit into the warm, fall-inspired theme of Thanksgiving — after all, the brand quite literally produced a print called "Autumn Harvest" — but there's no reason to limit your search to this one company. If you're looking to expand your horizons and pick up some dishes and dining accessories that are sure to make a statement on your table, the Autumn line by Franciscan is worth keeping an eye out for. This print is aptly named, featuring stylized falling leaves in subtle green, yellow, blue, and red tones atop a green-speckled cream backdrop.

Franciscan Ceramics has been around since 1875, but the brand didn't begin producing dinnerware until the 1930s. It's safe to say this pivot was a success — in the following decades, Franciscan's items were displayed in museums, were used to build murals, and even became the dinnerware of choice on Air Force One thanks to Jacqueline Kennedy. The Autumn pattern in particular harkens back to this era thanks to the fact that it was produced between 1955 and 1969. The '70s saw the real heyday of these patterns — the trending colors of this decade were warm and earthy and the Bicentennial resulted in an overall embrace of patriotism and American holidays, creating the perfect storm for a bevy of seasonal products. By contrast, the leaf designs on this Franciscan pattern are minimal and graphic, even incorporating some cool tones, making this line a great find for lovers of mid-century modern decor too. 

You never know what you're going to find at the thrift store, but the overall popularity of this print, its fairly long production timeline, and the sheer number of items in the collection means that coming across it secondhand likely won't be that difficult. The line includes over 30 different pieces that range from oil and vinegar dispensers to simple dessert plates, so there's a very low chance you'll come across a complete set. Sourcing a handful of plates or bowls, on the other hand, should be a walk in the park.

If you're not having luck in person at your local thrift or antique stores, check out online retailers like eBay or Etsy. Here, you can find complete dish sets or individual pieces for fairly reasonable prices. Single items could run you less than $10 but might increase in price for bigger or more intricate pieces, while larger collections typically sit between $60 and $175 depending on the specific items they contain. You can also find individual items in limited quantities on replacement websites if you're looking for a particular piece.

When it comes down to identifying whether or not you actually found a Franciscan Autumn item, the company, thankfully, made this very easy. Authenticating your latest thrifting find is as easy as looking for a stamp that shows the brand's name on the bottom. Also be sure to double check the pattern and inspect the item for any damage to ensure you're getting the print you're looking for in good condition.

As with any vintage product that's intended for use with food, we have to issue a disclaimer — lead in dinnerware wasn't regulated until 1971, placing this collection firmly in the danger zone. It's possible that the Franciscan's Autumn line contain lead levels greater than what is commonly accepted as safe. So, it's best to be cautious when featuring it in your holiday tablescape.

Rather than using your plates and thrifted items to serve Thanksgiving dinner, consider repurposing larger plates as decorative chargers or using serving items to display festive decor on the table. Large Autumn dishes would look gorgeous under solid-colored, modern plates in dusty green, blue, gold, or orange to match the leaf motif. Mugs, teapots, cruets, and pitchers could make a stunning vessel for the perfect fall bouquet; while bowls and serving platters are perfect for holding mini pumpkins or pine cones. By taking a more decorative approach to using this vintage dinnerware line, you'll still get to enjoy the gorgeous pattern without the risk.