This Massive, Turkey-Shaped Candle Smells Just Like Stuffing — And I Actually Love It

As much as I love my home fragrance diffuser, every now and then I’m confronted by a candle with a fragrance so unique, and a vessel so stunningly kitschy in its design, that it forces me to put my plug-in on pause. Right now it’s this HomeWorx Ceramic Turkey Filled Candle by Slatkin + Co. It’s a five-wick candle that claims to smell of “homestyle stuffing,” weighs a whopping 50 ounces, and is encased in a giant ceramic turkey — it’s a fall feast for the senses (no pun intended). The festive fowl can be yours for $90 on QVC, but before you fork over the cash you can read my review of it. (I tested it myself to see if it’s truly worth it.)

It’s a 50-ounce five-wick candle in a vessel shaped like a turkey; its upper body and fanned-out tail feathers make up the removable lid. 10.5 inches tall and glazed in a glossy brown finish, it’s so much more than your average candle. It’s a quirky conversation-starter and an eye-catching centerpiece for all your fall get-togethers. 

What really sets the turkey candle apart, though, is the scent. I’ve sniffed my fair share of pumpkin spice, cinnamon, toasted vanilla, and other fall candles this time of year, but I’ve never smelled anything like this. Slatkin + Co. calls it a “homestyle stuffing” scent, with notes of toasted bread, melted butter, sage, and rosemary. Like the pumpkin-y candles you’re used to, this one smells edible in a totally different way. It’s herbaceous, warm, and oddly savory — the perfect way to set the mood for friendsgiving hosting. 

Given the candle’s decorative design, I was dubious about its scent throw (candle speak for the strength of the fragrance and how well it fills a room). But I was pleasantly surprised! I was hit by a waft of buttery, rosemary-scented goodness from the moment I removed the lid. Once all five wicks were lit and burning, it wasn’t long before my small apartment smelled like a comforting Thanksgiving feast. The rich and doughy aroma had hints of fresh herbs and subtle spice — just like my favorite holiday dish.

While it’s not something I’d want my apartment to smell like all the time, I can see myself lighting this while entertaining to trick guests into thinking I’ve got something special baking in the oven, or now during the fall months to get me excited for all the festivities to come. 

While it might be a touch too large for my tiny bistro table (espresso cup pictured for scale), the turkey candle is the anchor that my coffee table needed, with its beautiful polished ceramic and hefty silhouette. What’s more, it brings a quirky festive look to my living room and complements my other miscellaneous tchotchkes. I could easily see it being the focal point of any Thanksgiving tablescape, though, and plan on bringing mine to my family’s turkey day celebration this year as a fun surprise.

Plus, once you’ve burned through it all, the vessel can be repurposed as a decorative storage container or a festive accent to put on display every year. It’s the kind of candle you’ll keep for years to come, and maybe even pass on to friends and family like a coveted heirloom. 

While yes, the candle is a splurge at $90, the one-of-a-kind scent and sculptural vessel reminds me of something you’d see from a luxury home brand at double the price. So if you have the funds and love the sights and smells of Thanksgiving, I say go for it. It’s more than just a candle — it’s a festive fall centerpiece and an heirloom you’ll keep for years. It makes a thoughtful gift for the fall-obsessed hosts in your life, too.

Buy: Ceramic Turkey Filled Candle by Slatkin + Co, $90 (originally $99)