Coke "Post Thanksgiving" Ad with Image Markup

Most brands stop marketing after the big holiday. Coke didn’t. This 1978 ad shows exactly how to extend a moment—taking something as simple as Thanksgiving leftovers and turning it into a fun, relatable experience.

Marketing analysis

The image markup breaks down every ingredient from the leftovers sandwich—each pointing to nostalgic items (“Aunt May’s candied yams,” “Uncle Jim’s ham”)—then casually adds one more thing: a chilled Coke. The visual hierarchy and storytelling make Coke part of the post-holiday tradition, not just a drink.

Why it works

• Taps into universal emotions: family, food, and nostalgia
• Uses specifics (“Aunt May,” “Uncle Jim”) to feel familiar and warm
• Reframes a common situation (leftovers) into something enjoyable
• Seamlessly inserts the product into daily life
• Keeps copy conversational and visual

Examples

• Oreo connects new flavors to everyday moments (“Twist, Lick, Dunk, Repeat”)
• Campbell’s Soup runs cozy “real meal” winter campaigns
• Starbucks turns seasonal drinks into cultural events (pumpkin spice every fall)
• Heinz ads show ketchup on leftovers the day after BBQ season
• Airbnb’s “Made Possible By Hosts” celebrates real-life stories, not just listings