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Thanksgiving 2012: Kids’ table decor
Beth Engelman adds "snacks to gobble" to a kid-friendly Thanksgiving place setting with a drumstick place card. | Ryan Pagelow~Sun-Times Media
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Updated: November 14, 2012 3:17PM
Upgrade the “kids’ table” at your Thanksgiving feast with whimsical table settings and colorful activities.
SNACKS TO GOBBLE CENTERPIECE
Let your centerpiece do double duty with this easy to make Styrofoam turkey. The cornucopia feathers are filled with goodies that are perfect for hungry kids (and adults) who need a little pick-me-up before the meal begins.
You need:
Large Styrofoam cake round (available at most craft stores)
Small Styrofoam cake round (available at most craft stores)
Brown non-toxic acrylic paint
Construction paper
Straight pins, toothpicks or strong adhesive
Decorative paper
Double-sided tape
Lollipop sticks
Bite-size goodies (such as Chex Cereal, Cheerios, candy corn, raisins, etc.)
Directions:
Paint the Styrofoam cake rounds and set aside to dry.
Make the turkey’s eyes, beak and waddle out of construction paper.
When cake rounds dry, use straight pins, toothpicks or glue to attach the turkey’s face to its head (small cake round) and then attach its head to its body (large cake round).
To make the feathers, cut decorative paper into circles (about 8½” diameter) and then cut circles in half. Roll into cones, leaving a hole at the bottom just big enough to fit over a lollipop stick.
Insert lollipop sticks into turkey to hold cones. It’s a good idea to insert the sticks at an angle so snacks won’t fall out.
Insert cones over sticks and fill with goodies.
TURKEY LEG PLACE CARD
Delight your young guests with personalized drumsticks filled with popcorn. Not only are they fun take-home favors, but they can also come in handy if your holiday meal is followed by a movie on the couch.
You need:
Popcorn (already popped)
Brown lunch bags
White construction paper
Directions:
Trim 1-2 inches off the top of each bag.
Push in the pointed corners at the bottom of each bag.
Fill bags with popcorn and then mold and twist into “drumsticks.”
For each drumstick, add a turkey bone by inserting a small strip of white construction paper, topped with a white heart.
Tape bags closed, and then add guests’ names with stickers, markers or computer printout.
PILGRIM HAT CRAYON HOLDER
Keep your little ones busy with paper and crayons housed in a cute pilgrim’s hat.
You need:
Black plastic cup (or cover cup with black construction paper)
Construction paper (yellow, black and white)
Directions:
Cut the bottom of the cup and then turn upside down.
Add a black rim and decorative buckle and band with construction paper and glue.
Fill hat with crayons, but don’t forget to pair with white paper so as to avoid any unwanted “table decorations.”
SAILBOAT PLACE CARD
Who needs the Mayflower when you can sail the Jen, Hal or Glen?
You need:
Small oval-shaped boxes (available at craft stores)
Construction paper
Playdough
Popsicle sticks
Glue
Directions:
Make a sail out of construction paper. Write guest’s name on sail.
Glue sail to Popsicle stick. Place a small ball of playdough at the bottom of the box (which will be used for holding the ship’s mast).
Insert Popsicle stick into the play dough. Add decorative waves to the outside of the boat with blue construction paper.
Fill boat with bite-sized goodies if desired.
Thank you to Lisa Storms and Fiskars for inspiring these ideas. For more creative activities and crafts visit www2.fiskars.com.~>.
