Tiny Talk » Holidays

Fun and Functional Thanksgiving Kids’ Tables

Contributors — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 00:49:46 +0000

Post by Jessica R.

Grown-up table centerpieces are fancy and beautiful, but the kid’s table deserves some attention beyond holiday paper plates and napkins. You can even make their decorations pull double duty: make the place festive and keep the kids entertained.

1) Start by covering the kids’ table with white butcher paper. You can draw the outlines of place mats directly onto the paper, or trace plates, cups, knives, forks, and spoons to help little kids know how to set their table. Or you can leave the paper blank and let the kids’ creativity soar.

2) Supply crayons, markers, glitter glue, stampers, anything to give the kids something to play with before, during, and after dinner!

3) Get creative and fancy beforehand and make this adorable turkey centerpiece! Since it’s made with half of a Styrofoam ball, you can make two—one for markers and one for crayons.

4) Worried that your little diners will need more to distract them? Check out all the fun Thanksgiving coloring pages and activities supplied by Crayola or fill a centerpiece basket with tiny Playdoh tins, Silly Putty, stickers, or other fun treats.

With all that keeping the kids entertained grown-ups will have plenty of time to enjoy their meal, their wine, and the great company!

Gorgeous Last Minute Thanksgiving Centerpieces

Katie — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 16:43:51 +0000

Still haven’t decided what will go in the center of your Thanksgiving table? Don’t worry–as long as you have lentils, hazelnuts or mini pumpkins nearby, creating a last minute Thanksgiving centerpiece will be a breeze with these simple ideas.

Raffia, Lentil and Orange Candle Centerpiece from Everyday with Rachael Ray

Nuts About Candles Centerpiece from Good Housekeeping

Pumpkin Candle Centerpieces from Martha Stewart

Cranberry Centerpieces from Midwest Prep

Fresh Ideas for Thanksgiving Leftovers

Katie — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 20:17:10 +0000

Thanksgiving is right around the corner, which probably means you are busy planning your menu, prepping the kitchen and calling friends and relatives to confirm what time they should show up for the festivities.

In all of your party planning however, don’t forget to think about what you and your family will do with all of those leftovers! Here’s a list of unique recipes that include leftover turkey in fun, international dishes. Delish!

Turkey Burritos with Salsa and Cilantro

Add salsa, peppers, onion, cheese and a few spices to give your leftover Thanksgiving turkey a Mexican kick! See the full recipe at Epicurious

Turkey Spring Rolls

With cabbage, peanuts and a hint of spicy chili sauce, these Thai-style spring rolls will help your leftover turkey make the transition from tired to tempting! Find the recipe at Cookthink.

Turkey Tetrazzini

A creamy blend of cheeses combined with a crisp layer of breadcrumbs ensures that this leftover turkey dish will be gobbled up in no time. Make the recipe with help from Reader’s Digest.

Turkey Paella Salad

Add prosciutto, cranberries and your favorite veggies to this flavorful salad and finish it off with vinaigrette. Find the recipe at Better Homes & Gardens.

Turkey Samosas

Leftover turkey, mashed potatoes, mango chutney and pie crust are all you need to create these unique, fusion-style samosas from Real Simple.