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A Family and Friends Thanksgiving
More to Do than Just Eat!
Thanksgiving is about family and friends, isn't it? Yes. Something to be
thankful for besides silly stuff like what's material. There's nothing better
than to sit down with family and friends at Thanksgiving for a day and evening
of fun. You don't want everyone to eat and run, do you? I should hope not.
Invitation
You can just call everyone or you can send a flier or Thanksgiving invite
from your local stationary store--or you can do both! I opt for both. Of
course.
If you are mailing an invitation, why not ask everyone to bring something
that can be donated to the food bank or a local shelter. You'll all feel good
about yourselves. And you'll be helping those less fortunate.
When you call people to remind them what time to come and what to bring,
drop a few hints that this won't be a regular Thanksgiving. Tell them you have
big plans for a great day--not just people and turkeys sitting around saying,
"I'm stuffed!"
Decorations
At the door, you can place a good old scarecrow. Finally, you can get rid
of your husband's raggedy old pants and flannel shirt for a good cause (tell
him later). Put a big basket of apples next to Mr. Scarecrow for him to guard.
Throw in a bunch of leaves, and stick a sign in the basket (easy to make--just
attach tag board to a post and stick it in) that says, "Welcome to the
Smith's Thanksgiving Day Feast--no crows allowed!!"
As far as the rest of the house, make it cozy. Lots of candlelight, fall
leaves, fall fruits and vegetables placed in appropriate nooks and crannies.
Stop at your favorite craft store and pick up some cornucopia-shaped baskets,
turkey-shaped baskets and others that are appropriate--and fill them full with
miniature pumpkins, gourds, apples and more.
This
cornfield scene setter can help with the mood.
Afraid to use
paper plates, etc., because you'll look cheap?? I bet
your family would rather have you spend the time with them than cleaning up
the kitchen--so go for it. Use a solid plate underneath for the main course if
you're worried the plates won't hold up under turkey, dressing, yams, squash
all piled high--but it's not necessary.
At each place, put a 9" dinner plate with a 7" plate on top for
appetizers or salad. Do yourself a favor and use solid
black plastic utensils (wow, that makes it easy). Put a matching paper cup
at each place with a matching cocktail napkin coming out. Add the utensils to
the cup so it's all in one neat package. Alternate solid color luncheon
napkins and themed napkins at each place setting.
Don't forget guest
towels in the bathroom (plus some candles with a base of fall leaves).
Menu
Check out our
recipe ideas and links for all
sorts of good stuff including low-fat, vegetarian and "I want to pig out
so much I can't walk" menus. Get everyone involved, though, by asking
each to bring a dish and/or helping to decorate cookies, cakes and more as
soon as they arrive. On the buffet, put out little table tents in front of
each item that says who made it and what it is.
Activities
Since this is a family and friends affair, do things that include everyone.
Here are some ideas:
Photo Guessing Game (aka Guest by Number)
Go through your old photos and find an old picture of each and every
person who is coming (if you don't have one, ask them to mail you one).
Number them and put them up on a board for all to see. Make a form with each
guest's name with a blank next to it and while dinner is being prepared, ask
everyone to guess who is who (guest by number).
If you have the energy, before dinner remove the pictures and use them as
place cards. Boy will people be surprised when they see who sits where!
Family Photo Opportunity
Divide guests into groups of four or six and give them each a single-use
camera. Along with the camera, pass out a list of things they have to do for
the camera (as a group): make a pyramid, frown, stick out their tongues,
etc. They'll have a ball and boy, will you have something to show next year!
Party411’s Creations
for You has some other
photo opportunities worth checking out.
Thanksgiving Decorations and More
Decorate your home,
your family and friends as well as your table! There are loads of
Thanksgiving and Football watching party stuff…(use it now, use it New
Year's Day and use it at your Super Bowl party) so have fun!
Thanksgiving Party Planning and Decorating Ideas from Party411.com
Thanksgiving Planning Guide
Decorating411
Thanksgiving Decorating411
Creations For You!
Thanksgiving Creations For You
Great
Thanksgiving
Party
Themes
Just Add Guest™
- Thanksgiving
Shades of Autumn
Crafts Party (Before or At Thanksgiving)
The Very First Thanksgiving (with Pilgrims and
Indians)
Family and Friends
The Turkey Bowl
Let's Talk Turkey
Day After Thanksgiving Potluck
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