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The Very First Thanksgiving
with Pilgrims and Indians

The Pilgrims and Indians joined together for that first Thanksgiving and worked to make it a meal worth remembering for centuries. So…since the whole family is gathered around, it's time to get everyone involved. Before dinner, divide your guests into groups so you have enough to make each of the items below. Then make sure they bring it to the table for show and tell!

But let’s start at the beginning!

Thanksgiving Invitation

Don’t just call everyone to come over…send them an invitation. Whether you make it on parchment paper or go with a personalized Thanksgiving invitation…take that extra step this year—since we have all come to appreciate our family and friends more than ever.

Thanksgiving Decorations and Party Supplies

Greet your guests with life-sized cutouts of the host and hostess dressed as pilgrims. A personalized Thanksgiving banner near the front door is a nice touch.

Add some color to the room with turkey tinsel garland and a fall leaves border. A bright Thanksgiving turkey decoration is a nice way to dress up a door or wall.

The Thanksgiving table is the most important part, so focus most of your energy here. Use miniature pumpkins as place cards (using magic marker to put names on each). Use fall fruits and vegetables center table for a cornucopia centerpiece and add some great harvest votive candles. Collect some beautiful leaves and use them to decorate tables and buffets--almost like confetti but lots better.

Use brown and orange linens if you don't mind renting some or buying some fabric at a local store. Use more turkey tinsel garland around each napkin and you'll have every touch you need. Finally, check out all the Thanksgiving paper goods to finish off your table. The napkins are fabulous, the plates are great and the matching table covers tie everything together. Because the Thanksgiving meal is hearty, you may want to stick to dessert plates, but that's up to you. The less to wash is the less to wash--if you know what I mean.

By the way, another centerpiece idea (for one table or more) is a gift basket filled with fruits that someone can take home (maybe the one with a winning leaf under their plate?) or if you have multiple tables, can be given to a shelter, etc. A nice thing to do, don't you think?

Thanksgiving Games and Activities

This is the best part of this party. As I mentioned above, before the party starts, get everyone involved in a history lesson of sorts that is hands-on. Provide the space and the materials and go back into the kitchen. Everyone will have a ball and dinner will be entertaining to say the least.

Circle Turkey

Supplies: Brown Paper Bags, Scrap Construction Paper, Glue, Crayons and Scissors

Cut two circles out of paper bags; one about 5 inches and one about 3 inches. Cut out a strip (about 1 inch by 3-4 inches) and accordion fold it. Glue one end toward the top of the large circle and the other end in the middle of the small circle. Cut an oval (about 2 inches by 4-5 inches) to be the head and neck. Glue it to the middle of the small circle. From the scrap construction paper, cut out feathers on glue them to the top edge of the large circle. Color on eyes, beak, etc.

Indian Vest

Supplies: Paper Bag, Scissors and Optional Materials (see below)

Cut a vest from the paper bag, cut a slit up the front and neck and arm holes. To decorate, either cut out construction paper shape (arrows, sun, designs, etc.) and glue them on, or, use potatoes to paint them (slice potato in half, cut design into potatoes, dip in paint and print onto vest).

Indian Headband

Supplies: Brown Construction Paper, Scissors, Stapler or Tape and Scrap Construction Paper

Cut brown construction paper into strips, fit it around child's head and staple or tape ends together. Cut feathers out of scrap construction paper and glue or staple onto headband.

Thanksgiving Characters

Supplies: Toilet Paper Roll, Crayons, Glue, Construction Paper and Scissors

Cover roll with black paper. Cut a small circle, draw a face on it, and glue it onto the roll. Other things to add: arms, feet hair hat brim, apron, etc. You can also make Indians and turkeys this way.

Hand Print Turkey

Supplies: Heavy Paper, Brown Paint and Feathers

Dip child's hand in paint, and make a handprint on the paper (make sure the fingers are spread). Draw on a beak and glue on feathers. We have also added beads for eyes.

Indian Drum

Supplies: Oatmeal Box or any can with a lid, Tape, Construction Paper, Rubber Bands, Crayons and Scissors

Cut a piece of construction paper to fit around can. Draw "Indian" designs on it, and tape it onto can. Cut 2 circles out of construction paper about an inch bigger than the lid. Put it over the top and bottom of the can, and use rubber bands to hold it on.

Paper Bag Turkey

Supplies: Brown Paper Bags, Scrap Construction Paper, Newspaper, Glue, Crayons and Scissors

Stuff the paper bag with newspaper, leaving about 3 inches to fold shut. Try to fold it so both ends look the same and then glue it shut. Cut out feather shapes and glue onto bag. Draw and cut out turkey head and neck; making two tabs where the base of the neck will be. Fold one tab forward and one tab back and attach it to the bag

Thanksgiving Cornucopia

Supplies: Paper Grocery Bags, Magazines, Glue, Crayons and Scissors

Cut the paper bag so you can flatten it. Cut out the cornucopia cone shape, add a circle to the
"open" end. Color it if desired. Cut out pictures of fruit from magazines and glue them onto circle of the horn.

Totem Pole

Supplies: Egg Cartons, Scrap Paper, Feathers, Beads, etc., Glue, Crayons and Scissors

Cut egg cartons into 4 rows of 3 cups. Glue 2 sections together, back to back, to form the totem pole. Decorate as desired.

Tree of Thanks

Supplies: 2 Paper Grocery Bags, Construction Paper (fall Colors), Crayons, Markers, or Pencils, Glue and Scissors

Cut open the grocery bags so it lays flat. Cut out a tree trunk with branches. Use colored paper and cut out leaf shapes. Have everyone write for what they are thankful on the leaves, and hang them on the tree.

Send everyone home with a personalized candy bar with some fun Thanksgiving wishes (Only a turkey would have missed this meal!) or something warm and fuzzy (From our house to yours – Thanks for coming!).