6 Ways to Make the Kids' Table Fun

Country Living

Forget the turkey, the real undertaking at a Thanksgiving feast is keeping the little ones entertained. Keep them smiling throughout the holiday with these creative ideas.


We have ideas for the adults' table too. Check out: Festive Thanksgiving Table Ideas


1. Ship Race

Ship-race game from One Charming Party
Ship-race game from One Charming Party


Kids will have a blast (and a friendly competition) with this homemade ship-race game from Brittany of One Charming Party. The miniature Nina, Pinta, and Santa Maria are constructed from painted milk or orange juice cartons-and propelled by balloons!

Complete How-To: Ship Race


2. Cake Pops


Turn these popular treats into an adorable gaggle of gobblers. Angie from Bakerella.com created these turkeys using snacks such as caramel-dipped candy corn (for feathers) and coated espresso beans (for faces).

Complete How-To: Turkey Cake Pops

See More:Holiday Food Recipes


3. Thank-You Tree


Remind the kids that the holiday is about more than food and football with this pretty paper tree from Frog Prince Paperie. Guests can write down what they're grateful for on a paper leaf and tie it on a branch with ribbon. By the end of the evening, the kids' table centerpiece will be emboldened with fall colors and personal touches. (Tree of Thanks, $5; etsy.com)

See More: Holiday Travel Tips


4. Paper Turkey


Take turkey to a whole new place with brown paper bags-fashioned to mimic a traditional Thanksgiving bird, but filled with popcorn! This clever craft from Brittany (of One Charming Party) even includes cute little drumstick frills.

Complete How-to: Paper Turkey


5. Chalkboard Placemats


These mini chalkboards from pocketfulofdreams.co.uk double as namecards-and just might inspire an impromptu art show after dinner. Don't forget the chalk!

Complete How-To: Chalkboard Placemats


6. Treat Bags


This fun craft, devised by Brittany from One Charming Party, may look like corn on the cob-but rip open the yellow paper to reveal any manner of goodies (think: stickers, candy necklaces, etc).

Complete How-To: Treat Bags



Get More Thanksgiving Ideas from CountryLiving.com:

50 Classic Thanksgiving Side Dishes


10 Tasty Ideas for Leftover Turkey Sandwiches


101 Pie Recipes


The Beekman Boys' Thanksgiving


Reprinted with permission of Hearst Communications, Inc.