This idea is equal parts simple craft project, entertainment for kids, Thanksgiving centerpiece, and feel-good activity. With a few simple items, you can create this Thanksgiving Thankful Tree and fill it with all the things you and your guests are grateful for this year. It's a perfect gathering activity as your guests arrive, and simple enough that you can put the kids in charge of putting it together while you're taking care of last-minute details for dinner. You'll need the following items:
- One sturdy branch from outside, about 3 or 4 feet tall
- One vase, preferably tall and narrow
- Whole nuts or smooth pebbles to secure the branch
- Leaves cut out from colored paper (find a free template here)
- Twine to secure leaves to tree
- Pens, pencils, markers, or crayons for guests to use to write
If you're feeling ambitious, you can spray paint the tree branch in advance to create more of a contrast. Otherwise, hold the branch in the center of the vase and fill the sides in with nuts or pebbles to secure it and keep it straight. Cut strips of twine just long enough to tie leaves to branches. Cut out multiple leaves, at least one per guest. Each guest can write his or her name on a leaf, along with what they are thankful for this year, before securing it to the tree. Once complete, place the tree in the center of the table for everyone to enjoy.
My favorite part of the Thankful Tree? It can be used again and again each year, and the leaves become a sweet way to remember Thanksgivings past!
One more thing—don't forget to enter our
3rd Annual "Give Thanks with the Gift of Cookies" Giveaway! Entries accepted until midnight Sunday!
(Image via BHG.)
