Thoughtful Thanksgiving Centerpiece

by Michele Cheplic | More from this Blogger

12 Nov 2008 01:20 PM

Prior to digging into the Thanksgiving turkey, stuffing and other delicious fixings, most families pause for a moment to reflect on all the things they are grateful for. To help facilitate this tradition this year consider making the following holiday craft project:

THANKSGIVING BOUQUET

This simple yet colorful project doubles as an attractive Thanksgiving centerpiece and a valuable activity for the entire family. The Thanksgiving Bouquet is crafted from paper leaves and sticks. It can be made a few days in advance or a few hours before your Thanksgiving dinner. Prior to eating have each guest choose a "thankful leaf" from the bouquet and read it aloud.

Materials:

Construction paper (yellow, red, brown, green, and orange)

Scissors

Black Sharpie marker

Craft sticks

Craft glue

Medium-size woven basket

Floral foam

Moss (Spanish or American)

Wide ribbon

Leaf pattern or real fall leaf

Directions:

Trace real leaf on construction paper.

Cut out leaf and use as your pattern.

Fold construction paper in half evenly.

Lay leaf pattern so that the end of the leaf rests on the crease.

Trace around the leaf pattern and cut it out so you end up with leaf-shaped cards.

Write the name of each of your guests on the front of the leaves. (You can use a Sharpie or for a fancier look, use glitter glue.)

As guests arrive to your home have each write what they are thankful for inside the card.

Glue leaves to craft sticks and allow to dry.

Tie decorative ribbon around the rim of a basket.

Place a large piece of floral foam inside the basket and cover with moss.

When sticks are dry insert them through the moss and into the floral foam.

After guests are seated around the table, pass the basket around and have each person read their card out loud.

Related Articles:

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Fall Art Projects Featuring Squash

Decorations Using Acorn Squash

Fall Fun for Kids: Acorn Art Projects

Fun Fall Crafts for Preschoolers: Homemade Trees

More Ways to Have Fun with Fall Leaves

Autumn Crafts for Kids: Fun with Leaves

How to Make a Unique Fall Wreath with Your Kids

Seasonal Decorating-Getting Your Home Ready For Fall

Learn more about Michele Cheplic

Michele Cheplic was born and raised in Hilo, Hawaii, but now lives in Wisconsin. Michele graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a degree in Journalism.

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