THANKSGIVING TABLSCAPE JUST FOR KIDS

The kiddie table-the name evokes images of card tables and folding chairs, a temporary way station for kids before they're old enough to graduate to the "big table". Not anymore. You can create a fun and festive table in no time with traditional decorative elements and fun crafts--a stylish destination that might even evoke a longing glance or two from guests at the "big table."

Start the meal with a Mayflower mocktail, a yummy blend of cranberry and grape juice topped with lemon-lime soda. 

Place a whimsical Pilgram Hat filled with crudite or popcorn at each place setting for muching before the turkey arrives. 

The faux wood placemats are a stylish alternative to a tablecloth and kids can busy themselves coloring it. 

Rustic colored pencils add to the Thanksgiving theme

Add a plate of nutterbutter cupcakes dressed as Tom the turkey for dessert and you have a party! 

TRADITION

We're off to the Macy's Day parade this morning with the kids-I just love a good parade! Watching the floats glide by from the sidelines has been a family tradition for over two decades.  Other Thanksgiving traditions-two kinds of savory dressings on the table, a huge family dinner and a friendly game of flag football in the late afternoon. 

What are your favorite Thanksgiving traditions?

Wishing you a day filled with fun, family and traditions, both old and new!

SERVE IT UP

Beautiful artisanal serving dishes and utensils can transform a carton of takeout into a culinary  knockout. I have a gorgeous stag carving set that is so beautiful it begs to be used table side. It's always used to carve the turkey--so exquisite, I should find occasions to use them more.  I'm partial to nature inspired serving pieces-their unique designs lends warmth and always make the table look special. Some of my favorite pieces for the season include:

Dinner time dome by Ben Cabelli

Olive wood cheese board

Michael Aram's acacia fig leaf serving bowl

A trio of lacquered wood trays-perfect for serving and cleanup

Luminescent Alpaca bone servers

 

HAPPY THANKSGIVING

We're off the the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, a annual tradition for our family. There are new floats to see, crowds to navigate and photos to be taken- somehow we always manage to find the most spectacular view. The music, dancers and floats have a magical appeal to both the young and old and when Santa comes, this year riding his new sleigh, you know the its the official kickoff to the holiday season. Later we will spend the day with family sharing a delicious Thanksgiving dinner and finish the afternoon with a friendly (competitive) game of football.  Thank you for reading and sharing with me--I wish you a happy and healthy Thanksgiving Day!