Thanksgiving is just around the corner and I have been reflecting on the progression of our Thanksgivings over the years. This used to be the one holiday that my entire side of the family came together. We spent several days at my mom’s house baking, taking walks through the almond orchards in her town, playing games, bike riding, watching movies, and preparing for the big feast on Thanksgiving Day. When my mom passed away, 6 years ago, everything about this beloved holiday changed. We started getting together with my family the weekend after Thanksgiving for a non traditional meal, which has still made for some really fun memories, but some years, we have found ourselves at home on Thanksgiving Day, just the 5 of us.
I love to create memories that my kids will look back on with joy when they have families of their own, so on those quiet Thanksgivings we started a new tradition. I purchased a roll of brown craft paper and used it as our table cloth. I grabbed a large bowl from the kitchen to use as a template to trace circles for each member of our family and put a bucket of markers in the middle of the table. At some point in the day, before our big feast, we all sit down and make “turkey handprints” in the circles and then write the things we are thankful for. The circles then become our dinner place settings. #CommissionsEarned
On Thanksgiving, like many families, we take some time to share what we are thankful for. This interactive table setting, provides plenty of content for a wonderful conversation about gratitude and gives each member of the family a chance to put their creativity on display.
You can even add to this activity by including some fun holiday stickers for the kids, as well as a beautiful thankful sticker to place along the center of your table. #CommissionsEarned
For more fun Thanksgiving ideas, check out these blogposts:
Thanksgiving Turkey Place Cards
I like to use mason jars to melt the candy in, but small bowls or coffee mugs work also. Just make sure whatever you use is microwaveable. It’s best to set everything up before melting so your all ready to begin dipping the marshmallows. Line your countertop with wax paper and push a lollipop stick into the center of each marshmallow. Get your candies and sprinkles all ready to go. Follow the directions on the back of the bag of candy melts. I have found it best to start with one minute in the microwave on 50% power. After that, stir, and then go an additional 30 seconds at a time until your candy is easy to stir and completely melted. *Do not over melt…sometimes as you stir, the candy will continue to melt, so give it a good stir each time.
Now comes the fun part! You are ready to dip and decorate! Enjoy my tutorial on making Halloween Marshmallow Pops for more helpful tips! 
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