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18 Tips and Treats for a Kid’s Thanksgiving Table

October 25, 2016 by Rhonda Gales 2 Comments

Finding ideas for a kids Thanksgiving table can be daunting. You need crafts and treats for the kid’s table, but don’t have a clue on what to do. Stop stressing about hosting Thanksgiving Dinner this year! We are sharing parenting tips on putting together a kid’s Thanksgiving table that everyone will love.

We have gathered a few ideas from around the web that will make everyone envy you as the host. Keeping the children occupied while dinner is being prepared is so important. As we know, kids aren’t interested in adult conversation or helping you fix dinner. At least not for very long, they want to have fun. So, the solution is to serve fun crafts and treats.

Next, choose a few ideas from our list of creative crafts and tasty treats. They are perfect for a Kid’s Thanksgiving Table:

Chocolate Chip Turkeys – They look almost too good to eat, but I guarantee the kids will devour them.

Milk in Mini Milk Glasses – Simple, but a pretty addition to a kid’s table.

Pilgrim Hats – Chocolate and more chocolate. I want these at the adult table too. They’re perfect for thanking guests as they are leaving.

Turkey Hand Prints Table Cloth – We were unable to find the link to the original post. However, we think you can get a good idea of how it was created from the picture. So, get creative and create your own version.

Paper Fan Turkeys – This is an easy project for the kids to make while you’re busy preparing dinner. As a result, have another adult or teen assist them.

Handprints Pumpkin – I love this idea, and I especially love white pumpkins. This is a perfect craft to capture memories of those little hands while waiting for dinner.

Pilgrim Hat Crayon Holder – Children love to color. Makes these adorable pilgrim hat crayon holders to house their favorite crayons. Print lots of pages for them to color while dinner is being prepared.

Turkey Cookies – I was unable to find the original post for these adorable cookies. They are so cute, I thought my serious bakers would be able to duplicate them from the picture.

Handprint Turkey Cookies – These personalized handprint cookies would be a perfect addition to a kid’s table.

Personalized Turkey Leg Treats – These are great as place cards and as take home treats.

Corn on the Cob Caramel Popcorn Treat – Turn caramel popcorn into a corn on the cob treat. It’s delicious and cute.

Pilgrim Hat Name Place Card – These place are adorable and would be perfect at the adult and kid’s tables.

Fall Teepee Cones – Bring a little diversity to the table with these teepees. In addition, it’s a nice diversion from the pumpkins, turkeys and pilgrim hats. And they look delicious.

Kraft Paper Kid’s Placemat – Children like to see their name on crafts. A placemat is no exception. This one is inexpensive and adorable. However, you can replace the leaves with turkeys or pilgrim hats. Be creative.

Kids Thanksgiving Tablescape – Create this adorable kid’s Thanksgiving table along with the Pilgrim Hat Crayon Holder and other paper items from the Dollar Store.

Rice Krispy Stuffed Turkey – Stuff this Rice Krispy turkey with Reese’s Pieces. Furthermore, give the kids a drumstick, wing or a scoop of Reese’s for dessert. They will love it.

Turkey Pancakes – These pancakes are so cute, and the fruit makes them a healthy meal. Furthermore, they are perfect for a Thanksgiving morning breakfast while watching the 90th Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.

Turkey Kisses – Show your guests love with these Turkey kisses.

Chocolate Pretzel Rods in a Turkey Holder – Another delicious treat that children will love. Chocolate and lots of fall colored sprinkles cover these yummy pretzel rods. Additionally, a glass container is turned into a delightful turkey holder. I’m sure the Dollar Tree has similar containers.

Did you see any ideas that you want to adopt for a kid’s Thanksgiving table? Which is your favorite? I love the handprint turkey table cloth and the Pilgrim Hat Crayon Holder. Finally, you may also like Thanksgiving scrapbook layouts.

Filed Under: Holidays, Parenting Tips Tagged With: Thanksgiving crafts, Thanksgiving dinner, Thanksgiving treats

Christmas White Trash Recipe

December 20, 2014 by Rhonda Gales

Today I’m sharing my Christmas White Trash recipe. It’s one of the items that I place in my Christmas Gift Baskets or give as tokens of appreciation for attending my holiday gatherings. It’s also a great snack for those Hallmark Movies or curling up in front of fireplace during a winter storm.

I’ve been making this recipe for years, and I love munching on it during the holidays. I’ve seen several different names for it, White Trash or Christmas Crunch. Whatever you decide to call it just make it. It’s a great mixture of salty and sweet, it’s so easy to make and delicious to eat.

What you will need to make this recipe:

9 cups of unsweetened cereal (I use Rice Chex and Cheerios)
3 cups of salted party nuts (I use peanuts with sea salt)
2 – 2 1/2 cups of stick pretzels
1 – 2 cups of Christmas M&Ms (Optional)
2-12 oz. bags of White Chocolate (I use about 1/4 of a bag more when I add the M&Ms)
Wax or Parchment Paper

Mix dry ingredients in a large mixing bowl. Next, melt chocolate slowly in the microwave. First, start the melting process for 1 minute and than 50 second increments until it’s melted. Stir the chocolate thoroughly after each 50 second increment.

I do not recommend using a plastic container to melt your chocolate. From my experience, it won’t sustain the heat and the chocolate tends to scorch in them. I recommend using Corning Ware Bowls for the job. However, if you don’t have Corning Ware make sure that your bowl is microwavable and it will sustain the heat.

This step is important, use small bowls to mix the dry ingredients and chocolate together. I’ve found that the smaller ingredients (Cheerios and peanuts) tend to fall to the bottom of the bowl. Mixing in smaller batches allows you to control the ingredients and ensures a more even coverage of chocolate.

Once your ingredients have been covered with the white chocolate, spread it on the wax or parchment paper to dry and set. I allow mine to set for at least an hour. Once it is set, break into pieces and place in a festive bowl or airtight container. Finally, if you are making the Christmas White Trash recipe as a gift, place it in a plastic or cellophane bag and tie with a pretty ribbon. Also, if you’re having a holiday gathering or office party, place this mix in a festive bowl. Sit back and enjoy your family and co-workers devouring this festive treat.

You may also like: 11 Ways to Recycle Christmas Cards. Be sure to check out the holiday movie lineup on Hallmark. You’ll want to have this snack on hand.

Filed Under: Holidays, Recipes Tagged With: Christmas gift ideas, Christmas recipes, holiday gifts, recipes

Teaching Your Children the Meaning of Christmas

November 18, 2014 by Rhonda Gales

Today, I’m sharing parenting tips on teaching children the meaning of Christmas. Do you think Christmas has become too commercialized? Have we truly lost the meaning of Christmas, the birth of our Lord and Savior, and giving to others? I want to share an experience that I had picking a child to sponsor from the Angel Tree in Walmart. Sponsoring a child from either Walmart or Kmart each year has brought me joy for years, but I choose to walk away last year without purchasing a gift.

I choose to walk away from the Angel Tree for the following reasons:

The children were asking for expensive game systems and games. I did a calculation on at least 2 or 3 children’s wish list and they totaled hundred of dollars each. I could have selected a few items from the Angel Card, but I was left wondering what we’re teaching our children.

You’re asking for charity that equates to hundreds of dollars and obviously feeling no guilt about the list you have submitted. I have sponsored a child for years, and that was the first year that I witnessed these types of items on their wish list. I felt bad that I walked away, but I was so shocked that I felt it was best for me to leave the store. Can anyone say holiday stress?

I understand that many parents are out of work, and they will be unable to meet their children’s wish list. But if you’re unable to buy expensive gifts don’t expect others to take up your slack. Our priorities in this country puzzle me. We act as if someone owes us something, and it seems this type of thinking is being passed on to our children.

I understand the children want the latest toys and gadgets, but my thought is that their parents should try to buy these items used if possible. My issue is about values, no more and certainly no less. Simply put, don’t pass the financial burden on to your fellow citizens who are trying to be charitable.

To keep cost down during the holidays I started making many of my gifts. Also, I buy clearance items at the end of the season for the following year. I crochet and make scrapbooks and gift baskets for adult members of my family. Also, I set a budget of $50.00 for each of the teenage children in the form of a mall gift certificate.

I don’t have time to bang my head trying to figure out what the teen would like. Can somebody say holiday stress again! The siblings in my family stopped exchanging gifts years ago. We only purchase for the children now. That really helped eliminate holiday debt. Furthermore, I have a Christmas Club where I set aside money each week throughout the year for my grandchildren’s gifts. I host Christmas dinner or a gathering for my siblings, and I’m grateful for their company. That is gift enough for all of us. I refuse to belong to the debt club. I relinquished my membership years ago, and I surely will not go into debt for someone else.

Parents get real because the world doesn’t owe you or your children anything. We must learn to make our way in this great country. If times get a little rough be grateful for any assistance you receive; however, don’t take advantage. Teach your children that the holidays are not only about receiving, but giving and spending time with family and friends.

Focus on keeping your children warm, keeping a roof over their head and food on the table. Coats, shoes, hats, gloves and necessities for school should be at the top of the lists if you’re seeking charity. If you want a fellow citizen to purchase a toy or electronic item, it should be reasonable. Just saying!

Finally, what’s your thoughts on the commercialization of Christmas? Do you go into debt on Christmas gifts? I would love to hear your opinion about the Angel Tree I encountered. Please leave us a comment.

Filed Under: Holidays Tagged With: charity, Christmas, holiday gift ideas

Christmas Breakfast Ideas for Kids

December 11, 2012 by Rhonda Gales

Today, I’m sharing parenting tips on Christmas breakfast ideas for kids. Happy Holidays, Merry Christmas and Feliz Navidad. The kids are out of school for the next week and they’re excited about Santa. You on the other hand, must come up with meal ideas and other ways to keep them occupied. So, I’ve put together a round up for Christmas breakfast ideas for kids.

Rudolph with his nose so bright! How exciting will it be to serve the kids these adorable pancakes for breakfast. Or, why not dinner. My grandchildren love pancakes, bacon, and strawberries anytime.

Bagel Snowman – Regular and mini bagels for the body, cream cheese, pretzel sticks for the arms, red hots or chocolate chips for the button and eyes. Get creative and use what your children will eat.

Candy Cane Fruit – This one is easy, alternating strawberries and bananas. Simple and healthy.

Christmas Ornaments – So cute and yummy. Small pancakes, cookie decorations and a piece of bacon strip for the top make these pancakes perfect for holiday breakfasts.

Waffle Christmas Tree – A little food coloring, waffle mix and iron, powdered sugar and M & M will help you create this cute and sweet treat.

Elf Pancake – How cute is little guy. Green grapes, pancakes, whipped cream and a strawberry is all you need. I would just use chocolate chips for the eyes or candy eyes.

Christmas Toast – What a perfect addition to the table on Christmas morning. Bread, eggs, seasoning, butter and Christmas cookie cutters are the stars for this recipe. Click on the link for the directions.