FamilyFun Magazine is always full of awesome family activities each and every month.
So many fun ideas for Thanksgiving. I have chosen 2 of them to share with my readers.
Festive & Funky!
Watch your kids transform your dining room into a bright woodsy wonderland with crafts to keep— and share.
mod garlands
String these cheerful strands from cabinets, the buffet, the walls, or even down the table.
What you’ll need
• Leaf templates (find them at familyfunmag.com/printables)
• Kraft paper or paper shopping bags
• Craft paint
• Wooden beads (we used 20mm ones)
• Pinecones (about 20 per garland)
• Brightly colored twine
• Clear tape
What to do
1. Print leaf templates; cut out. Trace onto folded kraft paper as indicated and cut out,
then open. You’ll need about 12 leaves.
2. Paint stripes onto the leaves and wooden beads, allowing some of the natural wood
and paper to show. Paint the scales of the pinecones (rolling them works too). Let dry.
3. Cut an 8-foot length of twine. Tie on your first pinecone, looping the twine around the
top few scales. String on one or two beads, then tie on your next pinecone. Continue this
way, spacing the pinecones 3 to 5 inches apart.
4. To add the leaves: Fold the leaf stem down over the string in between the pinecones
and beads, and secure in the back with tape.
Tip: Paint a few extra pinecones and beads to scatter along your runner for easy table decorations.
Let’s Get Cookin’
From scooping and seasoning to spreading and rolling, these recipes have tons of steps that kids can really do all on their own. (Just be sure to adjust and supervise based on age and ability!)
Tip: Remind your guests to bring their reusable containers from home to fill up after dinner!
Send Some To-Go!
Have kids make leftover bags ahead of time: Paint colorful, nature-inspired designs onto kraft-paper gift bags, and then stamp or paint on each guest’s name for an extra personal touch!
Twice-Baked Sweet Potato Bar
Prep these spuds with the kids and then let everyone top their own!
ACTIVE TIME 25 MIN.
TOTAL TIME 13/4 HOURS
MAKES 10 SERVINGS
INGREDIENTS
5 sweet potatoes, halved lengthwise
2 Tbs. olive oil
4 oz. cream cheese, softened
1 ½ Tbs. light brown sugar
Kosher salt and ground pepper
Toppings: maple syrup, candied walnuts, marshmallows, sliced green onions, crumbled cheese, bacon, sour cream, fresh herbs
1. Heat oven to 350°F. Prick cut sides of spuds with a fork. Rub all over with oil. Place cut-side down on a sheet pan.
2. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes or until just tender. Let sit 15 minutes.
3. Carefully scoop flesh from potatoes, leaving shells intact. Mash potato pulp, cream cheese, and sugar with a potato masher until smooth. Season with salt and pepper. Spoon or pipe mixture into shells. (To make ahead, cover and chill for up to 2 days. Let stand for 15 minutes before baking.)
4. Bake potatoes 25 to 30 minutes more or until golden and thoroughly heated. Serve with bowls of desired toppings.
PER SERVING (WITHOUT TOPPINGS): 169
CALORIES; 2g PROTEIN; 7g FAT (3g SAT. FAT); 26g
CARBS; 3g FIBER; 7g SUGAR; 148mg SODIUM
