Let your children help prepare for the Thanksgiving Day celebration by making "pumpkin tree" place favors using mini pumpkins, sticks and cutout paper leaves. Not only will each tiny arrangement add a charming touch to the table, but guests will enjoy taking them home as a keepsake of a memorable day.
Here's how to make a place favor. Poke two or three small bare branches into the top center of a mini pumpkin. (If the pumpkin is too hard, hammer a thin nail into the pumpkin and remove. Repeat to create several holes for the branches. Glue branches in place.) Glue small nature finds to the pumpkin or branches such as pine cones, berries, moss or pods.Meanwhile, cut out a 2-by-3-inch leaf shape from colored construction paper. Use a real leaf or a leaf-shaped cookie cutter for a pattern. Print the name of a guest or family member in bold letters on the paper leaf. Punch a hole in the leaf, attach a ribbon or string and hang the leaf from one of the branches.
Make a pumpkin tree for each place setting and cut out a basketful of paper leaves.
As guests arrive at your home, give each person several paper leaves and a pen. Ask everyone to write short Thanksgiving statements showing appreciation for people present at the gathering. For example, "I am thankful for Grandma's apple pie" or "I'm thankful Uncle John writes me letters," etc.
Hang the leaves on the branches of the appropriate Thanksgiving trees. The added leaves will complete the place favors just in time for the feast.
Once the meal begins, have everyone at the table share the messages on their trees.