If your family is large, chances are you have a kiddie table for Thanksgiving dinner. If that’s the case, keep the kids occupied with crayons and markers (they can decorate their own tablecloth) and have them make turkey napkin rings. They’re so cute, you might want them at the grown-up table, too.
Supplies needed for napkin rings:
- Chenille stems in fall colors
- Orange felt
- Goo-goo eyes with self-stick backing
- Hot glue gun *
- Craft glue
Depending on the age of your children, they might need a little adult help with the glue gun.
*You can also use regular craft glue, it will just take a longer to dry.
Roll a beige, chenille stem into a round snail shape. Hold the end in place with a small drop of hot glue.
Cut a circle from the orange felt the same size as the chenille circle, glue together.
Cut a little felt triangle for the beak, glue to the chenille face and attach the eyes.
I used four chenille stems in different colors for the turkey feathers.
- Bend each in half
- Bend each half in half
- Twist ends to the middle to hold in place
Spread out the “feathers” and glue to the felt side of the turkey face using hot glue.
After the feathers dry, glue another beige stem to the center. This is the “ring.”
Fold a white napkin with points at the top and bottom, and wrap the turkey ring around it.
Instead of a traditional tablecloth, spread brown Kraft paper on the kiddie table. You don’t have to worry about spills and clean-up is easy.
Use a large charger or bowl and have the kids draw the outline of a plate. Do the same for the utensils. Be sure to have enough makers and crayons for everyone. Let them decorate to their hearts content while the grown-ups enjoy Thanksgiving dinner in peace!
