IDEAS TO SHARE WITH YOU: Thanksgiving decoration

Here in Puerto Rico we think of thanksgiving day as the beginning of xmas, (and believe it or not, our xmas celebration lasts like 2 months), but we don't pay much attention to decoration that first day; thanksgiving day I mean. Even when it's a tradition we inherited from USA, the true meaning of it is valuable and beautiful. Instead of sitting to a table with the family and just make a pray before eating our turkey, we should consider what are we thanking for and let others know how much we appreciate them. Even by decorating in a special way the table, the entryway of the house or giving small favors we give thanks to our guests without using words. Here I want to share some really easy decorations and details we can do.

DETAILS
1. Use scrapbooking paper, craft paper or kitchen towels to make easy and cheap placemats for your table.

Martha Stewart

2. Prepare activities and crafts to do with the kids, so they don't get bored.

http://familyfun.go.com/crafts/a-sign-of-thanks-673405/

http://familyfun.go.com/crafts/crafts-by-material/paper-crafts/thankful-tree-673458/

3. Let guests "help" with some things, like buying a bag of ice, a loaf of bread or some snacks (cheap and easy to get things, in case the guest is absent, lol) People feel more comfortable at parties when they have to provide something for it.

4. If having a big party where not everyone know each other, be at the entryway receiving guests and introduce them to everyone. Then, dont just leave, stay until " ice is break" and conversation is flowing.

5. Decorate with leaf garlands. Make one by cutting scrapbooking paper like leaves. Search for a leaf template on the web or use these http://familyfun.go.com/assets/cms/pdf/crafts/0904_garland.pdf from Family Fun.

http://www.goodhousekeeping.com/home/crafts/leaf-garland-craft

Good Housekeeping

Martha Stewart

BHG

6. Give favors. (snacks, something useful, pictures or even a plant) Doesn't have to be something exquisite or expensive. Remember the detail is what matters.