Thursday, November 13, 2014

Thanksgiving party ideas for Kids

In two days I will have 30 adults and 12 children in my home for a Thanksgiving Party.  My home is not really large enough for 42 extra people.  Not at all.

We will be cozy and that's ok! This is my 6th annual Thanksgiving "Friendsgiving" Party.  My sister and I came up with the idea when we decided we wanted a fun, drama free Thanksgiving dinner with all our favorite people. 

Unlike family dinners where there can be uhh, issues, and you have to go along with things you may not want to do this would be an evening of laid back fun.


This year, in addition to the 30 adults, we have 12 children coming.  The kiddos are aged 7 months to 12 years, with most of the kids in the 1st grade to 3th grade range. My sister and I came up with several ideas to keep the kids happy and busy.  


Here are a few of the ideas we came up with. 

1) Butterscotch popcorn in small bags - ready for them when they arrive! Well fed children are happy children (I realize butterscotch popcorn is not healthy, but hey, this is a party!)

2) Trader Joe's Pumpkin Bread mix in cupcake holders to decorate as cupcakes.

3) Craft projects (I took advantage of the local craft store's 25% off everything coupon including sale items.  All the thanksgiving items were 40% off and then the additional 25% off.  I got some killer deals!) 

4) Movie playing for older kids in the playroom. 

5) Kid friendly entrees and side dishes. We will have kid friendly Mac 'N' Cheese, roasted carrots, turkey shaped peanut butter & jelly sandwiches, and their cupcakes for dessert. 

6) I happen to have a huge playroom right off the kitchen so the tv will at one end and tables with crafts will be on the other end. I will have seating for all 12 of them.  While the rest of the adults will be eating off of real plates I have "real" looking plastic plates for the kiddos.

7) Hot cocoa bar - yumm!

I can't wait to see how much fun the kiddos like all our fun ideas......I will post pictures of the party after it happens this Saturday! 



What tips do you have for keeping kids happy at family gatherings or holiday parties?  I'd love to hear about them.




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