You might be surprised at what gorgeous centerpieces children can create from simple items such as gourds, pinecones of various shapes and sizes, nuts, acorns, mini-pumpkins, oak leaves, Indian corn, ribbons, turkeys, pilgrim statues, candles, napkins, doilies, dried grasses, and whatever else you may have in hand that fits into the theme of harvest and Thanksgiving. Many of these items may be found while walking around in your neighborhood or a park. Older children can teach and supervise the younger children. Teaching practical life skills to children is the foundation of priceless traditions and memories. Try to make it a point to take lots of pictures. They will make timeless additions to student notebooks or family photo albums.

Here are a few more practical tips for planning all the cooking and baking, followed by our family's traditional Thanksgiving menu as well as some of our family favorite recipes.

1. Purchase as many non-perishable items ahead when they go on sale.
2. Turkeys are usually on sale ahead of time. Buy the biggest bird that will fit in your freezer and oven. Leftover turkey can be frozen in meal sized portions to make some of the tastiest and most economical main dishes imaginable.
3. Pies, rolls and breads can be baked several weeks ahead and frozen.
4. Allow sufficient time for the turkey to thaw in your refrigerator. It may take several days for big turkeys.
5. Clean out your refrigerator and use all the leftovers several days ahead of the big day to make room for the turkey and trimmings.
6. Clear your counters of any unneeded clutter to make room for the preparations.
7. Stuffed turkeys cook slower but make yummier stuffing and help to save precious oven space during that last hectic hour prior to serving.
8. Allow at least one hour prior to serving time for the turkey roasting to be complete so you have plenty of time to carve, make gravy, mash the potatoes, heat vegetable dishes, and attend to other last minute preparations.

Want to see the Urban Homemaker Family's Traditional Thanksgiving menu? CLICK HERE

Copyright, 2004. The Old Schoolhouse Magazine. Used with permission. Marilyn Moll is a major "Home Ec" name in the homeschool community. Her articles encourage and support the stay at home mother. Her company website is: www.UrbanHomeMaker.com.
www.TheHomeschoolMagazine.com.