Thanksgiving Ideas

 

Thanksgiving is almost here, so I thought I'd go through some of my photos from my book "Simply Green Parties" and share some ideas you might be interested in doing for your own Thanksgiving Day table.

First up: Grab some old wine corks and a paint chip from the junk drawer and make a placecard holder for the table.  Just slice the top of the cork with a sharp knife, slip in the paint chip, and write the guest's name on the paint chip with a Sharpie.

 

Since 80% of all household dirt and pesticides are dragged in by shoes, why not ask guests to leave their shoes at the door?   Buy a bunch of warm socks (brand new ones) and offer them to guests to slip on when they visit.   This way, you're keeping your home clean and offering your friends something nice for their eco gesture.  PS-Let them keep the socks.

 

For the Thanksgiving Day menu, use old hardcover books and slip in the menu on a piece of paper by using two extra large rubber bands.   Just wrap the rubber bands around the front of the book and about half the pages, slip in the menu, and close the book.  

 

And here's another placecard marker idea: just use a rock.   Scrub some rocks clean, let them dry, and then stamp the name right onto the rock.   Find some colorful leaves to rest them on top and you've got a natural and easy marker.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Comments

[Deborah]

I just did the basket-by-the-door thing the day before yesterday. I picked up a bunch of flip flops at a summer clearance sale for way too cheap (ok, so maybe that's not so eco-friendly), tossed them into a basket, and placed it by the front door for guests. Now that I'm thinking about it though, that's more of a summer footwear thing, even though it's indoors. It's what I have on hand, though.

I did consider socks, but with a slippery wood floor, my imagination ran wild picturing my little Asian grandmother in her late 80's, sliding across my hallway Risky Business-style, only without the intention and with a a lot more potential for accidents, and I had to nix it. I have, however, seen some of those soft microfiber-esque socks with non-skid nubbies on the bottom, which may be a much cozier option for fall and winter.

Man, am I ever glad I found this blog. I completely stumbled upon it, and now I can't stop reading. Good stuff, Danny. Good stuff.

[deb]

Hi! i've done basket-by-the-door with slippers I pick up at the dollar store or on sale. This way, guests can have warm feet on my drafty floors, and can take them home. Even guys like leaving their shoes at the door, and I think it promotes a warm welcome!

[My First Kitchen]

I love using paint chips in unique ways. My favorite is to punch a hole and use them (along with twine I have laying around) as gift tags. Colorful and easy.

[Gabreial W.]

I love the sock idea. I'm wondering how to approach guests with this. I can only imagine their eyes getting bigger and bigger.

[Elizabeth]

these are great, thanks!

[Carole]

I remember when I first saw the cork idea. Loved it. I've used corks for various other things, but never as guest card holders. Can't wait to try it, though I may 'artsy' them up a bit.

As for the socks...love that idea too. We were lucky in that once we remodeled and installed new flooring most everyone who came to visit took their shoes off as a matter of course. I had been going to do the slipper thing, but I like the sock idea better.

[Tommy]

Great ideas as always, Danny! Thanks!

[Alicia]

I LOVE the rock idea. I saw it on your previous post and recently used it for my fall wedding as place holders for the parents table and head table. Everyone ooed and awwed over them. Great ideas Danny! Thanks!

[Rosie / Pittsburgh, PA]

I have done a slipper thing with my sisters & mom when having a girl's day and they LOVED it...I plan on doing it this Thanksgiving for everyone, plan on making a visit to BIG LOTS - BEST place EVER!!!!

[Tanya Warburton]

Hey Danny! Love the sock idea. Chris and I went total Asian style after our son was born and after I hand washed every single one of those Flor tiles by hand. We were just thinking about a way to keep our guests feet warm...you answered it!