Monday, November 15, 2010

A Homespun Thanksgiving for Children: Snack Wagon

Welcome! We're going to spend all week looking at planning a homespun Thanksgiving that will delight our children! And, I think we all know that something to munch on is near the top of every child's list!

I'm not-so-secretly hoping that it will be nice enough for us to have Thanksgiving outside this year, so all of my ideas will show that. However, it would be just as easy to pull your wagon inside or create a cozy corner in the house.

Our red wagon has removable sides - so I simply pulled one of the long sides off and this makes a perfect child-friendly snack server!

These ideas are so simple, and you could easily substitute for what your children would prefer.

For my wagon, I chose a bowl of apples:

Apple juice is easily served (and so adorable) in jelly jars.
Simply cut rounds of scrapbook paper to dress up the tops!

And, a jar of popcorn. Perfect Fall snacks - easy and inexpensive and also child-friendly.
Use your own judgment on when your children are old enough for popcorn.

I folded a tablecloth to put into the bottom of the wagon and set a tiny pumpkin in there too. You could stand a chalkboard up along the back and write a cozy Thanksgiving message or just leave it simple.

My children enjoyed the trial run and even commented on the adorable juice! I think they notice and appreciate when we invest in little details that will delight them. Stay tuned all this week - lots more to come!

18 comments:

LynnMarie said...

Very Creative! Nice and simple is always low stress! Well done!

Melissa said...

Love the snack wagon!!! How about an idea for an adult snack wagon??? We need our treats, too...ha, ha!!!

Michelle said...

Such a great idea!

You know, we have a lovely lanai and gorgeous weather this time of year, and while we often eat dinner outside, I never even considered doing the same with Thanksgiving dinner! Something to think about. The only issue would be that our outside table is not big enough for the people PLUS the food, and I like having all of the dishes on the table. Hmmm.... I'll be thinking about if I can make that happen this year somehow! :)

Wendi said...

Cute idea and I love how simple it is!

Mom said...

Very clever idea! :) I look forward to reading about your other ideas as the week goes along. Thanks for sharing -- love, Mom

*carrie* said...

So cute, Monica! Wish we could join you for your (outdoor) Thanksgiving!

angie said...

I'm going to gobble up (pun intended) all of your ideas for a homespun Thanksgiving. My daughter is marching in a parade on T'giving day. I want to prepare a traditional meal, but will be gone for at least 3 hours of the day. Simple, yet special, ideas for that day will be needed.

Cheryl said...

love the idea of the snack wagon. Very clever. Also loved how you chose to display your snacks...and yes, be it big or small our kids notice the little things that we do extra...things out of the ordinary. Your littles know that their mommy makes some meals extra special and they appreciate it. It will be a treat for your littles.

Stacey said...

Cute idea, I love the apple juice!

~katie~ said...

Darling idea!! What a joy for all! Indeed I can imagine that your special interest for details are rubbing off naturally on your girls...can you imagine when they start doing stuff like this...for you? :-)

Debra said...

What a great idea. Thanks for sharing it. We often eat Thanksgiving dinner outside since there is usually a pretty big group. It's lots of fun!

Amanda said...

Oh, that is so sweet! I can't wait to see what else you come up with!

Anonymous said...

Monica, the wagon is SiMpLy adorable! How fun for the kids ♥ I love all your homespun ideas... will be waiting to see what is next! I am spending the week being "so ThAnKfUl" on my blog and would love to have you link up a post or comment ♥ Blessings, Kelsey

Ellie said...

What a great idea! I may do this the next time we are all working on clearing brush outside, I know my youngest son will love this!

heicoc said...

How cute Monica I can't wait to see your other ideas. I have been getting little crafts from target and Joanne's for the kids to work on while I am cooking.

Elise said...

Monica, you have the cutest ideas and this one is topping the list!! LOVE it!!!
Elise

Blissful & Domestic said...

I love it! What a precious and wonderful idea to share with your littles:>

Intentional Living Homestead said...

What a great idea...never thought of that before...thanks for sharing the idea.