Create a Centerpiece

Kids 6-10

Materials:

• Small box or shoebox
• pipe cleaners
• tape
• construction paper
• poster paint or markers
• sequins
• tinsel
• other decorative materials

Let's see--you have turkey, cranberry sauce, mashed potatoes, and pumpkin pie. Now all you need is a centerpiece, hand-crafted by your children.

Begin your project by creating a "vase" -- a small cardboard box (6- or 8-inches square) or a children's size shoebox. Have your kids paint and decorate the box to their liking, using glitter, squins, braids, and other decorative supplies. Don't seal the cover until after they've finished with the next step.

Now punch holes in the cover, and poke pipe cleaners through each hole. Bend back one inch of each pipe cleaner and form the wire into a U shape. Tape the "U" to the inside of the box to keep the pipe cleaner upright.

Next, have your children make flowers from tissue paper or papier mache, and wrap the pipe cleaners around the flower centers. Or choose alternative decorations, such as beads, ribbons, mylar, tinsel, or seasonal pictures to customize your project for Thanksgiving, Christmas, Chanukah, or another special occasion.

Once the tablecloth is in place, put your kids' work of art in the middle--so all your guests can enjoy it. Their creation is sure to be the sizzling centerpiece of the meal!

More on: December Holiday Activities for Kids