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Thanksgiving Party

Table of contents

Introduction

Thanksgiving - a time for extending our gratitude for all that we have received, both in terms of material as well as spiritual possessions. As such, having a thanksgiving party provides a singular opportunity to invite family, friends and all those we care about to join in mutual celebration of those things most important to us. So, to get the ball rolling on organizing the ultimate thanksgiving party, let's have a historical look at the origins of this much celebrated day.

 

Many sources historically cite Thanksgiving day as an event to celebrate or "give thanks to" the harvests. As such it was and is still known as a harvest festival.

 

It was in fact the Spanish who celebrated the first Thanksgiving ceremony in honor of their safe arrival at St. Augustine, Florida, on September 8th, 1565. Perhaps more prominent among the first of the Thanksgiving ceremonies is that of the pilgrims at Plymouth, Massachusetts. This event resulted as a culmination of efforts between the Native Indians and the pilgrims - the former instructing the latter on how to survive the harsh winter. As such, their first Thanksgiving was celebrated after the first harvest in 1621.

 

Today we celebrate Thanksgiving annually on the fourth Thursday of November as was decided by the U.S Congress in 1941. President Roosevelt signed this bill on the 26th of December that same year.

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Thanksgiving Party Invitations

In line with the theme of thanks giving, which is to give thanks for all that we have, it would be apt to create a matching invitation. And although there are any number of Thanksgiving invitations available in stores everywhere, nothing will convey the sentiment better than those you make yourself.

 

Below we’ve listed a couple of novel ideas for Thanksgiving invitations, all of which should at least include the following details:

  • Party Name: Give your party a name in line with the theme so that your guests will know what it is when they receive the invitation. An example for Thanksgiving would be “Paul & Esther’s Thanksgiving Feast”
  • Salutation: An Example here would be “Dear Mr. & Mrs. O’Connell”.
  • Date & Time
  • Venue/Location
  • Dress Code
  • Contact Details
  • Additional information…

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Thanksgiving Card Invitation

For this invitation you’ll basically need a computer with the appropriate software as well as a printer. In case you don’t have a printer, ask someone you know that has one if you’ll be able to borrow theirs. Alternatively, simply pop down to your local printing firm and make use of their services.

 

Using the internet or images that you’ll be able to scan, find a picture that you think to be the best representation of Thanksgiving. Remember, the idea of Thanksgiving is to extend gratitude for both our spiritual as well as material gains, so be sure to find something accordingly. Once you’ve done this, simply adjust the image (should you need to) and include all the details above.

 

Ideas for images include those traditional Thanksgiving symbols:

  • Pumpkin
  • Cranberry
  • Turkey
  • Cornucopia
  • Beans

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Thanksgiving Corn

As corn is a traditional symbol of Thanksgiving, why not use it as an invitation? Here’s our take on the idea:

 

Get your hands on a number of corn cobs. Preferably you’ll be getting one for each of the individuals you plan on inviting. Should you intend to invite a single individual, why not get them two to avoid a possible uncomfortable situation?

 

Now, there are basically two types of corn that you’ll be able to use as invitations. The first type is natural corn, which your potential guests can bring along to your event or use at their own leisure. The second type refers to synthetic corn cobs. Although these cannot be eaten, they do make outstanding ornaments.

 

In addition to the corn cobs, get a long length of taffeta ribbon or any other type of ribbon or material you see fit – do keep in mind that the ribbon’s color will have to match the corn, so it will be best to go with light shades of green and brown. You’ll also want to make or buy a small invitation card for each of your guests.

 

Once you have everything, use about a foot to two feet of the taffeta to tie the bunches of corn together. Make sure that you use an elegant and elaborate bow to emphasize the idea of giving as well as festivity. Then simply attach the card to the ribbon itself or slip it in with the corn cobs.

 

It’s as easy as that and will look good no matter what!

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Thanksgiving Cornucopia

Legend has it that Zeus was raised by a goat, Amalthea. While playing one day, Zeus accidentally broke off one of her horns and she transformed into a unicorn. As an act of remorse, Zeus gave Amalthea back the horn which by then had supernatural powers: it would give the person who possessed it anything he or she wished for. As such the legend of the cornucopia was born.

 

What better way to celebrate Thanksgiving than by giving? This invitation idea will require you to make an adequate paper-based invitation and get your hands on a horn-shaped wicker. Should you have difficulty in finding a horn-shaped wicker, any other type will do. In addition, you’ll also want to go shopping for foods to place inside the wicker – remember that some of the traditional symbols of Thanksgiving include pumpkins, corn, cranberries and turkey, though savory foods are always enjoyed by everyone too.

 

Once you have all the ingredients, simply fill your cornucopia with the food you have bought and attach the invitation.

 

This will ensure that the invitees remember you for the days, weeks, months and years to come.

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Thanksgiving Party Dress Code

Thanksgiving is traditionally a formal event, with religious undertones in certain circles. As such, it would only be fitting for your guests to dress semi-formal or even in their Sunday best. The choice, however, remains with you.

Thanksgiving Party Decorations

Thanksgiving party decorations are easy to find and to make yourself. The most important thing to keep in mind is that your decorations should keep with the theme and the symbols of thanksgiving which include pumpkins, beans, cornucopias, turkeys and cranberries.

 

Should you be making your own decorations, be sure to use a fall/autumn color scheme. This typically includes shades of brown, red, yellow and a little green.

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Thanksgiving Party Guest Arrival & Announcement

As your guests arrive at your Thanksgiving party, simply introduce them to the other guests, either in person or by announcing their arrival. Here’s a sample announcement:

“Ladies and gentlemen, may I have your attention please?” While saying this, some prefer to lightly tap the side of the wineglass they are holding with a small, light object at hand.

“Please welcome Mr. & Mrs. Smith from Calgary.”

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Thanksgiving Party Favors

For your Thanksgiving party favors, the ideas are endless. Think in terms of those things that may not be so expensive, but will provide the recipient with a measure of joy, even if the gift is ornamental.

 

Ideas include beautiful candles in an autumn or fall colors. Additionally, consider wineglasses, champagne flutes and other types of elegant glassware. For those who’ve not made use of the cob or cornucopia invitations, why not use them as Thanksgiving party favors? These are sure to not only look pleasant, but be useful too.

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Thanksgiving Party Activities

Thanksgiving Quiz

As thanksgiving is a time spent with family and friends, get out that trivia set and group your guests for some general knowledge fun! Should you not have a trivia set at home, just pop down to your local toy store or just buy one off the internet. This is an activity for both young and old as it usually includes variable degrees of difficulty.

Thanksgiving Elbow Tag

Kids want to be grownups, and grownups want to be kids again – it’s the way the life goes. And with a game of Elbow Tag, everyone can be as young or as old as they want to be. Here’s how the game works:

 

Pair the participants by linking their arms together. Once everybody has found a partner, one pair should be selected to initiate the game. Of that pair, the one individual gets the status of “it” and will be the pursuer while the other one should run away from the “it” person without being touched. Once touched, he or she then becomes “it” (do keep in mind that this pair needn’t have their arms linked).

 

Now, obviously everyone gets a little tired after running around. To remedy this, the individual being pursued should link in with another couple, so that they total three. At this stage the individual at the opposite end becomes the one being pursued and should detach himself or herself from their previous partner and start running!

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Thanksgiving Touch Football

We all know the game of football as it is one of America’s most popular games. For touch football, however, tackles aren’t aloud. This version of football requires the person with the ball to be touched either by one hand or two after which he/she then has to give up the ball.

Thanksgiving Volleyball

Volleyball is a sport anyone and everyone can enjoy! You don’t need to be especially fast on your feet and you needn’t even be able to throw a ball. All you need to do is hit the ball back over the net when it comes your way!

 

For this activity you’ll need the volleyball as well the corresponding net. These can either be purchased from your local sports retailer (or even online) or just rented for the occasion.

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Thanksgiving Hike

For those who live in an area where hiking is possible, why not make a day of the occasion and plan a hiking trip to last a couple of hours. As Thanksgiving is a traditional occasion to give thanks to nature for the foods we eat and the clothes on our backs, what could be more appropriate than a day spent outside?

Food & Drink

To plan your Thanksgiving feast, keep in mind that some of the traditional symbols include pumpkins, cranberries, turkey and corn. In fact, for many families throughout the U.S. turkey is a given at any Thanksgiving feast.

 

To make your Thanksgiving party memorable, browse around the internet for a couple of Thanksgiving turkey recipes that will leave your guests begging for more. In addition, be sure to include lots of vegetables, including those mentioned, as these were all part of the traditional harvests.

 

For those stuck on ideas for drinks, we can recommend fine wines and perhaps even champagne. Though it is up to you to make the final decision.

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Reader ideas