How Kids Can Help With Thanksgiving Prep

1 Make Centerpieces or Place Settings

Enlist little crafters to create fun place settings or a centerpiece for the table. Even a formal dining room table can use a little handmade charm!

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2 Wash Fruit and Veggies

Image Source: Flickr user RubyDW

Put little hands to work at the kitchen sink — tots can help rinse off fruit and veggies (cranberries are especially fun) before you start cooking and baking.

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3 Stir the Soup

Image Source: Life Made Sweeter

If you have soup or gravy simmering over the stove — and a kiddo who's old enough to safely navigate the kitchen — put them to work stirring.

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4 Decorate

Image Source: Giggles Galore

This task doubles as a fun Thanksgiving craft project for kids.

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5 Roll Out the Pie Crust or Cookie Dough

Image Source: Flickr user Claire Sutton

Little ones love getting into flour and sugar! If you can handle a little extra cleanup, let them roll out your pie crust or cookie dough — it doesn't matter if it's not perfect.

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6 Snap Ends Off the Green Beans

Image Source: Flickr user Meal Makeover Moms

If green beans are playing a supporting role in your Thanksgiving feast, ask your little ones to help with the tedious task of snapping off their ends.

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7 Set the Table

Image Source: A Lovely Lark

While you probably don't want them running around with stacks of your wedding china, bigger kids can be super helpful when it comes to setting the table. Give them exact instructions and a handful of flatware or a stack of cloth napkins to fold. Or, have them set the kid table with nonbreakable items so that they can go to town without worrying about breaking anything!

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8 Arrange Sweet Treats

Image Source: Erica's Sweet Tooth

If cookies are coming out at dessert time, enlist the creative skills of your little ones to help in arranging them on a platter.

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9 Provide an Icebreaker

Image Source: The Chic Site

If cocktail hour has begun and mama needs some alone time in the kitchen, charge the kiddos with entertaining your guests. We love these printable cards — they provide a great Thanksgiving conversation starter. Have your little ones pass around pens and instruct your guests to share a sentiment.

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