How to Make a Handprint Thanksgiving Centerpiece

In the flurry of football, parades and feasting, the deeper meaning of Thanksgiving can get a tad lost. Take a few minutes to re-focus on your family’s bounty with a Gratitude Tree – an activity that, when complete, makes a fitting focal point for the middle of your dinner table.

Our centerpiece is inspired by magazine creator Amanda Formaro, who originally created the concept in 2-D form.

“Each year, I try to think of something new to remind my kids that we have plenty to be thankful for,” says Formaro, a Wisconsin mother of four. “I really wanted to preserve their handprints to remember just how quickly they grow, and how time passes before your eyes.”

Materials

  • Two or three twigs, about 2 feet tall with plenty of offshoots (gather then up while raking leaves)
  • Medium-sized wicker basket
  • Green, dried florist foam, at least 3 or 4 inches thick (available at local craft stores)
  • Decorative wood shavings
  • Construction or scrapbook paper in autumn-leaf hues (orange, brown, red, orange, etc.)
  • Hot-glue gun
  • Tape
  • Scissors
  • Black marker
  • Paper or cloth ribbon and/or cornhusks (optional)

How-to

1. First, assemble your tree. Hot glue the florist foam into the base of the basket (foam can be carefully cut to size). Gently wedge the twigs straight down into the foam, clumping them closely to give the illusion of a single tree. Use wood shavings to fill in around the base. Note: If using paper or cloth ribbon and/or cornhusks to trim the basket, glue these items on first.

2. Next, create the leaves. Have each family member trace his or her hand on a piece of construction or scrapbook paper. On it, with the marker, have them write one or two things they’re grateful for (if your family is smaller, simply create more). Then, affix the leaves to the tree with tape.

3. Display your Gratitude Tree during Thanksgiving dinner. Encourage your kids to present their leaves, talking about what they’re grateful for and why. Parents and other family members can do the same. And when the day is done, glue the hands down onto a flat paper tree, which is Formaro’s original craft (click here for details!).

This post was originally published in 2009 and has been updated for 2015.

Kim Kovelle
Kim Kovelle
As a Metro Parent content manager, Kim Kovelle brings over 20 years of writing and editing experience. She has strong roots in community journalism and a knack for making complicated topics make more sense.

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

- Advertisement -

LATEST STORIES

Metro Detroit Parents Are Obsessed with These Free Family Spots

Explore unique, free things to do with kids in metro Detroit—from nature centers to art hubs, no tickets required!

Metro Detroit Museums’ Free Admission Days You Don’t Want to Miss in 2025

Save on family outings with a complete guide to free museum days in Metro Detroit—perfect for budget-friendly educational fun!

Top 10 School Districts in Macomb County

Discover the top-rated school districts in Macomb County, ranked by teacher quality, test scores and graduation rates.




- Advertisement -