5 Steps to Putting the Fun Back into Thanksgiving

If you're feeling a bit bored with the same old Thanksgiving routine, then why not make it a turkey game night. Breaking out the board games on this unexpected occassion is sure to bring out the kid in everyone.

1.  Seating Strategy  Set up small tables that accommodate four to six people each. Be sure to have enough chairs on hand to seat all your guests comfortably. You can rent tables inexpensively if necessary.

2.  Tending the Field  Deck out each table with a neutral or autumn-hued tablecloth, a stack of appetizer-sized plates, a few votive candles, and a small, low vase of fall flowers.

3.  Finger Foods  Serve up ample appetizers with a Thanksgiving theme. Try turkey quesadillas, steamed "crudités" with dipping sauce, sweet potato fries, mashed potatoes served in small cups or shot glasses with a tiny spoon, and so on. For dessert: apple and pumpkin cookies. Use your imagination to come up with fun reinterpretations of holiday standards.

4.  Cozy Competition  Put out favorites like Monopoly, Pictionary, Clue, Balderdash and Scrabble. Make sure guests mix and mingle--so they can meet (and compete!) with different people all night long.

5.  Awards Ceremony  At the end of the evening, present the top winner or team with a Golden Turkey Award. Buy an ornamental plastic or plaster turkey at a craft or party store and spray paint it gold. Sure it's campy, but we guarantee your friends and family will be vying for the top honor.