4 Games to Jazz Up Thanksgiving!

With Thanksgiving fast approaching, there's all the same food shopping to do, dish decisions to make, long-distance relatives to invite, and house cleaning to endure. But, just because the turkey's there and the accoutrements look familiar, doesn't mean there aren't fun new ways to make Thanksgiving a more memorable, exciting event for your friends and family.

Here are five ways to make your guests thankful that "Turkey Day" is at your place this year:

1. "Under the Plate" - This Thanksgiving party game requires a bit of advanced planning, but it's definitely worth it for the entertainment value!

Create as many small slips of paper as people who'll be attending. On each piece of paper, write the most random object that comes to mind. Examples could be: scissors, M&M's, lingerie, ceiling fan, etc. Be creative! The more creative you are, the more entertaining it'll be.

Once you have all your slips done, place one beneath each plate on your set table, face down. Proceed with dinner as normal, and wait for a pleasant lull in conversation. Then, say something to begin, like, "If you'll all lift your plates, you'll see a piece of paper..."

Each person must explain to the group why he/she is personally thankful for the item on the slip of paper, without giving away what it is. People must guess, based on what they say, what the item is. Have fun!

2. "Hard Cider Hijinx" - This one's for a party of either couples or close friends, or both. Everyone splits into pairs, with the couples obviously pairing together. Each person makes a list of 10 things he/she is thankful for. Then, he/she makes a list of 10 things their PARTNER will say he/she is thankful for. The things can be anything from "health" to "Aunt Sally's girdle"--ANYTHING GOES!

Go around the table and each pair takes turns, in front of the group, stating one thing that their partner would say he/she is thankful for. For every INCORRECT thing stated, the pair must each have a drink-anything alcoholic and Thanksgiving-y will do; Hard Cider or Egg Nog are obvious seasonal suggestions. Have fun and drink responsibly!

3. "Thanksgiving Scramble" - This is great for word-game lovers!

Post a sign somewhere visible near the table with the word "THANKSGIVING" spelled out in capital letters. Have the table split up into either pairs or teams.

Teams must come up with as many words as possible using the letters from the word "Thanksgiving." Extra points should be awarded for Thanksgiving-related words found (or well-argued ;-)

4. "Pin the Tail on the Turkey" - Somewhat self-explanatory, but seldom utilized, this game is guaranteed to keep the bored kids occupied while they're forced to play with those distant cousins they never see or their parents' friends' children brought along as "playmates."

Select a wall, preferably without any breakables around it, but close enough to the table so that it can be supervised. Put up a large picture of a turkey-such as can be found at any party store. If you're creative and have the time, create one yourself if you like.

Get some velcro with an adhesive backing (found at most supermarkets/craft stores) and attach several pieces to the turkey picture, one obviously in the RIGHT place!

Then, take a piece of cardboard or oaktag and shape into a feather. Attach the velcro to an end of this as well. Have kids close their eyes and try to put the feather on the right part of the turkey. Enjoy!

Hopefully, these new ideas will prove to be exciting additions to your Thanksgiving tradition!