The leaves are changing, a crisp breeze is in the air, and the aroma of pumpkin spice lattes fills every coffee shop. It can only mean one thing: Thanksgiving is just around the corner!
As an avid crafter and lover of all things handmade, I, Robert Kline, always find myself looking forward to hosting Thanksgiving. The shared meals, the laughter, and the joy of creating lasting memories with loved ones are what make this holiday so special. Of course, we can’t forget about the leftovers!
This year, I was inspired to create a fun and festive DIY leftover station to make sure my guests could enjoy the delicious bounty of Thanksgiving even after the feast was over.
Setting the Stage for a “Turkey for Me, Turkey for You” Leftover Station
Inspired by Adam Sandler’s hilarious Thanksgiving song, I teamed up with the talented Alison from Just Add Confetti to design some adorable printable signs, tags, and lid toppers. The catchy phrases and playful fonts add a whimsical touch to the station and are sure to bring a smile to everyone’s faces. You can download these free printables on Alison’s blog.
Thanksgiving Leftover Station
Gathering Supplies: A Mix of Store-Bought and Upcycled Charm
To create a visually appealing and practical leftover station, you’ll need a few key supplies. Don’t worry; I always believe in a good mix of store-bought convenience and upcycled charm!
Containers: From Dollar Store Finds to Upcycled Treasures
- Kraft Boxes: I had some sturdy kraft boxes leftover from my wedding welcome kits. A simple square tag with one of Alison’s fun sayings transforms them into perfect leftover containers.
Kraft boxes are great for stuffing full of Thanksgiving leftovers. - Aluminum Tins: Dollar Tree is a treasure trove for affordable party supplies. I snagged some 7-inch round aluminum leftover containers and added a printable lid topper for an extra touch of festiveness.
Dollar Store Pie Tins - Pie Boxes: For guests with a sweet tooth, these pumpkin pie take-home boxes (similar ones can be found online) are ideal for sending home slices of pie.
Pumpkin Pie Boxes
Decorations: Festive Touches for a Warm and Welcoming Vibe
- Paper Fans: I love using paper fans to create a quick and easy backdrop. I opted for a mix of brown and gold patterned fans from Oriental Trading Company to complement the Thanksgiving theme.
Thanksgiving Leftover Station - Rustic Charm: To add visual interest and texture, I incorporated a wooden crate and some wood slice platters I had on hand.
- Turkey Centerpieces: These adorable gold turkey centerpieces from Oriental Trading Company add a festive touch and are incredibly easy to assemble.
Thanksgiving Leftover Station
Finishing Touches: Practicality Meets Festivity
- Disposable Cutlery and Napkins: Make it easy for guests to enjoy their Thanksgiving leftovers with festive disposable silverware packets and napkins.
Disposable silverware is great for Thanksgiving leftovers stations. - Favor Bags: Send guests home with a sweet treat—after-dinner mints packaged in these adorable burlap favor bags.
Thanksgiving treat bags.
Thanksgiving Leftover Station
Spreading Thanksgiving Cheer, One Leftover Container at a Time
This Thanksgiving, as you gather with loved ones to share a delicious meal, I encourage you to embrace the spirit of handmade generosity. Create your own DIY leftover station, personalize it with your creative flair, and let your guests know you care by sending them home with a little piece of the Thanksgiving magic.
Do you have any creative leftover container ideas or Thanksgiving traditions you’d like to share? I’d love to hear about them in the comments below! And be sure to explore the Robert Kline Art website for more unique handmade gift ideas to make this Thanksgiving truly special.