These fake gobblers, whose mix-and-match features pay homage to the esteemed Mr. Potato Head, have a fine threefold effect. They busy little hands, make guests laugh, and also work together to form an endearing and zany centerpiece. Just give the kids a sack of potatoes and a plate of sliced veggies, and they'll be talking turkey in no time.

MATERIALS

• Large brown potatoes
• Toothpicks
• Assorted fresh and dried fruits, nuts, vegetables, and mini pretzel sticks and twists, for decorating
• Peanut butter
• Googly eyes (optional)

1. To stand each potato upright, create a tripod by pushing three toothpicks into the bottom, leaving 1/2 inch protruding (later, you can attach feet over the toothpicks to conceal them).

2. Designate the top of the potato as the head, or attach a separate, smaller potato head with toothpicks.

3. Put out an assortment of fresh and dried fruits, nuts, vegetables, and pretzels (see our list of suggestions, below). Let each child use toothpicks to attach soft items to the potato body. Attach hard items, like nuts and pretzels, with peanut butter. To add pistachio shells, cut small, curved slits into the potato and push them in. Stick on googly eyes with peanut butter.

OUR FAVORITE TURKEY TRIMMINGS

Tail feathers: carrots, bell peppers, and summer squash cut into long strips
Wings: wedges of red onion, apple, or orange or lemon peel
Eyes: raisins, dried cranberries, or googly eyes
Wattle: wedge of red pepper or radish, or a dried cranberry
Beak: cashew or almond, pistachio shells, or the tip of a lemon
Feet: carrot slivers or pretzels

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