Set the timer for 3 or 5 minutes. Everyone is suppose to write down what they saw. The person who remembers all the items if the winner. Set up a card table with all the things they will need and place a cute centerpiece on the table for them. The older kids may enjoy this too and even the adults so have some extra supplies just in case.
Some families volunteer at homeless shelters serving the meals.
Consider doing this as a regular event each year. Use different fabrics and designs to show the special events that you are thankful for each year or to symbolize Thanksgiving in your house. Bring the banner out each year for the whole month of November. You can make a new one each year or just update the old one. You can choose to frame it or put them in a scrapbook that you add to each year.