Chores like peeling potatoes can make kids start to feel like they are on KP duty, and though that may be fun for a while, it can quickly turn to drudgery. This Thanksgiving, let everyone share chores so they go by faster, then set your kids up with one of these fun projects. Even little kids can roll cheese balls and cut out shapes with cookie cutters, and older kids can do more-complicated projects like creating a turkey-shaped veggie platter. These projects are win/win/win! They teach kids how to use creative thinking in the kitchen, they take some of the work off parents’ hands, and they keep kids occupied. Plus, the results look and taste good enough to meet the standards of your most-persnickety guests.

Mini cheese balls are fun because everyone can brainstorm together for topping combinations, and they are small enough that you can taste-test them in advance to decide which ones to serve to your guests.

Start with this Mini Cheese Ball recipe from Food Network Kitchen and toppings of your choosing from the grocery store. Refrigerate the cheese balls for at least 4 hours, then roll in bowls of toppings. Press in additional toppings with your hands to coat completely.

Naturally colored sparkling sugar, leaf-shaped mini quins, and jimmies in autumn colors — all from India Tree — were used to coat these glimmering, cheese balls while adding a bit of sweetness. Cover the cheese balls with parchment when refrigerating before serving, to keep moisture from melting the sugar coating.