As a kid, I remember waiting an eternity for Thanksgiving dinner to be ready. Thank goodness the Moms always offered appetizers and hors d’oeuvres, and now that I’m the Mom, I thought it would be fun to put together some little appetizer sticks for the kids, with some meats and cheeses they love! …But, what’s an appetizer stick without a little “party” on top?

I loved the Mini Cake Charms that Handmade Charlotte created using foam makeup sponges. Just brilliant! I was inspired to use them to create cheese wedges to decorate these appetizer sticks. They will be fun for Thanksgiving, but can be used again for any party with a cheese tray! …Also perfect for football season. Especially if you are a cheesehead from Wisconsin!

• Foam makeup sponges (in wedge/triangle shapes)
• Wax paper
• Folk Art Acrylic Paint
• Paintbrush
• Hole punch
• Extra-long toothpicks

Step 1
Punch holes in the foam makeup sponges using a hole punch. You will have to clean the hole punch out often. Create holes through the middle of the sponges, on the corners, and through two sides, making the placement random. Be sure to make each cheese wedge unique.

Step 2
Pour your paint color on wax paper – you can use just one bottle or have some fun mixing them together until you have a nice cheesy color!

Step 3
Dip every side of the cheese wedge into the paint until it is fully covered, making sure each hole is filled with color as well. Dab off any excess paint on the sheet of wax paper, and set aside to dry. Once it is fairly dry, be sure to flip the wedge to another side, so the bottom can dry as well.

Step 4
Once the cheese wedges are completely dry, poke the tip of an extra-long toothpick through the center of the wedge until it is secure, without going all the way through.

Now, add some edible meats and cheese to the toothpick, and have a happy Thanksgiving!!