Quick and Easy DIY favors for group fun and laughs—and for staving off awkward moments brought on by political wise-crackery.

Christmas Dinner—or any group dinner—can have stagnant moments of go-nowhere conversation. As hostess (or whatever politically correct name you want to call yourself—the person who’s got all those people rammed around your dining room table), you have the especial chance to watch for those awkward moments and give them a boost at just the right moment.

Aunt Harriet just jumped Uncle Jim-Bob over some political candidate’s grand-asse-ery? Awkward silence ensues? Time to whip out the Fortune Dudes!

With a skillful nonchalant segue, you say, “So, speaking of half-assery—I’ve made a whole crowd of half-assed little surprises for all of us!” (Your awkward transition can’t be any worse than the daggers everyone is looking at each other anyways.)

And out you whip these fortune dudes!

Oh, the positive responses you’ll get to all the delightful and unexpected fortunes!

What you need:

Large pom-poms (44, if you want to use all the fortunes)

Wiggly eyes (88 googly eyes make 44 fortune dudes)

Aleene’s tacky glue OR hot glue (Aleene’s is SO awesome)

Craft foam OR colored paper OR felt

Toothpicks, 44 (Party picks are often less “stabby” on the exposed end)

Curling ribbon OR scrap ribbon of any kind

Glitter (if desired)

Printed Fortune Dude labels

Printed fortunes, set one and set two

Scissors

A crowd of chumps who need a break from—whatever just hit them.