Movies and TV (along with other forms of the media) tend to depict the children’s eating table as a prison of sorts. How many times have you heard of someone being “banished” to the children’s table? During the holidays, and especially Thanksgiving, many families set up a smaller table for children to eat off of. In most homes the “main” table is given top billing and where most people concentrate their decorating efforts. But just because Tom the turkey isn’t going to be carved on the children’s table doesn’t mean you should treat it like chopped liver.
Here are some decorating ideas that will help you make your children’s Thanksgiving table a real treat to sit at:
HANDPRINT TABLECLOTH
Not only will this tablecloth lend some holiday flare to your Thanksgiving meal, it is a project that will keep young ones busy while you are basting your bird. All you need is a light colored plain fabric tablecloth and an adult to help monitor the project. As the children arrive have the adult trace the handprints of each child using a ballpoint pen on the tablecloth (the spread of the handprint looks like the outline of the turkey—I’m sure you did this in elementary school—make sure the children spread their fingers wide to create a full turkey image). Have baskets of permanent fabric markers in a rainbow of colors on hand so the children can decorate their handprint turkeys. You could also put out a variety of other embellishments as well, such as sequins, glitter, and puffy paint. Once the children are done decorating, have them sign their names and you’ve got a keepsake for years to come.
This is a festive and colorful way to decorate the children’s table. Simply select firm minature pumpkins. Then outline the base of the votive candle onto the pumpkin. Carefully cut out the circle. Use a spoon to scoop out the pulp and secure the candle in the pumpkin. Place one pumpkin at each place setting. You can even use them in lieu of place cards by simply writing the names of each child on the individual pumpkins. If you have time, consider using glitter or sequins as embellishments to make each child’s name pop.
CANDY CORN TABLETOPPERS
This idea is as easy as it gets. Gather about a dozen clear votive candleholders, and fill them with festive candy corn. Group the containers in the center of the table or line them up along the length of the table.
Related Articles:
Decorating Tips For Your Thanksgiving Dinner Table—Part 1
Decorating Tips For Your Thanksgiving Dinner Table—Part 2
Post Halloween Pumpkin Decorating Ideas