How to Decorate the Kids Table for Thanksgiving Dinner

Turkey

With all the attention you put on the main dining table during Thanksgiving, you may forget to decorate the kids' table. Children need a table that will keep them occupied while adults talk. Also, a kids' table should be colorful and make a child feel special instead of excluded. Kids aren't as judgmental as adults, so decorating their table won't be near as stressful as the main dining table. The only rules to decorating the kids' table are to remember when you were a kid and just have fun with the decorating.

Things You'll Need

• White paper table cloth Set of crayons for each child Small puzzles or bag of party favors Medium bowl Artificial leaves or flowers in fall colors Index cards Origami book Colored construction paper

Instructions

1. Cover table with white paper table cloth.

2. Place bowl in center of table and fill with puzzles, party favors and crayons. Party favors can include small plastic toys, candies or crafts. Stay away from party favors with whistles and other noise makers.

3. Surround bowl with leaves or flowers to decorate.

4. Place an index card at each place setting. Instruct kids to decorate their index card with their name and what they're thankful for as a gift to their parents.

5. Place a beginner level origami book near the center bowl. Top the book with colored construction paper. Top the construction paper with two or three finished examples.

Tips & Warnings

• Be sure the table cloth is disposable. You may need to provide safety scissors for certain origami projects. If you lack room at the table for any activities, place a small TV tray table within reach of the children's table.

• Don't allow kids to color the table cloth until they're finished eating.

Resources

• Other Kid's Table Activities