How to Decorate a Thanksgiving Children's Table Cloth

Fabric markers are the perfect tool for tablecloth decoration.

Though your days of sitting at the kid's table may be long gone, you can still have fun decorating it for the holidays. A decorative tablecloth not only protects your tabletop from stains and scarring, but also sets the tone for the meal--in the case of Thanksgiving, a tone of joy and appreciation. Giving thanks for what we have is the chief principle of this holiday, and by involving your children in this project, you set the mood for the entire day and teach them a valuable lesson about appreciation.

Things You'll Need

• Cotton tablecloth, light-colored
• Old newspapers
• Table
• Fabric pens/markers

Instructions

1. Clear the table and spread out old newspaper on top to prevent ink bleeding.

2. Spread your tablecloth out on the table and flatten out any wrinkles. Spread out fabric pens and markers on the tablecloth.

3. Invite your children to the table and have them each take a pen. Instruct them to decorate the tablecloth with messages of thanks; they can write about anything for which they are thankful. Encourage artistic children to draw pictures.

4. Ask everyone to read or describe their message at dinner time to share their personal messages of thanks.

5. Wash the tablecloth after the meal and store it until next year when you can either revisit your old messages or add new ones.

References

• Parents Connect: Homemade Thanksgiving Tablecloth