Ideas for the Kids' Table for Thanksgiving

The adult table has been set since yesterday and now the kids’ table for Thanksgiving is ready. I expect lots of loudness and laughter from this table and I can’t wait!

I love to cover kids’ tables with kraft paper {rolls of kraft wrapping paper are the easiest way to do this} and set out cups of crayons. Not only is it cute but it provides a built-in activity, especially for the younger kids in the crowd. I wanted to make these cute pilgrim crayon holders but ran out of time so clear cups will have to do, at least this year.

The young kids sitting at the table will be using wooden utensils {to avoid all knife concerns} but the older kids will have regular cutlery.

I spelled out the names of all the guests with scrabble cheese crackers {a fun idea seen here} …

… and covered the center of the table with a cloth covered in handprint turkeys {a little craft the twins made at playgroup}.

I drew circles on the table to mark each place setting …

… and this year the kids used cute transferware-style paper plates and paper napkins to make clean up easy. I often use regular dishes, and even china, but we went with super simple this year.

I used our chalkboard homework caddy as a centerpiece {I like to grab items from all around the house and repurpose them for holiday tablescapes}, added a Thanksgiving message, and filled it with apples and pears for a simple but colorful idea. Mini pumpkins would be even cuter but I was using items I already had.

As a small, final touch, I recycled the kraft paper garland made for Eli’s thirteenth birthday party and strung it over the light fixture above the table.