Adults, especially younger, newly minted adults, often complain when they’re relegated to the “kids’ table,” as promotion to the Big Table is some kind of conference of status. But those who are just a bit older and wiser quickly realize that the kids’ table is the place to be. That’s where all the fun stuff happens, and where you get to be away form the watchful eyes of the relatives who are most likely to yell that everyone needs to cut out the nonsense.
The best Thanksgiving tables for kids really lean into it, and telegraph their fun status from the outset. This could include whole tablescapes full of silly turkeys, fun colors and activities that keep little ones entertained while they’re waiting for the feast to be finished. Or, maybe a few little details is all you need to pull off your ideal kids’ table, from a fun Thanksgiving craft or a quick Thanksgiving game that kids can play on their placemats. There are also projects that can double as both: Crafts that kids can do on their own in the lead-up to Thanksgiving that can be used as napkin rings or place cards on the big day. Either way, when their done, they’ll mostly be grateful that they were able to have a space just for kids!
Festive Fall Thanksgiving Table for Kids
There are so many things on this table that will delight kids, from the cork turkey crafts to the personalized place cards to the “I am thankful for” activity on each plate. And yet, it still doesn’t feel overdone.
Ribbon Turkey Napkin Rings
It doesn’t take much to whip up these adorable turkey napkin rings — you mostly need some felt and ribbons. Better yet: Have the kids craft their own! (They’re easy.) You can also attach them to a hair clip if you want them to double as festive accessories.
Not only are these chair covers personalized for each guests, they have a pocket on the back, too! It’s a perfect place to store boredom-busters, like Thanksgiving-themed coloring sheets and games.
With a foam-core cityscape and balloons that soar high above the table, kids can get that Macy’s Parade feeling even if they’re miles away. The House That Lars Built has free, printable buildings you can use for your skyscrapers.
Bring a little bit of the outdoors in with these yarn-wrapped pinecone place cards. Bonus: You get to send them out on nature walks to find the materials.
If you don’t want to make your own place cards, you can always use a personalized plate! Unlike other place cards, you can re-use these year after year. You can also get matching mugs, bowls and placemats for a complete table setting.
Grateful Thanksgiving Table for Kids
The best part of this table is the “Tree of Thanks.” Kids can write what they’re thankfull for on each of the leaves and then tie their responses to the branches. The more kids are thankful for, the prettier the tree gets!
This centerpiece adds a dash of color to the table, but it doesn’t take up a lot of room or stop the kids from seeing each other. Younger ones can help scout for the perfect rocks, while older ones might be able to help with the painting.
It’s the glitter on the clothespin that makes this place card feel perfectly at home at the kids’ table, though we suppose the adult table might enjoy their own. The burlap square behind the leaf makes it stand out against the napkin.
This table shows that you don’t have to go with the typical Thanksgiving palette of deep oranges, reds, browns and yellows to still feel festive. Colorful pom poms give the table some extra details without going overboard with turkeys and pumpkins, too.
Worried that the kids’ table might be at a loss for words? Sprinkle around some seasonal conversation starters, like,”What’s your favorite Thanksgiving leftover?” Even if the kids never need them, they’ll look cute on the table.
These place cards will make them feel like Cinderella getting a seat at the ball. And, since the pumpkins are faux, they can take them home as a favor afterward.
Coordinated Thanksgiving Table for Kids
The coordinated bottle labels, place cards and headband wrap are sure to get kids into the spirit. If you go to Just Add Confetti, you can print them out, too, along with leaves for a gratitude tree.
Who wouldn’t be thankful for some crayons during Thanksgiving dinner? If you pair these with a brown-paper tablecloth, kids can color while they wait for the meal to be ready.
Coloring Tablecloth
Turky Suply Co amazon.com
$16.95
If you don’t want to go the butcher-paper route, you can buy a tablecloth that already has coloring prompts and games on it. Just set the kids loose, and you’ll have a masterpiece by the time dessert rolls around.
Bright Thanksgiving Table for Kids
This ditches the jewel tones in favor of a more neon orange, yellow and green color scheme, and the result couldn’t be more fun. The recycled cans holding up the “Thankful” centerpiece really add a pop of color to the whole thing.
For another recycled art project, these birds are made from bottle caps, paper towel rolls and washi tape. They’re a good way to use up the odds and ends in your craft supply bin.
Art takes center stage at this table, where mason jars of crayons are the centerpiece. The placemats have been drawn on brown paper, and kids can transform their places however they want.
With these turkeys siting at each place setting, kids will know immediately they’re in for a good time. They’re made by drilling holes into two-inch-thick slices of wood, so they do require some tools.
Personalized paper-bag turkey legs make it seem like dinner is already on the table when the real bird is still in the oven. Better yet: They’re filled with popcorn to munch on while everyone’s waiting.
Turkey on the Table is both an activity and a centerpiece: Everyone fills out what they’re grateful for on one of the tail feathers, and the filled-out bird becomes the center of the tablescape. You can order replacement feathers and use it year after year, and it comes with a storybook to get the tradition going.
Marisa LaScala Parenting & Relationships Editor Marisa LaScala covers all things parenting, from the postpartum period through empty nests, for GoodHousekeeping.com; she previously wrote about motherhood for Parents and Working Mother.
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