Thanksgiving Kids' Table Ideas

Give kids a space of their own this Thanksgiving with our creative ideas for setting up a crafty table that encourages fun and festivities.

Photo by: Gabriela Hardan

Gabriela Hardan

Materials Needed

  • black banner paper or chalkboard paper
  • chalk markers or pencils
  • colored chalk or crayons
  • cute paper plates
  • a scalloped plate (slightly larger than paper plates)
  • reusable wood utensils

Cover Table

Using either black banner paper or chalkboard paper, wrap table. Using decorative-edge scissors, cut off excess, leaving equal amounts on all sides. Create neat folded corners the same way you would wrap a gift by folding under the excess, creating a sharp corner, then securing with tape (Images 1 and 2).

Create Place Settings

Designate a place setting for each child. Using a chalk marker or chalk pencil, trace around a scalloped-edge plate (Image 1) that's a bit larger than your serving plates to create a decorative charger (Image 2).

Add Fall Leaves for Kids to Color

Next, fill in the table top between place settings by tracing around silk or natural fall leaves (Image 1). Add a personalized touch with each child's name (Image 2).

Serve Nutritious Sips

Thanksgiving festivities can run long and be full of fun so be sure to provide plenty of water, juice or other healthy sips to keep kids hydrated. Tip: Lidded vintage-style milk bottles not only add a decorative touch, they also prevent accidental spills.

Photo by: Gabriela Hardan

Gabriela Hardan

Add the Star of the Table + a Healthy Snack

As our table's centerpiece, we chose this massive hollow chocolate turkey. A real kid-pleaser, having a sweet treat they could break into after the meal provided a tasty reward for good behavior. Easy-to-peel mandarin oranges, that top each plate, provide a sweet treat kids can break into while they wait for the meal to start.

Photo by: Gabriela Hardan

Gabriela Hardan

A Space of Their Own

Our table's location, in the kitchen which is right next to the dining room, makes it easy for adults to keep an eye on the kiddos while they linger over coffee and enjoy catching up over coffee and convo.

Photo by: Sarah Busby; Styling by Jill Tennant

Sarah Busby; Styling by Jill Tennant

Time for Creative Fun

Fun memories of time spent with siblings, cousins and friends at a kids' table is an important part of many families' Thanksgiving traditions. Leave crayons or chalk on the table so kids can color or play games (Images 1-3).

Next Up

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Keep the littlest Thanksgiving guests happily occupied with this fun craft that allows them to personalize favor cups they can then fill with sweet-and-salty snack mix.

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Thanksgiving Kids' Craft: Paper Straw Necklaces

Help kids craft these colorful straw necklaces for Thanksgiving with our easy-to-follow instructions and free printable template.

How to Make a Magnolia Leaf Charger

Add a touch of natural sophistication to your Thanksgiving table with these easy-to-create magnolia leaf chargers.

Thanksgiving Place Card and Party Favor

How about a little pheasant to go with your turkey this Thanksgiving? These cute fellas are easy to make and act as both a place card and party favor your guests can take with them.

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Thanksgiving Ideas

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