When it comes to holidays, birthday parties, reunions and special family gatherings, there is so much to do, and it can be extremely difficult if you have young ones at home. Having them help set the table is a great way to keep them busy and it helps you get a task completed, plus learning how to set a proper table is a good skill to have. Better yet, why not set a very special table just for the younger dinner party guests, and let your kids plan, design and set their own table? What fun!
Table Settings for Children
When it comes to table settings for children, keeping it simple is the best policy. At Christmas time or any other special dining event, formal dinner tables usually have lots of forks, knives, spoons and glasses, but let’s keep it simple with the kids table. Instead of using silverware, I recommend using plastic utensils to avoid accidents. There are so many fun options available on the market today! Only place one of each per setting. A lot of people get confused about which utensil goes on what side of the table, and kids are no different (although truth be told, they care less about which utensil they use than adults do!). A helpful trick to teach your kids and help you remember is to go alphabetically. The forks go on the left side of the plate, followed by the spoon and the knife on the right side of the plate. If you don’t have a dish that requires a spoon, then omit it to maximize table space. Have your children place the cups on the top right of the plate. Since children are known to spill, it may be helpful to invest in a few cups with lids or leak proof cups.
Let Go, Give Them Freedom and Have Fun
A big mistake some parents make is trying to make the kids table look likes a shrunken version of the adult table. Let go completely of this part of the party planning and let your children’s imagination and creativity flow! Here are a few fun ideas:
- Purchase a cheap, white cotton or vinyl tablecloth and a set of markers and let the kids decorate the tablecloth.
- Go on a nature walk and let your kids pick up interesting twigs, flowers and pinecones for a kids table centerpiece. Or if candy is allowed, make a lollipop arrangement with flower pots and colored sand (see photo below).
- Once the table theme is decided, head off for a shopping excursion to either your local party supplies store or the dollar store – both are great spots to find fun décor items for the table.
Don’t worry that the kids table may not complement the grownup table and perhaps it might end up being a bit crazy looking or gaudy – but that is part of the fun of including children at a dinner party. Ten years from now, it’s the kids table that everyone will be talking about!
