Post by Jessica R.

Grown-up table centerpieces are fancy and beautiful, but the kid’s table deserves some attention beyond holiday paper plates and napkins. You can even make their decorations pull double duty: make the place festive and keep the kids entertained.

1) Start by covering the kids’ table with white butcher paper. You can draw the outlines of place mats directly onto the paper, or trace plates, cups, knives, forks, and spoons to help little kids know how to set their table. Or you can leave the paper blank and let the kids’ creativity soar.

2) Supply crayons, markers, glitter glue, stampers, anything to give the kids something to play with before, during, and after dinner!

3) Get creative and fancy beforehand and make this adorable turkey centerpiece! Since it’s made with half of a Styrofoam ball, you can make two—one for markers and one for crayons.

4) Worried that your little diners will need more to distract them? Check out all the fun Thanksgiving coloring pages and activities supplied by Crayola or fill a centerpiece basket with tiny Playdoh tins, Silly Putty, stickers, or other fun treats.

With all that keeping the kids entertained grown-ups will have plenty of time to enjoy their meal, their wine, and the great company!

Post by Jessica R.

As you know here at Tiny Prints, we’re all about Gratitude. We love things that help us take stock of what we’re grateful for. Which is why we love this crafty idea.

Show off what your family is grateful for and get all your guests to join in the fun with a Gratitude Garland.

Write the things that you’re grateful for on paper leaves that you string up and hang up on a prominent wall. Make extra leaves so guests can participate. If you start now maybe your garland can go all the way around your dining room before everyone gathers for the holiday fun!

Get full details on how to make the leaves and garlands on the Family Fun site. It’s a great way to help kids learn to appreciate the big and little things that make life special.

Just to get the ball rolling, what are you most grateful for this year?

We’re grateful for all you awesome readers!

I love homemade decorations for the holidays, but I’m a little challenged when it comes to execution. I can’t sew very well, so one of my favorite tricks is to use good old fashioned felt—and there’s no better time than the holidays to try your hand at festive red felt crafts!

Here are a few ideas to get you started:

Red Felt Placemats from Real Simple

Red Felt Pillows from Better Homes & Gardens

Felt Star Table Settings from All About You

Red Felt Memory Box from Country Living