A Thanksgiving Welcome Table

I always look forward to Fall and the holiday season because it is a prime crafting time for me. I love making cards to send out to family and friends. I also love to come up with other crafty things as they pop into my head. So although my scrapbooking kind of goes by the wayside, it's all good because I am still crafting! The biggest challenge I find for holiday crafting is getting it done because it is such a busy time of year. So I start early, and what is early? I start making Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas cards in July! My cards are now nearly done, so I am working on my decor projects now.

Every Thanksgiving, I set up a card table as the kid's table. I love to set it up as a decor piece before our actual meal so that my guests get a little "eye candy" while they are coming in and out of the kitchen area. Everyone also knows this is where I put some kids craft project as well. Everyone is excited to see what the kids are going to do because it is usually something enjoyable and frankly I have some adults that like to get in on the fun too, so I usually make extra for my "big kids." I like to do a "dry run" of what it will look like so that if I need to make any adjustments or add/subtract something from my design, I will know before the big day and can easily get it done now instead of later.
Here is what the table looks like all set up:

I just love how my "WELCOME" sign turned out! Deflecto's 3" X 4" Mini Frames worked perfectly for this. They also have a 1.5" X 2" Mini Frame as well if you are looking for something smaller. They both come in a package of ten. I cut the 3" X 4" rectangles and the word "WELCOME" on my Cricut Explore. I grabbed some of my leaf punches and used some Fall colored paper and punched a bunch of leaves out to jazz up my lettering. I then glued everything together and inserted my message in my Deflecto 3" X 4" Mini Frames. Here is a close up:

I have a kid's activity every year. We round the children up approx 30 minutes before dinner while myself and my helpers are letting the turkey rest, whipping potatoes, making gravy, baking rolls, heating veggies, etc....and getting everything on the table and pouring the wine and water. So while this is all going on, we can get the kids seated, and they are in place when we are ready to say grace and serve dinner. An activity or project is the perfect way to get them all settled in and for the picky eaters, they can remain seated and continue their activity. Here is a close up of this year's activity:

I made Thanksgiving Coloring Card Favors. Although Elmo is the star of this project, the bigger star is Deflecto's Angled Sign Holder. They come in a set of ten. Deflecto's Angled Sign Holder allows me to display my coloring card favors proudly; they become part of the decor, and they each wish everyone a "Happy Thanksgiving." Here is a closer look:

Now everything will go in a box and put away until the day before Thanksgiving. As you can see, I already have a table cloth, centerpiece, candles, bowl for fruit, sign, and activity all ready to go. Now on to Christmas!

If you’re interested in purchasing the items used in this project and more, then tune in on November 28th to Create and Craft for their first ever feature of Deflecto’s new Event Kit. The perfect kit for your next party, get yours before they’re gone! Click HERE to find where to watch!

The Create and Craft Event Kit