A crowded table can be lots of fun, but a well-planned
table is even better. Use the holidays as an opportunity to think about
where everyone will sit and craft a one-of-a-kind invitation to direct
them to their seat. Here are two fun ideas: one features the freshness
of seasonal fruit, while the other is a great family craft idea.
Seasonal Table Card
Pick your favorite seasonal fruit; we've chosen pear. Stop by your
local stationery or paper store and select plain white decorative
card stock—60-80lb works best. Cut the card stock into 2" x 2" square
cards. (You can also purchase pre-cut seating cards to save time.) Take
a decorative marker or red, black or green art pen and creatively write
your guest names. Using first names is a very fun and informal approach.
If there are two people with the same name, add the last name to distinguish
the seats. Turn the pear on its side and make a small slit to match
the length of card. Place the card in the pear and present at the top of
or in the middle of the plate.
Family Craft Table Cards
Fold the construction paper in half. Using a pencil, draw leaves approximately
the size of a fist touching the paper's crease. Carefully cut out the
leaves, so the leaf cut-out has an opening like a greeting card.Using
a colorful marker, write the name of the guest on the front of the
table card and, on the inside, write a personalized note welcoming
the guest to the holiday meal. Punch a hole in the corner of the table
card near the paper's fold. String a piece of ribbon through the table
card and attach to the festive pumpkin or gourd. Place each table card
at each place-setting. Your guests will feel welcomed to your festive
and fun holiday table.
