Take Off the Kid Gloves and Let’s Get Serious
Sometimes, when you’re throwing a holiday party, you have to separate your dinner guests across two or more tables. Maybe you don’t have the space to dine as one big group, or maybe you’re feeling a little picky over who gets to use the good china. Whatever the reason, it’s pretty common to draw the line between kids and adults, but it’s possible you’ll run into problems on the day of the party.
Let’s be clear, a separate table for kids can be a great idea. As children become more independent, they’d rather spend time with people their own age instead of boring adults. There’s less pressure for them without their parents hovering over their shoulders, so they can relax and have fun over the holidays. Those with shorter attention spans aren’t obligated to sit and listen as the adults catch up (and adults don’t have to censor their conversation for innocent ears).
There are, however, guests who consider the kids’ table some form of exile. Teenagers, for example, might feel too mature to get lumped together with toddlers. Parents responsible for the particularly young or rambunctious might have to leave the main gathering to keep an eye on their children. So what can you do to make dinner at the kids’ table a little more palatable?
The problem is, the kids usually get the scrappy seconds of holiday décor. They get the folding table dug out from the back of the closet and the mismatched chairs scrounged from all corners of the house. They get paper plates and disposable cups, which doesn’t quite match up to the wineglasses and fine china of the main table. A lot of children might not care, but presentation can affect the enjoyment of a meal, and a few extra details will be appreciated by anyone else at the table.
Brighten up the furnishings with some table decorations to suit the season. Disguise the folding table with a cheerful tablecloth. And for goodness’ sake, get rid of the paper plates! If you’re worried about kids breaking your dinnerware, Zak Designs has plenty of plastic plates and bowls that offer both style and substance. Sturdier than paper plates, lighter and more durable than ceramic, they’re perfect for kids—especially with the addition of fun artwork featuring their favorite characters. Durable plastic tumblers can also add class with bold colors and designs. Who knows? With the extra effort you put into table decorating, the kids’ table could very well become the hotspot of your holiday party.
