An Argument for a Kids’ Table at Thanksgiving
Updated: Jul. 13, 2022
Follow these tips to create a kids' table the entire family will thank you for.
Growing up in my family, Thanksgiving was a grand event, full of big Irish personalities. My family would shift furniture between the kitchen and living room to create a long, makeshift table to accommodate the lovingly opinionated and boisterous crowd. The kids’ table was attached to the end of the long “parents’ table,” so although we kids had our own space, we were within our parents’ view. And as I have learned through the antics of my own children, this was purposely done to hinder any impromptu food fights.
Some say a separate Thanksgiving kids’ table keeps children from learning proper table etiquette. Others believe a carved-out space for kids is what families need in order to maintain balance in an already chaotic—and sometimes stressful—environment.
(By the way, if you’re expecting a large crowd for Thanksgiving and unsure how much food to prepare, use this handy guide to help gauge your gobbly good feast.)
My Two Cents: Give Kids Space
I’m all for creating opportunities for kids to relate to one another. I believe making a special space for children to enjoy Thanksgiving at their own table enables them to express who they are and learn from peer interaction in a way that isn’t as easy when sitting between Mom and Dad or Grandpa Bill and Aunt Patty.
And I’ll be honest: Although most kids dream of graduating to the adults’ table, I recall one downside to that rite of passage included more listening to adults than actually participating in conversations. Maybe this was unique to my family and the times, but I remember sitting at the parents’ table, wishing I were back with the kids. It was just more fun over there.
How to Set Up a Stellar Kids’ Table
Make kids feel like VIPs at their very own table by setting up thanksgiving crafts and activities. Here are some ideas to incorporate into your own Thanksgiving kids’ table, to help create new family traditions and memories. (Psst! Grown-ups may want in on the action, too.)
1. Do Crafts
To create a whimsical experience and keep little hands busy, cover the kids’ table with rolls of drawing paper instead of traditional tablecloths. Use empty cans of Thanksgiving staples like cranberries and pumpkin to hold crayons and other art supplies. Encourage kids to create their own colorful placemats. This helps kids to remember where they are sitting and provides a great outlet for creativity.
For a kid-made centerpiece, let them decorate pre-cut Thanksgiving images like turkeys, corn and the Mayflower. When the cutouts are done, use tape or hot glue to affix a toothpick to the back, then place them in a flower pot filled with floral foam. As new cutouts are done, kids can watch how their artwork is used to produce a unique Thanksgiving-themed centerpiece.
Here are our favorite fun Thanksgiving treats for kids of all ages.
2. Create a Kids’ Menu
- Gobble Those Veggies: One way to get kids to eat their vegetables? Arrange a platter of fresh crunchers in the shape of a turkey and let them dunk to their hearts’ delight. Get the recipe for our Two-Bean Hummus that’s yummy enough for the whole crew.
- Chocolate Caramel Turkey Legs: To make 20 of these adorable Thanksgiving treats, microwave 40 caramels on high until softened, 10-15 seconds. Mold two softened caramels around half of each braided pretzel. Dip in melted chocolate. Place on waxed paper until they’re set. Voila!
- Mayflower Mix: Fill a chocolate-dipped waffle cone with trail mix to give little ones a fun snack to munch on before the big feast.
3. Have a Scavenger Hunt with a Thanksgiving Twist
Create a passport-type scavenger hunt card, with activities to do and clues about items throughout the event space. Identify key adults to serve as passport stampers once children solve clues or complete activities. Include items like:
- Sing “Over the River and Through the Woods” with a family member.
- Find a secret turkey hidden under one of kids’ table chairs.
- Finish decorating your Thanksgiving kids’ table placemat.
- Help a family member set the Thanksgiving table.
- Say thank you to your Thanksgiving host.
Completed passports could be turned in for a kid-friendly Thanksgiving surprise: Think acorn treats, a pumpkin cookie or an extra dollop of homemade whipped cream on the holiday pie.
4. Decorate a Gratitude Pumpkin
While at the kids’ table, pass around a painted pumpkin. Encourage children to write something they are grateful for (or ask adults for assistance). As the pumpkin is being passed around, ask each person to read theirs out loud. When it’s finished, use it as a centerpiece for display.
Whether or not you offer a Thanksgiving kids’ table, use these tips to create an atmosphere of gratitude that family and friends will treasure.
More Thanksgiving Ideas
Two-Bean Hummus
My children love this easy hummus and even like to help me make it! Hummus is a fantastic way to sneak some beans and important soluble fiber into their diets. I also serve this in a bread bowl with my vegetable platter for our Thanksgiving dinner. —Kelly Andreas, Eau Claire, Wisconsin
Citrus Herb Turkey
When it came to a roasting turkey, my grandmother had the magic touch: She would wrap a turkey in foil and cook it on low heat for eight hours so it would bake up juicy and tender. This version doesn't take that long, but it's just as good. —Portia Gorman, Los Angeles, California
Classic Pumpkin Pie
Nothing says Thanksgiving like a slice of pie. And you can relish every luscious bite of this pumpkin pie recipe since the tender crust is made with canola oil and a mere hint of butter. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Mallow-Topped Sweet Potatoes
My grandmother always served this sweet potato casserole at Thanksgiving. The puffy marshmallow topping gives the dish a festive look, and spices enhance the sweet potato flavor. —Edna Hoffman, Hebron, Indiana
Thanksgiving Green Beans
Momma made these green beans only at Thanksgiving because, at the time, the ingredients were out of her everyday budget. Her original recipe inside her recipe box had five stars drawn on it. I would have to agree! —Marcia Shires, San Antonio, Texas
Sour Cream & Chives Mashed Potatoes
This recipe is a family favorite that always stirs up good memories and moments. It's requested for Thanksgiving, Christmas, birthday parties, potlucks and other gatherings. It's simple to make and delicious to eat. If I make it early in the day I finish this dish for about 20 minutes in the oven, but you can use the stovetop to free up oven space for the turkey. —Linda Williams, Florence, Alabama
Apricot-Apple Cranberry Sauce
Though I prefer this as a side dish, my sister swears it makes the best topping in the world for a slice of Thanksgiving turkey. —Aysha Schurman, Ammon, Idaho
Aunt Dorothy's Russian Tea
When I was growing up I always looked forward to the Russian Tea that my Aunt Dorothy made every Christmas Eve. As soon as the weather turned chilly, I would start longing for a hot, steamy cup. It wasn't unitl I was away at college that I finally thought to ask her for the recipe! I place the whole cloves into a tea ball strainer so they're easy to remove when the tea is ready. If you don't have a tea ball, you can place the cloves in cheesecloth as directed. —Sharon Flenniken, Charlotte, North Carolina
Turkey Pilgrim Cookies
These darling little gobblers are fun to make and will make all your Turkey Day guests smile. —Taste of Home, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Pecan Pumpkin Dessert
I always make this treat for Thanksgiving. A friend gave me the recipe, and I've since shared it with many others. —Sue Williams, Mount Holly, North Carolina
Cape Cod Bay Brown Bread
This reminds me of the brown bread my grandmother made whenever we went out east to visit. The aroma evokes fond memories of her New England home during the peak of fall. I use blackstrap molasses and agave nectar to make mine a little different without sacrificing any of the flavor. Cranberries are another special touch, but this would also taste delicious with raisins. —Kellie Foglio, Salem, Wisconsin
Candied Acorn Squash Slices
This acorn squash recipe was passed down to me from my grandma, who always served it at Thanksgiving. Now I make it whenever I'm feeling nostalgic. —Rita Addicks, Weimar, Texas
Baked Corn Pudding
Here's a sweet corn pudding that can turn even ordinary meals into something to celebrate. A yuletide favorite with our entire family, this baked corn casserole spoons up as sweet and creamy as custard. Guests give it rave reviews and always ask for the recipe. —Peggy West, Georgetown, Delaware
Classic Turkey Gravy
Making turkey gravy recipes is simple when you have the right proportions of ingredients. This version tastes delicious and will become your go-to gravy for every holiday dinner. —Virginia Watson, Kirksville, Missouri
Apple Walnut Salad
The pumpkin seeds and homemade dressing make this salad so special—and healthy, too. Add leftover turkey and you’ve got a main-dish salad. —Bjorg Martin, Noblesville, Indiana
Meatballs with Cranberry Dipping Sauce
With their cranberry dipping sauce, these no-fuss appetizer meatballs make use of traditional Thanksgiving ingredients, so they're ideal around the holiday or anytime you're craving those favorite seasonal tastes.—Ann Baker, Texarkana, Texas
Hot Spiced Cider
Next time you're entertaining, stir up a batch of this nicely spiced apple cider. The wonderful aroma will make your guests feel welcome on a chilly day. —Kim Wallace, Dennison, Ohio
Mother's Rolls
These golden cloverleaf dinner rolls were one of my mother's specialties. We always looked forward to them on holidays and special occasions. —Patricia Baxter, Great Bend, Kansas
Cinnamon-Orange Honey Butter
This is such a delicious butter spread for afternoon tea or with a dessert bread. Just mix it up and get ready for the compliments. —Mary Bates, Cleveland, Ohio
Herb-Glazed Turkey
Honey and corn syrup blend with savory herbs and seasonings to give my turkey a slightly sweet flavor. My tried-and-true recipe never fails to win compliments. —Charlene Melenka, Vegreville, Alberta
Southern Green Beans with Apricots
Green beans and apricots have become a family tradition. Enhanced with balsamic vinegar, this dish will make your taste buds pop. —Ashley Davis, Easley, South Carolina
Cranberry Fluff
This fluffy fruit salad gets its sweet-tart flavor from cranberries and whipped cream. We like it because it's not as sweet as many other "fluffs." I'm often asked for the secret to this luscious holiday salad. —Lavonne Hartel, Williston, North Dakota
Sausage & Rice Stuffed Pumpkins
My children often request this dish. It also adds a great "wow" factor to a festive buffet table.—Andria Peckham, Lowell, Michigan
Pumpkin Pie Dip
I came up with this rich, creamy pumpkin dip when I had a small amount of canned pumpkin left in the fridge after my holiday baking. It's also great served with sliced pears and apples, or as a spread on zucchini bread. —Laurie LaClair, North Richland Hills, Texas
Buttermilk Cranberry Muffins
I've been making these muffins and this cranberry butter for years, and I have never met anyone who didn't like them. I'll usually buy several bags of fresh cranberries when they're available and freeze them to use throughout the year. I've also discovered that powdered buttermilk works well. —Jane Yunker, Rochester, New York
Bacon-Wrapped Sweet Potato Bites
After making little bacon-wrapped sausages for years, I needed a change! I had an extra sweet potato and half a package of bacon on hand, so I put on my thinking cap and came up with this treat. —Kelly Williams, Forked River, New Jersey
Pumpkin Cheesecake Pie
If you’re looking for a classic autumn dessert, try this pumpkiny cheesecake pie. It’s a winner at potlucks and on the Thanksgiving table. The gingersnap crust forms a spicy-sweet foundation. —Sharon Crockett, La Palma, California
Creamed Corn
Five ingredients are all you'll need for my popular creamed corn recipe. It's wonderful no matter what the occasion is. Try it on a barbecue buffet or holiday menu. —Barbara Brizendine, Harrisonville, Missouri
Nanny's Parmesan Mashed Potatoes
My grandsons rave over these creamy potatoes loaded with Parmesan. That’s all the endorsement I need. Sometimes I use golden or red potatoes, with skins on. —Kallee Krong-McCreery, Escondido, California
Pecan Pie Bars
These pecan pie bars are rich and delicious - just like pecan pie! They're perfect for taking to potlucks and other gatherings...I always come home with an empty pan. These Kentucky Derby pecan pie bars are the perfect snack while watching the races. —Carolyn Custer, Clifton Park, New York
Sweet Potato Orange Cups
Serve this refreshingly sweet side dish to your guests in separate cups you craft…from oranges! All you have to do is cut oranges in half, scoop out the fruit and fill the peel with the sweet potato mixture. It's a hit among our family and friends. —Melonie Bowers, Sugarcreek, Ohio
Orange Gelatin Pretzel Salad
Salty pretzels pair nicely with the sweet fruit in this refreshing layered salad. It’s a family favorite that is a slam-dunk at potlucks. —Peggy Boyd, Northport, Alabama
Pumpkin Cupcakes with Spiced Frosting
My aunt makes the most delicious pumpkin pies for Thanksgiving. But my kids prefer cupcakes for dessert, so I created these for all the youngsters at our holiday table! —Aimee Shugarman, Liberty Township, Ohio
Apricot Salad
Colorful gelatin salad adds a spot of brightness to any table. It blends well with this holiday feast. We children didn't know if it should be a salad or dessert, with its smooth texture and delicate flavor.—Fae Fisher, Callao, Virginia
Cranberry Cornmeal Dressing
This moist dressing is perfect when paired with poultry or even pork. The sweet-tart flavor of the dried cranberries really complements the dish's turkey sausage. —Corinne Portteus, Albuquerque, New Mexico
Mom's Maple-Apple Pie
Mom's apple pie might be a cliché, but others have tried and failed to rival my mom's recipe. My siblings and I panic when anyone else takes the holiday apple pie assignment, but we make sure Mom is making hers, too. —Rebecca Little, Park Ridge, Illinois
Flaky Butterhorn Rolls
The recipe for these dinner rolls, slightly sweet and so very flaky, was my mother’s. They are simple to prepare because kneading skills are not required and the dough is easy to handle. My grandchildren have renamed them "Grandma’s croissants"! —Bernice Smith, Sturgeon Lake, Minnesota
Grandma Pietz's Cranberry Cake Pudding
For generations, our family has handed down this cake recipe starring cranberries. Simple and unusual, it remains a treasured family heirloom. —Lisa Potter, Camp Douglas, Wisconsin
Corn Stuffing Balls
My mom had many "winning" recipes, and this was one of our family's favorites. I can still picture these Corn Stuffing Balls encircling the large meat platter piled high with one of her delicious entrees. —Audrey Groe, Lake Mills, Iowa
Festive Apple Dip
I came up with this layered peanut butter treat when my dad gave me a big bag of apples. The dip has been one of my favorites ever since. In addition to serving it with apples, try it with graham crackers, vanilla wafers, banana chunks or animal crackers. —Theresa Tometich, Coralville, Iowa
Baked Parmesan Broccoli
I began making this creamy side dish years ago as a way to get my kids to eat broccoli. They have since grown up but still request this satisfying casserole. It's truly a family favorite. —Barbara Uhl, Wesley Chapel, Florida
Taste-of-Fall Salad
My parents stayed with me at a friend's beautiful ranch for the holidays and I made them this great salad. It turned into every night's first course. —Kristin Kossak, Bozeman, Montana
Praline Sweet Potato Pie
Adding a pleasant crunch, praline crumbles contrast perfectly with the smooth sweet potato filling in this recipe. It’s a fun, festive update on a classic Southern dessert. —Carol Gillespie, Chambersburg, Pennsylvania
Caramel-Pecan Apple Pie
You'll love the smell in your kitchen—and the smiles on everybody's faces—when you make this scrumptious caramel apple pie recipe. It takes me back home to Virginia, to my granny's table. —Jean Castro, Phoenix, Arizona
Herbed Turkey Breast
Like many of you, I always serve turkey for our family's Thanksgiving meal. But instead of roasting a whole bird, I opt for a turkey breast since most of us prefer white meat. The herb butter basting sauce keeps it so moist, and it's easy to carve. —Ruby Williams, Bogalusa, Louisiana
Honey Garlic Green Beans
Green beans are a reliable standby, but they can seem ordinary on their own. Just a couple of extra ingredients give them a sweet and salty attitude. This is definitely my family's favorite way to enjoy them. —Shannon Dobos, Calgary, Alberta
Caramel Pecan Pumpkin Cake
Use your slow cooker as a cake maker for a seriously yummy dessert that is easy enough for any weekday and tasty enough for a holiday meal. It frees up oven space, too. —Julie Peterson, Crofton, Maryland
Candy Corn Cookies
Get a head start on these buttery cookies by shaping and chilling the homemade dough ahead of time. When you're ready, just slice and bake the tricolor treats. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Twice-Baked Cheddar Potato Casserole
Bacon, cheddar and sour cream turn ordinary potatoes into an extraordinary twice baked potato casserole. It's one of our family's beloved standards for the holidays. —Kyle Cox, Scottsdale, Arizona
Grandma's Poultry Dressing
Every family seems to have their own favorite dressing recipe that becomes a tradition, and this is ours. It came from Grandma, who passed it down to my mother. Now our children have carried it into their kitchens. This is truly a good old-fashioned recipe. —Norma Howland, Joliet, Illinois
Frosty Pumpkin Nog
Once your friends and family taste it, you're sure to receive frequent requests for this creamy delight throughout the holiday season. —Crystal Bruns, Iliff, Colorado
Spiced Pear Upside-Down Cake
The flavors of fresh, sweet pears and gingerbread blend beautifully in this intriguing variation on pineapple upside down cake. Leftovers—if there are any—taste amazing with coffee or tea the next day. —Lisa Varner, El Paso, Texas
Bacon-Stuffed Mushrooms
I first tried these bubbly treats at my sister-in-law's house. The tender mushroom caps and creamy filling were so fabulous that I had to get the recipe. It's hard to believe how simple, fast and easy they are. —Angela Coffman, Kansas City, Missouri
Old-Fashioned Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
A pleasingly moist cake, this treat is the one I requested that my mom make each year for my birthday. It's dotted with sweet carrots and a hint of cinnamon. The fluffy buttery frosting is scrumptious with chopped walnuts stirred in. One piece of this carrot cake with cream cheese frosting is never enough—it's better than all the other carrot cakes I've tried! —Kim Orr, West Grove, Pennsylvania
Pumpkin Banana Bread
I came across these loaves in a local newspaper about 10 years ago, and I still make this pumpkin banana bread recipe on a regular basis. It conveniently yields a number of mini loaves, making gift-giving easy. —Linda Wood, Roanoke, Virginia
Roasted Autumn Vegetable Soup
Roasting sweet potatoes, carrots and parsnips brings out their best features. Blend them, and you have a warm, healthy soup for a cool fall night. —Stephanie Flaming, Woodland, California
Apple Pie Oatmeal Dessert
Warm and comforting oatmeal desserts bring back memories of times spent with my family around the kitchen table. I serve this dish with sweetened whipped cream or vanilla ice cream as a topper. —Carol Greer, Earlville, Illinois
Pineapple Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallows
Pineapple, sugar and marshmallows lend a super sweetness to sweet potatoes. I've been making the casserole for years, both for special occasions and casual dinners. —Ruth Leach, Shreveport, Louisiana
Jazzed-Up Green Bean Casserole
This is not your mama's green bean casserole, but she'll still be raving about it! After trying many variations, I decided to give this old standby extra kick. The crunchy texture, cheesy goodness and bacon make it a hit. —Scott Rugh, Portland, Oregon
Potato Pumpkin Mash
No more plain white mashed potatoes for us! I swirl fresh pumpkin into potatoes for a little extra holiday color. — Michelle Medley, Dallas, Texas
Spiced Orange-Cranberry Chutney
The aroma of simmering chutney signals the start of the holidays and sets the mood for my seasonal baking. Try it as an appetizer along with cream cheese and graham crackers. —Pat Stevens, Granbury, Texas
Easy Batter Rolls
The first thing my guests ask when they come for dinner is if I'm serving these dinner rolls. The buns are so light, airy and delicious—and help make the meal. —Thomasina Brunner, Gloversville, New York
Oma's Apfelkuchen (Grandma's Apple Cake)
My husband’s German family calls this Oma’s apfelkuchen, which translates to "Grandma’s apple cake." They’ve been sharing the recipe for more than 150 years. I use Granny Smith apples, but any variety works. —Amy Kirchen, Loveland, Ohio
Cranberry Pecan Stuffing
While I love stuffing, my family wasn't that fond of it—that is, until I found this recipe. I added a few touches of my own and now they gobble it up. Cranberries and pork really make it something special. —Robin Lang, Muskegon, Michigan
Spicy Pumpkin Fritters
My husband is a lifelong veggie hater, but he tried these deep-fried pumpkin bites and fell in love. Serve them with chipotle mayo or ranch dressing. —Trisha Kruse, Eagle, Idaho
Butterscotch Pie with Walnut-Bacon Toffee
This recipe started as an experiment in making bacon toffee, but by the time I was done I had this sweet and savory butterscotch pie. —Juliann Stoddart, Chicago, Illinois
Chocolate Caramel Turkey Legs
Mention turkey legs made of pretzels and chocolate, and the kids come running. Let them help by unwrapping caramels for this easy, no-bake treat. —Amy Lents, Grand Forks, North Dakota
Molded Cranberry-Orange Salad
When I take this dish to potlucks during the holidays, people always ooh and aah. Feel free to top with whipped cream for added appeal. —Carol Mead, Los Alamos, New Mexico
Slow-Cooker Baked Apples
Coming home to this irresistible dessert on a dreary day is just wonderful; it’s slow-cooker easy. — Evangeline Bradford, Erlanger, Kentucky
Fluffy Sweet Potato Custard Pie
My grandmother made this dessert for us every Thanksgiving and Christmas. She passed the recipe to me and I started bringing the pies to parties at work. Feel free to add sweetened whipped cream and sprinkle on additional nutmeg for extra appeal. The secret to a perfect pie is to take no shortcuts. Soften, don't melt the butter and blend, blend, blend! —Valerie Lockett, Tumwater, Washington
Raisin-Studded Apple Stuffing
This is the only stuffing my family will permit on our holiday table. With Italian sausage and a blend of so many great flavors, it's almost a meal in itself. No wonder it won first prize in a local recipe contest! —Teri Lindquist, Gurnee, Illinois
Sweet Potato Salad with Orange Dressing
For a lovely side dish that goes well with almost any entree, try this delightful sweet potato salad. The sweet potatoes, fruit and nuts tossed in a citrusy dressing are a favorite in my home.—Marie Rizzio, Interlochen, Michigan
Frosty Ginger Pumpkin Squares
My family loves getting together to sample good food. While pumpkin makes it perfect for the holidays, this ice cream dessert is requested year-round.
Honey Pecan Pie
Looking for a sweet ending to a special meal? This attractive pecan pie is bound to please with its traditional filling and honey-glazed pecans. —Cathy Hudak, Wadsworth, Ohio
Butterscotch Pumpkin Puffs
Yummy things come in these little pudding-rich "packages." The puffs can be made and frozen in advance, then filled before serving for a timesaving dessert. —Michelle Smith, Running Springs, California
Pecan Pumpkin Cheesecake
I love to play with cheesecakes by mixing and matching flavors. This one with pumpkin and maple is the star of our Thanksgiving spread. —Sue Gronholz, Beaver Dam, Wisconsin
Originally Published: November 05, 2019
