When it comes to planning your festive feasts, it can be easy to get lost in ideas of candlelit tables set with fine wines and the dishes reserved for special occasions – but don’t forget the kids’ table!
There are lots of ways to set up a playful, kid-friendly spread that’s every bit as magical as the adult table. We’ve gathered some tips to get you started.
Flavours for all ages
It’s no secret that younger palates can be more particular than their parents’. Before you resort to making a separate pot of plain macaroni for the table (ask us how we know this is an option!) invite your kids to choose what they’d like from the more traditional fare instead of dishing up for them. While they may skip your aunt’s famous brussels sprouts, they could opt for a helping of honey-glazed carrots.
Some dishes can be tailored for adults and kids by serving the sauce on the side—that could be ketchup for the kids and hot sauce for the adults. Think about combining sweet and savoury flavours in one dish and include sweet and sour sauces that kids of all ages love.
Toothpick time
When everyone’s taken their seats, remember toothpicks are your friend! You can start with snacks: Build mini-Christmas trees by centring rolled ham, slices of cheese and vegetable sticks on a toothpick. Finish with a cherry tomato on top.
For the main course, meatballs, turkey cubes, and cheese cubes are all toothpick-worthy – and less messy for the kids. And then for dessert, make marshmallow snow people for hot chocolate.
Deck the table
You can ramp up the festive spirit with playful table décor in holiday colours—it doesn’t have to be the once-a-year settings from the china cabinet to be special.
And if you’re looking to create an outlet for your kids’ creativity, why not cover the table with craft paper instead of a tablecloth, put some crayons at each place, and let them let loose. They’ll love colouring the “tablecloth.”
For more hands-on holiday fun, the little ones can even assemble dessert. Give them the raw materials—triangular brownie slices, sandwich cookies, melted chocolate, candy eyes and pretzels—and let them create their own festive treats.
Looking for ways to get your kids involved in the prep as well as the payoff? Visit our 5 Tips for Kids in the Christmas Kitchen article. And more for more holiday inspiration, take a look at Table magazine, instore or online.
