Using Chalkboard Paper Runner for a Christmas Table
Personal family time is essential to our family, but when company comes through town, we love to host them! This past weekend our Portland friends joined us for a night, and I was torn between keeping the Thanksgiving decorations up, or putting up some simple Christmas ones. (Chalkboard paper runner tips to come!)
Christmas won! I was ready to move on to the next holiday, and actually it was quite easy, since everything was at my fingertips. I do keep my entertaining supplies well-organized, so it literally took me under 5 minutes to set my table for guests.
Kids were coming, so my first thought was how to incorporate them at the table? Sometimes we put the kids at a separate table, but when there are only 2 families, we like to squeeze everyone around one table.
I pulled out my chalkboard paper runner and a package of Dollar Store red Christmas ornaments and red paper napkins. MacKenzie-Childs charger, Dollar Store black plates and drinking glasses.
And a bowl of chalk.
When our guests arrived, I asked the 7-year old to write our guest’s names on the table runner, where everyone should sit.
It’s so fun to include the kids!
Hanging around the table and doodling on the table after the meal was over – a type of hospitality that relaxed everyone – of all ages!
Simplicity was on my mind, something unique and different where the kids would not want to run off and play.
I have to say, it was a successful adult/kid dinner party!
After the meal, I gathered the chalkboard paper runner, folded it into a square, tied a red ribbon around it, and presented it to my friend.
A lovely gift of chalkboard doodles from our family to hers.
And one she could reuse–by flipping it over for a brand new table, or memories of this night–for her family during the holidays!
What’s your favorite tip for hosting kids during the holidays?
I purchased the roll of chalkboard paper in a garden shop in Kohler, WI, but I found a link online that sells it in different lengths. Check it out, here.
Don’t think I could love this idea more. I need to go buy that! :)
I need to grab a roll of the chalkboard paper. We ended up having 4 kids eating at a separate table in the kitchen since we couldn’t fit 12 people around the dining room table. I think the kids would have enjoy drawing on the table.
Tip: remind that adults that they aren’t allowed to hog all the chalk, that the kids get it too.
what a fun idea. Where do you find that paper?
Where do you get chalkboard paper? I have seen DIY projects that use it, but no sources.
Hi, Kathi. I added a link to the bottom of the post!
Love this. Did you say where you found this paper?? or is that “to come” yet ;) I love your redletterwords print on your wall…I have the same one! xoxo
I can’t find the exact brand anywhere, Sheila (I was out of town when I bought it), but I added a link to the bottom of the post of something similar!
Thiiiiiis is so pimp!