A simple tablecloth that is sure to become a family heirloom! This DIY Thanksgiving Tablecloth is affordable, fun, and the perfect reminder of all that you have to be grateful for!
A Tablecloth Full Of Thanks
We have a lot of family traditions for the various holidays throughout the year, but this Thanksgiving tablecloth might be my very favorite out of allllllllll the things we do!
I made this tablecloth from a drop cloth back in 2012. I encouraged my kids to write things they are grateful for when we sit down for dinner. Each November since then, I pull out our tablecloth and we add to our list of blessings!
There is nothing sweeter than looking back at my little kid’s handwriting and drawings as they list what they are grateful for year after year!
How to Make a Thanksgiving Tablecloth
MATERIALS –
- Canvas drop cloth*
- Sharpie markers**
- Vinyl table cloth, sewing machine, pinking shears, optional
* Drop cloths come in a bunch of different sizes, so pick which one fits your table best, and sew 2 together if you need to. I’d definitely recommend going bigger than you’d think, especially if you plan to have a bigger table in the future. When we had a rectangle table, I just needed one drop cloth, but when we moved and bought a round table, I added two long strips of another drop cloth on each side of the original one.
**If you are worried about the markers bleeding through onto your table, put a cheap vinyl tablecloth under the canvas drop cloth.
DIRECTIONS –
- Prewash your drop cloth so it shrinks and you get a better idea of how it will fit your table.
- Put a vinyl tablecloth on top of your table, then place your drop cloth on top of it.
- Add a vase with Sharpie markers to your table, and you’re good to go!
We don’t eat Kale or “KAEL” so it took us a minute to figure out what our 12 year old wrote way back when he was 4! Then we realized that the “K” was actually an “H” and he was spelling Leah (his sister) backward! 🙂
I hope to add to our lists as the years go on until it looks nearly impossible to find a blank area on the canvas! It will definitely end up being a treasured family heirloom, as my 14 year old has already asked if she can have it when I die, hahaha! 🙂
More Fun Thanksgiving Ideas
- Count Your Blessings Tree Thanksgiving Activity
- Thanksgiving Gratitude Garland Printable
- Fun Thanksgiving Pictionary Game
- Thanksgiving Turkey Handprint Cookies
- Roll A Turkey Family Game Printable
I am excited to make this for dinner this year. We have some messy little ones. Can I launder if after dinner?
It should be ok if you are using permanent marker, but I’d try it before you get started so you don’t find out the hard way after years and years of memories written on it.
My great grandmother did this – she would have people sign the tablecloth and then she would embroider it. Such a fun idea and tradition.
Now you’re making me wish I could embroider! 🙂 How fun!
This is a truly darling idea! And what a precious memento the tablecloth will be as children grow over the years!
Thanks Amy!
What if writing and drawing on the cloth took place before dinner, then put clear vinyl on top so it last for years to come?
LOVE this idea. Every kid would love this!!
Thanks Kristyn!
We have been doing this tradition for several years. I haven’t figured out how to get the grown ups to jump in, but the kids do love it. I think I will put it out a few days or week ahead this time! We’ve always been afraid to eat on it too.
Isn’t it a fun tradition? I love it!
I bet the kids love making that tablecloth!
Yep! They love reading what they wrote or drew from the last year!
Such a cute idea! Love it 🙂
Thanks Desiree!
What a great idea! I LOVE this!!!
Thanks Amy! Miss you! xoxo
Stephanie – What a fun and simple idea! I bet your kids love it! It was great participating in the blog hop with you!
Becky B.
Thanks Becky! I love your blog!
Hi Steph! It looks like the link to my projects not working!
Thanks
Melissa
Sorry, I didn’t see Mique’s email- I fixed it right after you let me know! 🙂
Your tablecloth turned out so cute Steph! My kids would be all over this!! I loved reading the answers to q’s…. your husband is not the only one waiting on pictures to eat dinner. 🙂 It’s like a secret society, husbands of bloggers. Congrats on the new (PINK) addition to your fam. xoxo
Thanks Mique! This was a fun blog hop idea!!!
I love this idea! I’m going to share with the readers on our Kids Email blog at blog.kidsemailorg 🙂