Christmas lunch with lots of little ones

Bella73

To be honest instead of trying to entertain them at the dinner table I would set up a separate table for them with party foods. The theory behind this being that younger children can manage finger foods fine but roast can be a bit much plus children don't always like veg and might need help cutting up their dinner whereas if they had party finger foods they can come and go as they please, parents won't get so stressed if party food is left as it won't go cold and can be eaten later as they will all probably be too excited at being together to eat anyway!

We did something like this when we married and it went down a storm with the children and parents alike

savingmonkey

The cancer research charity shop had some place mats made from paper that could be coloured in (in the new gifts section). Stickers/sticker books keep my 2 entertained and sitting down (age 2 and 4). I would definately have the option to let them get down from the table and have some things to play with to keep them entertained. Balloons are cheap and my kids will play with these for ages!

spacecadet1

Sainsburys had paper Christmas table cloths you could colour in a few years ago. Might be worth looking round for something like this.

Nikkynoo

Despite having a 8 year old ive never had to entertain her at the table before as she sits there and talks with the adults. I wouldn't bother doing party food for them, im sure they could eat a proper meal. My Ds is 1 and manages to eat a full roast every Sunday I just dont put gravy on it and he eats it all.

I like the idea of coloring in the table clothe. If you dont mind they getting down to play then I suggest maga blocks. Ideal for the 1 year old yet the 4 year olds would love it to. Oh and most the adults will most likely join in to.

Another idea is to give the 4 year olds 'Jobs' to do. Like setting the table, helping to clear the dishs etc. You may find that with just the people there they wont need anything else. If they did they would almost certainly have a Christmas pressie to play with.

One thing we had a few years ago (im farily sure you can still get them) was crackers that had little things to do. Over the years we have had whistle that when everyone plays makes a tune, racing snowmen etc thats something everyone could join in on and you could out the girls 'in charge of'.

sethsgran

Well I have decided. We will have the tablecloths to colour then a small simple table gift for all, adults as well. 2 of my grandchildren have been through more than most adults ever witness as mummy 100% nursed daddy as he died, he didn't want to be in hospital. Because of this they struggle to sit and focus so I want to be tender to their feelings as this will be their first christmas without him and first christmas with all cousins etc as prior to their loss they lived in America. The only food changes I will be making is that there will be a bowl of raw carrot batons and a bowl of cooked.
I love my littlies and this year will be different but also very special having everyone together.

Nikkynoo

Oh bless the poor little mites. Have you thought about somthing like these.

http://www.lakeland.co.uk/42926/6-Racing-Reindeer-Christmas-Crackers

We have had simillar and they still come out every year and get played with.

sethsgran

Great idea thank you so much for the link.

lil.smartie

Beads to string for the girls my daughter will be 4 next month & she loves them! Making everyone a bracelet will keep them busy

Kate