Add Fun to your Christmas Table

Are you looking for a way to turn a predictable Christmas meal into something fun and unique? Listen in for some creative ideas to add a fun touch to your Christmas meal — ways that invite laughter, creativity, and connection around your table. And no, you don’t have to be a professional party planner or an artist to pull these off. The beauty of these ideas is that they’re easy, inexpensive, and bring out the childlike wonder that lives inside all of us.

Transcript

Episode 194 - Adding a fun touch to the Christmas meal

One of the things I love most about the holidays is the chance to gather around the table — to slow down, share food, and make memories with the people we care about. But sometimes, especially after so many years of the same routines, even the most wonderful Christmas meals can start to feel a little… well, predictable. Maybe you find yourself wondering how to bring a little extra fun or lightheartedness to your holiday gathering, without adding stress or pressure. I get that. The holidays should feel joyful and welcoming, not like one more thing on the to-do list.

With that in mind, I want to talk about some simple, creative ways to add a fun touch to your Christmas meal — ways that invite laughter, creativity, and connection around your table. And no, you don’t have to be a professional party planner or an artist to pull these off. The beauty of these ideas is that they’re easy, inexpensive, and bring out the childlike wonder that lives inside all of us.

Let me start with one of my favorite ideas, and it’s one I first stumbled upon a few years back when my kids and grandkids had all come home for Christmas. Instead of the usual formal tablecloth, my daughter suggested we cover the table with large sheets of butcher paper — that plain, brown or white paper you often find wrapped around packages. We placed jars filled with markers, crayons, and colored pencils on the table. Then we invited everyone — young and old alike — to grab a writing utensil and add their own artwork, messages, doodles, or holiday wishes to the paper throughout the meal.

Now, I have to admit, at first I thought, “Is this going to make a mess?” But honestly, it was one of the most delightful parts of the evening. Kids drew reindeer and Christmas trees. Adults wrote silly jokes and holiday memories. The tablecloth quickly became a colorful, lively tapestry that told the story of that night and the people gathered there.

What made it so special was that it took the focus off perfection and put it on participation. No one was worried about smudging or making a mistake. It was all about the joy of creating together. And when we cleaned up that night, we carefully rolled up the paper to save and look at again next year. It felt like we’d made a keepsake — a snapshot of our shared celebration.

If you don’t want to cover your entire table, you can do this on placemats or on a long strip down the center. You can use whatever paper you have on hand. Even plain white butcher paper or craft paper works. The important part is giving people space to be playful and express themselves.

Another simple way to add fun is to create themed name cards — but instead of just writing names, invite your guests to decorate their own place card before the meal starts. You can supply small craft supplies like stickers, stamps, or even tiny bits of nature like pinecones or holly sprigs. This not only makes everyone feel welcome but also sparks conversation as folks share what they made.

Now, I know some of you might be thinking, “But my family is serious about tradition,” or “I don’t want to turn Christmas dinner into a kid’s art class.” And I hear you. The beauty of these ideas is that they can be as simple or as elaborate as you want. You don’t have to make the whole meal into a creative workshop — just sprinkle in a little fun here and there.

For example, you could have a jar of funny holiday trivia questions or “Would you rather” questions on the table to spark laughter between courses. Or maybe pass around a small basket of peppermint sticks or tiny ornaments for guests to have as surprise gifts. It’s the little touches that break the ice and bring smiles.

You could also try adding a memory jar to your table this year. Place a mason jar in the center and surround it with small slips of paper and a few pens. Invite everyone — young and old — to write down a favorite memory from the past year or a special Christmas from years gone by. Maybe it’s a funny story, a lesson learned, or just a simple moment that made them smile. After dinner, you can take turns pulling out a few notes and reading them aloud. It’s amazing how something so small can spark laughter, tears, and heartfelt conversation. It reminds everyone that while the food and decorations are lovely, it’s the shared memories that truly feed the soul.

 Or you can skip the jar and go straight to storytelling. Invite guests to share a favorite holiday memory or a tradition from their childhood. You can go around the table and take turns or just let stories flow naturally. Sometimes, these shared stories create bonds that last far beyond Christmas dinner. 

If you’re someone who loves baking, you can also invite guests to decorate their own cookies or cupcakes after the meal. This turns dessert into an activity and gives everyone a chance to show off their creativity. Plus, it keeps people lingering around the table instead of rushing off.

To keep with the baking theme, another sweet and simple touch you might add is a Recipe Share Basket. Set a little basket or bowl at one end of the table and fill it with blank recipe cards and a few pens. Invite your guests to jot down a favorite holiday dish, a cherished family recipe, or even something new they’ve tried this season that brought them joy. As the evening winds down, everyone can swap cards or draw one to take home. It’s such a simple way to share stories and flavors — a gentle reminder that the best recipes often come with a bit of history, a sprinkle of love, and a good dose of laughter around the table. Long after the dishes are washed and the leftovers are tucked away, those little cards will carry the warmth of the evening right into someone else’s kitchen.

But even if you’re not into crafts or baking, there are plenty of other ways to make your Christmas meal feel fresh and fun. Think about the music — maybe create a playlist of unexpected holiday tunes, like old-timey carols, jazz, or even some folk songs that bring warmth without the usual pop Christmas hits. Music has a way of setting the tone and inviting people to relax and enjoy. Just keep in mind: You may have to ditch the old rule about ‘no singing at the table’ with this one!

Lighting is another easy way to add magic. Soft candlelight, twinkling fairy lights, or even a few lanterns can turn an ordinary meal into something cozy and special. When the light is gentle, people tend to slow down, lean in, and savor the moment.

Here’s a little secret I’ve learned over the years: the best part of holiday meals isn’t the food on the table — though a good meal is a blessing — it’s the people you share it with and the atmosphere you create. When you focus on fun and connection, the meal becomes a memory instead of just another event.

So if you’re feeling like this year’s Christmas meal needs a little sparkle or something different, I hope these ideas inspire you. Whether it’s a table covered in artwork, a fun game, a cozy playlist, or a round of storytelling, you can make your holiday meal a celebration that feels joyful, relaxed, and uniquely yours.

And here’s the best part: you don’t have to do it all. Just pick one or two things that speak to you, and let those be your gifts to your family and friends this Christmas. Because simple, meaningful moments are what we remember most — not the fancy centerpiece or the perfectly folded napkins.

And who knows? Maybe a little fun at the Christmas meal will become a new tradition that everyone looks forward to, year after year.