Let Us Help You Prepare Your Table for Your Next Christmas Party or Family Gathering - Free Printable Table Setting Goodies

Setting the table for Christmas festivities has never been so easy or fun.  Don't forget to let the kids help!!

Advent is a time of preparation.  So why not give your table a few thoughts and moments of preparation as well.  Dress your table for a kids' Christmas party, a Sunday Advent meal with the in-laws, a fun party at church or in the classroom.  You could even use these cute printables for your big Christmas meal too!  These printables are all bright and festive and very easy for children to prepare.  Why not let them help with the festivities?  There are quite a few pieces that we are offering including napkin rings, coasters, place mats, place setting cards, and stemmed glass markers.  We have tried to include a few different versions of items for children as well as adults.  These resources can help make clean up after a meal very easy.  Simply save laminated resources for re-use next year or recycle the worn out pieces to the bin.   We hope you find them fun and useful.

Help guests find their place at the table quite easily with these cute and bright place setting cards.  We have included six different versions to accommodate almost any guest who may pop in.  Simply print out, cut apart and write in the name on the card.  Fold and place at their special spot on the table.  We recommend using cardstock when preparing this resource as it will stand up quite easily by itself.

Click Here to download fun place setting cards.

Festive coasters help to preserve furniture as well as bring smiles to faces of all ages.  These resources come two to a page and can be printed out and heat laminated for yearly re-use.  The thicker the laminant used, the more sturdy the coaster will be.  If you will not be laminating this resource, a quick tip to think about is printing our resources using a laser jet rather than an ink jet as it will prevent ink from smearing when the glasses sweat.  These could also be disposable as well.

Click Here to download festive coasters.

Help mark your guest's formal table glass with their name.  This prevents mix ups and helps when it's time to refill them.  Many families choose to allow children to use stem glasses at formal meals filling them with punch, water with a slice of lime, or for our European visitours, wine.  We have included three different versions of this resource which you simply print out, cut apart and mark with names.  There are five markers per page.

Click Here to download the stem glass markers.

Finish off your special setting with nicely folded napkins.  If you are using cloth napkins, simply roll up like a crepe or even a burrito and wrap our napkin ring around it.  We have included two different styles and aligned everything so that cutting them apart is simple using a cutter.  Wrap and close with double or single sided tape.  There are four rings to a page.

Click Here to download the napkin rings.

Keep your table festive yet clean with these printable place mats.  Available in two piece versions that you simply glue or tape together or in a larger ledger size (11x17).  Each version comes both with and without the traditional table blessing.  We've included the blessing to help those who may not be familiar with it participate in the table grace.

Click Here to download a ledger version of this resource.

Click Here to download a ledger version of this resource w/out prayer.

Click Here to download a 2 page version of this resource.
Click Here to download a 2 page version of this resource w/out prayer.

Christmas Table Linens
Chistmas Dinnerware

 What is YOUR best effort?

Today's moment of reflection comes as a simple reminder of how we are all called to prepare for the coming of our Lord, Jesus Christ in Advent.  How can we BEST prepare for our Lord's birthday?  What is the BEST we can offer to God?

The second week of Advent focuses on peace.  During the Advent and Christmas seasons we can lose the peace that should be filling our hearts because of all of the tasks that we intend to accomplish perfectly.  And of course the bigger your family or more involved in activities you are-- you guessed it, the more you struggle to keep the peacefulness of the season.  We battle with trying to keep old family traditions alive or trying to come up with new ones.  We try to keep the splendor of years gone by with decorations or activities that take us back to our childhood and we are disappointed many times when we can't mimic or create the "Best Christmas we ever had" for our own children.  So today the reflection I share doesn't come from the Bible, it doesn't come from a great saint, it simply comes from our Lord's words to my heart in Eucharistic Adoration - which I try to participate in weekly. 

"But Lord, I want to give you my best," I said.

"Your best is the most you can do without falling into sin," He lovingly replied.

Thank you heavenly Father for keeping things so simple for me to understand. :)

Have a great day and just try your BEST, my friends!!

Blessings,

Kalei - That Resource Team

Need a Sweet Little Gift for Children to Make for Just About Anyone on Their List? We've Got Just the Thing!!

Hot Chocolate always brings smiles and this gift will too!!

Homemade gifts can be so neat to make, unfortunately they are not always as fun to receive.  We sometimes even have to quietly ask ourselves, "What is it?"  We are sure that you won't have that trouble with our cute fun homemade gift today.

We are so excited to be sharing one of the most popular gifts on our "to make for others" list.  It is a neat little gift idea that will hopefully teach a bit about the meaning of being a Christian as well as be a very yummy winter treat. Similar projects have gone round the Internet, but we wanted ours to be God centered and very easy to make with your children. 

So, we created Wisdom From a Snowman for your Christmas gift giving and stocking stuffing needs.

You will need the following items for each gift you want to make:

Our Wisdom From a Snowman download, printed out, 1 per gift
1 candy cane
1 chocolate kiss

1 pre-made packet of hot chocolate

5 mini-marshmallows
1 small cinnamon heart or candy heart
clear scotch tape  - double sided is best although single sided clear tape will work too, but will show on the finished product.

To Do:

1.  Print out the file.

2.  Cut out only on outer lines, as pictured at left.

3.  Fold to make a pocket and tape closed with your clear tape.  Use double sided on the inside of the flaps or single sided tape on the outside of the packet.  We don't recommend using glue as you are enclosing food in the packet.

4.  Write the info on the "To" and "From" lines.

5.  Enclose all of the confections in the packet and seal shut with double or single sided tape.

Throw these little goodies into stockings or place them in a mug and wrap in a cellophane bag for an adult gift.


Click Here to download the Wisdom From a Snowman file now.

 Making Christmas Memories Last a Lifetime

Spending time together is the key to making Christmas memories.  Weather you are making candy houses, wrapping presents, attending church services, visiting relatives, decorating the tree or singing carols together - it's all about making the lasting memories that will stay with us for our lifetime.  Jesus came to save us from our sins and redeem us for His Father, but He couldn't convey the message of salvation and the kingdom of Heaven if He didn't actually spend time preaching, teaching, talking, visiting and being in the company of those who needed Him most.  He had to BE WITH US.  Christmas calls us to be with each other in His honour.

Read and reflect today on Psalm 133:1, "Behold how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell in unity."


Blessings,

That Resource Team

Make the Perfect Little Christmas Gift to Add in Your Christmas Cards.

Little tea bag covers spread joy and remind us to relax and enjoy the beautiful season of Christmas.

It is that time of year when we send greetings to those we value, cherish, admire and well, just simply love.  Many times we want to send a gift to everyone on our list, but let's face it, it's just not possible.  So today we have a special little gift that you can add into every Christmas card you send this year and yes, it fits.  How about a cup of warm cheer to sip and savour!!  Our holiday tea bag covers are just perfect for Christmas card gift giving.  Fast, easy, affordable and filled with a warm hug!!

To make these little gifts simply print out the files.  Cut out the templates on the lines, fold and glue.  When they are dry, add your favourite little wrapped tea bag and close with a dab of glue.  Now that is fast, festive and fun!!

We offer to two different styles to accommodate everyone on your list. 

This style is  for those who need a break.  It says, "Relax this Christmas season...Remember that Jesus is the reason for the season. 

The other is for those who need a hug or who may not be religious simply stating, "Warm wishes for a Merry Christmas!!"



We hope you enjoy this little gift.  And if you like this gift, you definitely don't want to miss any post this week as everyday will be filled with essentials for Christmas fun!!

Click Here to download this little gift right now.

Today's spiritual inspiration requires us all to take a special moment to relax, remember and accept that we can't always give tangible gifts to everyone we want.  Either we can't afford it and if we can, there is always the chance in today's day and age that others may not be able to reciprocate the same level of material generosity and end up feeling even worse about their own circumstances. 

God does not want us to feel burdened on His birthday nor does He want us to overspend, go into needless debt, or give to others without the true spirit of charity in our hearts.  For each gift we give out of love to others, we give to our Lord. 

Reflect on Matthew 25:40.

Blessings,

That Resource Team

Create a Festive and Easy Holiday Wreath With Your Children

Christmas wreath helps children be creative while reinforcing that God and His love for us eternal.

Advent and Christmas are very special times of year for Christians. Advent is our time of preparation for the coming of our Savior, Jesus Christ. Christmastide is a celebration of His arrival. Today we have a simple decorative project that you can use to celebrate either aspect of this season - Advent or Christmas. It's fun, easy and festive.

Please note:  the object of this wreath is to involve children in decorating for Christmas. The evergreen wreath symbolizes everlasting life that God gives us. The finished wreath need not be perfect or fit for a department store. Children can decorate the wreaths by sorting and developing a theme they like. Let them group and regroup ornaments already in your collection or have them create special masterpieces of their own using Melty Beads (like we did), paper cutouts, craft foam and glitter and glue.  We always try to keep fun at the forefront of any project.

WHAT YOU NEED

This project will require the following:

1 - 12" pine wreath (either faux or real varieties will work)

5-8 Christmas ornaments of one theme (either homemade or store bought is fine)

1m of ribbon or decorative cording for decoration

Wire Christmas ornament hangers, one for each ornament and a few to secure ribbons and other fun doodads you may have in your craft supplies.

1 - Over the door wreath hook, if placing on door

WHAT TO DO

Step 1: Gather, make or buy ornaments of one theme. To avoid a cluttered appearance, choose no more 6 large or 8 smaller ornaments. See Possible Wreath Themes below for ideas.

Step 2: Decide how you will attach your ribbon or cording.  You will either wrap it around or throughout the wreath or attached it prefab style.  If you are wrapping the wreath with ribbon or cording, do so now before putting on the ornaments.  If you are going to tie the ribbon into a bow and then attach it, then affix it to the wreath after the ornaments are put on.

Step 3: Using a wire ornament hook, attach each ornament to the front of the wreath. Secure well to prevent breakage. If you are decorating a door with your wreath, remember that some shaking will occur with the opening/closing movement, so be sure to secure everything on the wreath well.

Step 4: Hang on door using the over the door wreath hook or hang on wall using a picture frame hanger.

POSSIBLE WREATH THEMES

Here are some ideas to help you get started on possible themes.  Some of them are not traditional, but it is the wreath that is the symbol.  How we decorate it can be left to preference.  Think we're crazy?  Just take a look at your Hallmark, department, grocer or craft store.  You will see tons of different ideas that people suggest we purchase for our decorating needs.  Why not let the kids be creative or just regroup and reuse your favourites from your collection.

RELIGIOUS THEME IDEAS

Stars -  It shown brightly in the night sky to guide people to Christ's birth place.

Shepherds - They were among the first to hear of our Lord's birth.

Bells - They ring out to tell the good news of our Saviour's birth.

Crèche pieces - Nothing tells the Christmas story better than a Nativity scene. (See our version at left.)

Angels - The angel not only tells our Blessed Mother of what is to come, but they appear to the shepherds in the fields as well.

*If you celebrate St. Nicholas' feast day, you could also choose St. Nicholas as a wreath theme and then just leave it up for the entire season.

FUN SEASONAL THEME IDEAS

Coloured Doodads - small little craft doo-dads in all one colour - purple & pink for advent, red & green for Christmas, or stick with the traditional silver & gold if you .

All of a kind - Different sized jingle bells, bows, folded paper fans of Christmas wrapping paper, reindeer, gingerbread men or even a cultural item such as a Polynesian gourd.

Paper snowflakes of various shapes and sizes are always in style.

Children's choice or favourites - Any favourite selection of ornaments. Perhaps the child may select all ornaments made for a particular year or by a particular person over the years or around a learning theme they like science, cooking.  For example, the selection shown at the left are all things near and dear to one of our children who loves animals, plants, hugs, and presents. :)

Characters - all of one type of character from popular culture. They could include characters from cartoons, a book, TV or video series. Children can draw and cut out or create from craft clay their favourite characters from A Christmas Carol, the Mitten, Emit Otter's Jug Band Christmas, the Little House Series, works from Beatrix Potter, Peanuts®, Webkinz®, The NHL, Sesame Street or whomever. Get some fun, quality art and family time together while decorating for the holidays. This is a great way to incorporate a current unit study with the holiday as well.

LEARNING THEME IDEAS

The Saints - If you use time line figures or really like holy cards, you can create a few special paper ornament figures for a wreath all about different saints associated with Christmas or charity - St. Nicholas, St. Stephen, St. Elizabeth of Hungary for example.

Historical Figures - If you use time line figures, create a few special ones for a wreath all about Christmas during the Middle Ages or at the turn of the 20th century.

*Do not fear. Remember that the Wreath is the Christmas symbol not necessarily the things that go on it. By giving learners creative freedom, you invite more festive helpers, family bonding and memories to be created.

Let us slow down today and reflect on Revelations 22:12. 

God is eternal and so is His love for us as our evergreen wreath reminds us, but our real heartfelt desire today and everyday should be to have Him to say to us, "Well done, my good and faithful servant." 

Blessings,

That Resource Team