Personalized Family-Inspired Table Accessories

Bring family together at the table with decorative accents that celebrate your family’s unity. With these handy patterns and step-by-step instructions, you can easily personalize your tablecloth or runner in one of two different ways.

Fabric Family Tree Tablecloth or Runner
Adorn a fabric tablecloth or runner with a family tree that places family at the heart of the table. You can even repurpose an old tablecloth or runner and make it special by writing the name of each family member on a leaf as part of your tree.

Supplies
Tablecloth or runner
Patterns
Fabric
Scissors
Needle and thread or liquid stitch
Fabric paint or fabric marker
Paintbrush (optional)

Instructions
1.    Download and print the six-page pattern for the trunk of the tree. Tape the pages together to form one piece, then cut out the trunk and branches of the tree.
2.    Lay the cutout on your fabric and use a pencil or chalk to trace the outline of the trunk onto the fabric.
3.    Cut out this shape, place it on your tablecloth or runner, and sew the fabric trunk to the tablecloth or runner. You can also use liquid stitch instead of sewing. Create the look of a colorful fall tree by using multiple fabrics to make up portions of the trunk.
4.    Once you’ve adhered the base of the design, download and print the leaf patterns. You can use a variety of sizes and styles, or make all of the leaves uniform. Just cut out the patterns you like, trace them onto your fabric and cut the shapes out. Try using different fabric to represent kids and adults.
5.    Using fabric paint, write each member of your family’s name on a different leaf. A paintbrush can help with this task—especially if you choose to use a stencil for lettering.
6.    Once the paint has dried, arrange your leaves around the branches of the tree. You can base your arrangement on your relationship to family members, or place the eldest family members at the top, and the youngest toward the bottom.
7.    Secure the leaves with liquid stitch or sew each leaf onto the tablecloth or runner.

Paper Family Tree Tablecloth or Runner
A paper family tree tablecloth or runner is delightfully charming and conveniently disposable. Personalize this practical solution by having each of your family members lend a helping hand—or just a finger will do, too.

Supplies
Roll of paper* (for the tablecloth/runner)
Solid or patterned paper (for the tree)
Patterns
Scissors
Rubber cement or glue stick
Ink pad
Marker

*Recommendations: parchment, butcher paper, wrapping paper, craft paper

Instructions
1.    Measure out a solid-colored strip of paper that’s as long as your table for your tablecloth or runner. You may need to tape a few pieces of paper together, but as long as the tape is on the side of the paper that faces the table, the joints shouldn’t stand out.
2.    Download and print the six-page pattern for the trunk of the tree. Tape the pages together to form one piece, then cut out the trunk and branches of the tree.
3.    Lay the cutout on your colored or patterned paper and use a pencil to trace the outline of the trunk onto the paper.
4.    Cut out the design and use rubber cement to adhere it to the paper tablecloth or runner.
5.    For the leaves of this family tree, use a fingerprint from each family member to represent a leaf. Using a stamp pad, each member of your family can press their finger in ink, then stamp their “leaf” onto the tree.
6.    Use a marker to write the name of each family member under the fingerprint that represents them.

Tip: If the hustle and bustle of a big family dinner doesn’t dirty your paper family tree tablecloth or runner, consider cutting out the design and framing it to celebrate your family. You can also use your family tree tablecloth or runner to start a family tree calendar.

Start a new tradition and watch how your family tree grows over time. When your gatherings place family front and center at the table, guests will always feel welcome at your home.

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