By Joy Kraft
The Cincinnati Enquirer

Who wants to sit at the kids' table if you're cut off from the fun and conversation? Here are some tips to keep down the whining.

Make it a treat with a (firmly anchored) tabletop tree decorated with easy-to-reach crayons or markers as ornaments to decorate the pictures you've drawn in advance on a paper tablecloth from a craft or party store. Or hang blank ornament shapes on the tree and have kids decorate them. When the meal is done, you can clear away plates and throw it away.

On each child's chair, tie a clear ornament decorated with the child's name and filled with a treat or toy.

Place little beribboned bags at each place containing the makings of an ornament that kids can put together quickly. This reindeer head ornament is made from three flat wooden hearts, a pair of eyes and a pompom nose. Check craft magazines at arts and crafts stores for more ideas.

Set a candy cane pen and small notepad at each child's plate for doodling.

Make paper "dinner" crowns ahead of time from craft paper for each child. Put one at each place with sticker sheets, crayons and markers for decorating.

Pick up miniature puzzles or mini dolls, cars, etc., and hang one on the table tree for each child.

Let the kids decorate their paper napkins with markers or stickers.