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    Home » Holidays

    DIY Thanksgiving Place Cards Idea

    Updated: Oct 7, 2020 by Melissa Mortenson · This post may contain affiliate links · This blog generates income via ads · 75 Comments

    Today I’m sharing with you a fun way to make place cards for your Thanksgiving Table. If you like this project you may also like this DIY Gratitude Banner Thanksgiving Craft idea.

    Cute idea for Thanksgiving Place Cards- DIY Photo place cards using Instax photos

    Last summer my family and I took a trip to the Netherlands and Norway.  My Great Grandfather was born in Norway, and my dad lived there for 2 years in his twenties.  Ever since I was a kid I’ve had a visit to Norway on my “bucket list”.

    I’m happy to say that the trip lived up to my expectations. Norway is exceptionally gorgeous, I had to remind myself at times that what I was looking at was real, and not something from a movie set.

    We flew into Amsterdam, spent 3 days there then hopped on a cruise ship to take us up through the fjords of Norway. I made sure to take my large DSLR camera to snap photos, but I also wanted a way to involve the kids in the photography process. Yes, they had phones with them, but I wanted to give them a bit “more” to do while walking around the cities. 

    Cute idea for Thanksgiving Place Cards- DIY Photo place cards using Instax photos

    My youngest daughter took our INSTAX camera with her to use on the trip.  It was just the right size for her to put in here purse and she had a great time planning out her photographs.  After a few days her twin brother got in on the action and they had a great time running around together looking for things that would make “cool” photos.

    Cute idea for Thanksgiving Place Cards- DIY Photo place cards using Instax photos

    The camera was a “hit” and in the days since we’ve been back I’ve discovered a few more creative ways to use our INSTAX.

    Cute idea for Thanksgiving Place Cards- DIY Photo place cards using Instax photos

    This year for Thanksgiving I’m going to use it to create custom photo place cards for our Thanksgiving table.

    Cute idea for Thanksgiving Place Cards- DIY Photo place cards using Instax photos

    The plan is to put the kids in charge of photographing our guests as they come through the door.  Then use those photographs as place cards at our dinner table.  I think it will be a fun way to keep the kids preoccupied before dinner starts. It will also be a great way to get photos (for me to keep) of all of our dinner guests.

    Cute idea for Thanksgiving Place Cards- DIY Photo place cards using Instax photos

    Cute idea for Thanksgiving Place Cards- DIY Photo place cards using Instax photos

    To make the place cards, I purchased photo clips at a local store (I got mine a few months ago, so I don’t know if these exact ones are still available, but it is quite easy to find photo clips).

    Cute idea for Thanksgiving Place Cards- DIY Photo place cards using Instax photos

    To make a simple photo album for the photos, I simply used a few scrapbook  3” x 4” “journaling” cards. You can find these types of cards in most craft and some big box stores.

    Cute idea for Thanksgiving Place Cards- DIY Photo place cards using Instax photos

    FYI: The 3” x 4” is the perfect size to use with the INSTAX printed photos.

    After I attached each photo to a card, I simply punched a hole in the top of each card and used an “O” ring to hold the cards together.

    Cute idea for Thanksgiving Place Cards- DIY Photo place cards using Instax photos

    For the front of the card I simply used a glue stick to glue two of the cards together, back to back. That way the cover was a bit sturdier than the inside pages.

    If you’d like to give this project a try, you can find Fuji Film INSTAX cameras at Amazon, Best Buy, Urban Outfitters, Wal-Mart, Michaels, Staples, Target and Jo Ann.

    I’m excited to add this project to our annual Thanksgiving traditions.  

    Cute idea for Thanksgiving Place Cards- DIY Photo place cards using Instax photos

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    About Author

    Melissa Mortenson

    Melissa Mortenson is a blogger, designer, and content creator. She is the Polka Dot Chair blog founder and has been sharing fresh and creative ideas with readers since 2008. She is the author of “Project Teen, Handmade Gifts your Teen will Actually Love.” Her work and designs have been featured on HuffPost, TODAY, Pioneer Woman, HGTV, BuzzFeed, Better Homes & Gardens, and many other established publications. Her first fabric line, “Derby Style,” debuted in January 2015 through Riley Blake Designs.  Additional fabric collections have followed it in subsequent years. A mom of 3, she considers herself lucky to be living in Kentucky.

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Kathy E. says

      October 10, 2016 at 8:04 am

      What a sweet photo album of the ones we love! It takes me back to the “old” days of looking through albums of photos..something we don’t keep up with anymore with cell phones and digital cameras. One Thanksgiving tradition we have besides always having turkey and dressing, is to individually share one thing we are currently thankful for. Each year, the thought gets a bit deeper and more sentimental.

      Reply
    2. Erin Ellis says

      October 10, 2016 at 8:21 am

      My favorite Thanksgiving tradition in our house is watching the parade on TV and hanging out in our pj’s until around noon. Cooking turkey and trimmings is much more fun in pj’s! Thank you for the wonderful giveaway
      Erin
      erinloves2run at gmail dot com

      Reply
    3. Erin Ellis says

      October 10, 2016 at 8:25 am

      Tweet:
      https://twitter.com/ErinLoves2Run/status/785456146802814980

      Erin
      erinloves2run at gmail dot com

      Reply
    4. Linda Williamson says

      October 10, 2016 at 9:00 am

      Since my Mom’s move to Florida, we now switch around who gets to host Thanksgiving dinner. We all pitch in a bring a dish along with activities to keep the kids entertained. We’ve also started a new tradition of selecting names for our Christmas gift exchange (for the adults anyway). Thanks for the giveaway. grinnie1961 at gmail dot com

      Reply
    5. Mary Van Kleeck says

      October 10, 2016 at 9:25 am

      Great giveaway, I would love to win!!!

      Reply
    6. Colleen Bell says

      October 10, 2016 at 9:30 am

      Wahoo! What a great giveaway! Someone is going to be quite happy! Thank you so much. You’re always the best! (btw my email is in this link and I twitted)

      Reply
    7. Kelly D says

      October 10, 2016 at 10:39 am

      We put our favorite stuffed animal turkey out as a centerpiece every Thanksgiving. My kids also like to help make festive place settings for our guests.

      Reply
    8. Kelly D says

      October 10, 2016 at 10:40 am

      tweet
      https://twitter.com/Kellydpa/status/785490144526827520

      Reply
    9. Julie Wood says

      October 10, 2016 at 10:46 am

      Our favorite traditions are watching the parade on TV, making a big turkey with all the trimmings and getting together to try out all the new pies that we make every year. I have 4 sisters and we all make a different pie to try out, of course we always have our Apple and Pumpkin pies.

      Reply
    10. Julie Wood says

      October 10, 2016 at 10:47 am

      tweet-https://twitter.com/JewelWood/status/785491856138248193

      Reply
    11. Diana says

      October 10, 2016 at 10:52 am

      Besides all of the good food and gathering with family, we always try to do some sort of activity, usually starting before Thanksgiving day, to recognize our blessings. Some years we’ve written things we are grateful for on paper leaves, we have made a gratitude chain, added feathers to a turkey, or simply gone around in a circle and mentioned things we are thankful for. It just makes for a more meaningful celebration when we can focus on all the good things that we have before digging into all of the delicious food.

      Reply
    12. sharon says

      October 10, 2016 at 11:10 am

      while trying to make thanksgiving memories for my nieces, we started a black friday cousins event– which now starts on thursday. My sisters and sister-in law give all the girls money for christmas (that was genius) after thanksgiving dinner and then go shopping.

      My youngest niece when asked her favorite holiday says “Black Friday”

      we may have missed the target 😉 but they love the time with us and their cousins

      Reply
    13. Elena says

      October 10, 2016 at 11:14 am

      My favorite tradition is make turkey and celebrate with the whole family

      Reply
    14. Elena says

      October 10, 2016 at 11:15 am

      https://twitter.com/ElenaIstomina/status/785498903424544768

      Reply
    15. Corinne says

      October 10, 2016 at 11:20 am

      I’m 36 and my mother still pulls out a fall themed aplique wall hanging I made in high school. It’s only part of the set up that makes thanksgiving special. The one I look forward to every year is writing the names of our family and friends on fake leaves for place settings. It’s a sweet moment and all mine.

      Reply
    16. Danette Stankovich says

      October 10, 2016 at 12:42 pm

      Love to put the turkey in the oven in the morning and smell it all day. Thank you,

      Reply
    17. Dawn M says

      October 10, 2016 at 3:40 pm

      After Thanksgiving dinner the adults play cards and we have the kids pick names for secret Santa.

      Reply
    18. Steve Weber says

      October 10, 2016 at 6:05 pm

      We also go around the table and say what we are most thankful for.

      groogruxking40 @ gmail dot com

      Reply
    19. Nancy Wilcox says

      October 10, 2016 at 6:25 pm

      Very fun idea for place cards. We’ve only done hand written ones but now I’m going to try photos.
      nwilcox95(at)comcast(dot)net

      Reply
    20. Will G says

      October 10, 2016 at 6:58 pm

      My favorite tradition is looking at the black friday ads!

      Reply
    21. Karrie says

      October 10, 2016 at 7:17 pm

      We use my great grandmas gravy bowl and give thanks

      Reply
    22. Will G says

      October 10, 2016 at 7:25 pm

      https://twitter.com/willgriesmer/status/785622171825545216

      Reply
    23. mami2jcn says

      October 10, 2016 at 9:00 pm

      We like to go around the table and each share what we’re thankful for.

      Reply
    24. mami2jcn says

      October 10, 2016 at 9:01 pm

      tweet–https://twitter.com/mami2jcn/status/785646455511932929

      Reply
    25. Allison C says

      October 10, 2016 at 10:27 pm

      Typically we make a few dishes the night before and a frozen chocolate pie. It’s hands down the best pie ever. Then we drive to my aunts and meet with with whole family to eat and then watch football. Good times.
      alibear167 at gmail

      Reply
    26. Elishia Bakle says

      October 10, 2016 at 11:02 pm

      Well it used to be that everyone met at my moms and ate all day and talked and hung out and stayed for breakfast in the am. But since we are all spread out I started something different with my kids. We all get together and start a line to make home made empanadas. Even the little one has a job to flour the discos! Its great but the empanadas rarely make it to the dinner table.

      Reply
    27. Nancy Bowers says

      October 10, 2016 at 11:44 pm

      Family gathers together for the Turkey diner and pumpkin pie.

      Reply
    28. Anne Marie says

      October 11, 2016 at 7:36 am

      My favorite tradition is volunteering to help feed the homeless on Thanksgiving Day. Hundreds volunteer and it is a rewarding way to feel how blessed we are.

      Reply
    29. Lynda Del says

      October 11, 2016 at 7:46 am

      We gather around our beautifully decorated dining table and state as to what we are thankful for.

      Reply
    30. Debbie Johnson says

      October 11, 2016 at 8:27 am

      This is a great idea..We have 10 (almost 11) grandchildren and they have a grown up table they love to sit at together for all holidays…what a fun way to give them placecards. I will definately be doing this for them. I might even take pictures of their loveys (animals they sleep with) and let that be their picture. That way they will have to find their place. 🙂 I also love the holders you have used!
      Debbie Johnson

      Reply
    31. Kristin M says

      October 11, 2016 at 9:10 am

      My husband’s family always gets together and that means 14 kids from 5 families enjoying each other very loudly! haha

      Reply
    32. Gail says

      October 11, 2016 at 9:34 am

      Everyone comes to our house for Thanksgiving, so I’m going to use your great idea for place cards this year. Can’t wait!

      Reply
    33. Heather Brophy says

      October 11, 2016 at 9:39 am

      My favorite Thanksgiving tradition is staying in PJ’s as long as possible….then setting the table, walking outside to find items to be the centerpiece and then sitting down to a homemade dinner with family

      Reply
    34. Patti A. says

      October 11, 2016 at 9:54 am

      Since losing our parents things will never be the same as they were when we all had little ones and packed them all up to go to Grandma’s house but life goes on and we are trying to make our own traditions. I still have the first set of place cards my grandchildren made for us one year and I treasure them.

      Reply
    35. Mary Garcia says

      October 11, 2016 at 10:01 am

      We have been getting together at my brother’s house for over 40 years. My sister-in-law does all the cooking (we shared different holidays). We are 4 sisters and 1 brother. We eat and enjoy each others company and our kids get to visit with their cousins. I will take her a Thanksgiving theme gift. Before we leave we take pictures of each family and my sister will give each one their picture for Christmas.

      Reply
    36. Mary Calhoun says

      October 11, 2016 at 10:42 am

      Love your site!! So informative and creative!! Please enter me in the sweepstakes.

      Reply
    37. Lisa Brown says

      October 11, 2016 at 10:51 am

      The only tradition I have is having the family over for dinner.
      jslbrown2009 at aol dot com

      Reply
    38. Lisa Brown says

      October 11, 2016 at 11:05 am

      tweet-https://twitter.com/LuLu_Brown24/status/785858711055130624
      jslbrown2009 at aol dot com

      Reply
    39. Marge says

      October 11, 2016 at 11:35 am

      What a cute place card idea! I make an effort to make homemade decorated place cards and/or napkin holders each year, with whatever children are visiting our house in October and November. Our focus for the immediate family is watching the Macy’s parade on TV together, all in our pajamas. The location of the dinner with extended family varies from year to year, but this year I will be establishing the traditions of “Thanksgiving at Grandma & Grandpa’s House” for my first grandchild. I think I would like to continue my own dear mother’s tradition of having a “Family Holiday Boardgame Olympics”- keeping track of the winner(s) of all the various boardgames we play together when we get together for holiday dinners, and declaring a “champion” after New Year’s Day.

      Reply
    40. Garlynda Caraway says

      October 11, 2016 at 1:01 pm

      Thanksgiving and Christmas are such a special time for the gathering of family and friends. Our tradition starts with food and lots of it and sharing the day talking and enjoying each other. The younger kids always are so excited for the upcoming visit from Santa and since I always have the tree up and house decorated by then they still marvel over the tree items that they made thru the years. We always include friends that dont have family close and make sure they are a part of our family too.

      Reply
    41. Karen says

      October 11, 2016 at 1:51 pm

      My favorite Thanksgiving tradition besides eating, is having everyone go around the table and say what they are thankful for. It is beautiful, especially for the children

      Reply
    42. Karen Brennan says

      October 11, 2016 at 2:11 pm

      I love the idea of place cards with a photo. My nieces and nephews would get a kick out of it. I like the small camera and it seems to take great photos.

      Reply
    43. Doreen says

      October 11, 2016 at 5:25 pm

      Very cute idea! Small cameras are just great for trips.

      Reply
    44. Karen Cadden says

      October 11, 2016 at 5:32 pm

      The menu for our Thanksgiving dinner stays the same each year. Everyone looks forward to the special side dishes, that to change any would result in some disappointed guests. But I do like to mix up the seating for our gathering of 12-15 people, so these photo place cards would be a nice addition!

      Reply
    45. Terri H says

      October 11, 2016 at 6:16 pm

      We had fall-colored paper cut in the shape of leaves. Family & guests were to write what they were thankful for on leaves and than we taped them on the wall as a decoration.

      Reply
    46. Lynne Tilley says

      October 11, 2016 at 7:24 pm

      My biggest Thanksgiving tradition is the making of my dressing which everyone always wants. I think if I just served my dressing and some hot rolls, everyone would be happy Just door old cornbread dressing, nothing fancy, but LOTS AND LOTS of broth and butter in 🙂 🙂

      Reply
    47. Nancy Bowers says

      October 11, 2016 at 7:58 pm

      https://twitter.com/jnbwrs/status/785992830103674880

      Reply
    48. Trish P says

      October 11, 2016 at 8:41 pm

      Thanksgiving is very much about comfort in my family. We eat well, sometimes play cards and watch footbal and definitely nap! It’s about being together and enjoying the time ?

      Reply
    49. Jennie says

      October 11, 2016 at 8:49 pm

      One of our fun Thanksgiving traditions, is that the kids use some fun Turkey placemats I made for them years ago. There are pockets at each feather for the utensils and napkin.

      Reply
    50. Leslie says

      October 12, 2016 at 12:40 pm

      It might sound lame but we play pin the drimstick on the turkey every year. It’s really a lot fun and the adults have just as much fun (if not more) as the kiddos. Plus it’s a fun way to get evryone laughing and having a good time.

      Reply
    51. Leslie says

      October 12, 2016 at 12:43 pm

      Shared on Twitter https://twitter.com/mosquints/status/786245810631520257

      Reply
    52. Courtney James says

      October 14, 2016 at 12:04 pm

      Our family tradition is to trekk out after a big thanksgiving lunch to find our Christmas.

      Reply
      • Courtney James says

        October 14, 2016 at 12:06 pm

        Tree.

        Reply
    53. Jessie C. says

      October 14, 2016 at 2:03 pm

      My favorite Thanksgiving tradition is the family get-together, we get to see family out of town and country while enjoying food.
      tcarolinep at gmail dot com

      Reply
    54. Jessie C. says

      October 14, 2016 at 2:03 pm

      tweet-https://twitter.com/tcarolinep/status/786990140124258304

      Reply
    55. kjasus says

      October 14, 2016 at 6:43 pm

      we always make two turkeys. one for thanksgiving, one or the day after and leftovers!

      Reply
    56. kjasus says

      October 14, 2016 at 6:44 pm

      https://twitter.com/raggammuffin/status/787061526914076676

      Reply
    57. Rachel says

      October 15, 2016 at 9:24 am

      My favorite Thanksgiving tradition is going around the table and saying 3 things that you are thankful for.

      Reply
    58. Rachel says

      October 15, 2016 at 9:25 am

      https://twitter.com/RachelGriesmer/status/787283254625828865

      Reply
    59. Amy C. says

      October 15, 2016 at 9:33 pm

      We alternate years at my family’s and my husband’s family’s house. It’s always a big feast with lots of napping afterwards!

      Reply
    60. Amy C. says

      October 15, 2016 at 9:35 pm

      I shared this blog post on Twitter…
      https://mobile.twitter.com/acools/status/787466638241128449

      Reply
    61. latanya says

      October 19, 2016 at 8:45 am

      we each go around the table and say what we are thankful for

      Reply
    62. Rajee Pandi says

      October 21, 2016 at 4:38 am

      We invite friends and small party at home for Thanksgiving

      Reply
    63. Dianna says

      October 29, 2016 at 11:08 pm

      Tweeted!
      https://twitter.com/DedeZoomsalot/status/792563660631801856

      Reply
    64. Dianna says

      October 29, 2016 at 11:09 pm

      We don’t have strong Thanksgiving traditions at our house. We’ve spent some Thanksgiving meals at our home, some at Disney World, and some at family’s homes.

      Reply
    65. Natalie says

      October 30, 2016 at 5:12 pm

      My favorite Thanksgiving tradition is playing card games with my entire family after Thanksgiving dinner.

      Reply
    66. Natalie says

      October 30, 2016 at 5:16 pm

      https://twitter.com/yarbr012/status/792837573660082176

      Reply
    67. H says

      November 05, 2016 at 11:36 am

      I love the idea. We are getting together with my husband’s family for Thanksgiving this year. My husband’s family makes noodles with turkey gravy and serves it over mashed potatoes. That is the Thanksgiving and Christmas tradition.

      Reply
    68. Denise L says

      November 08, 2016 at 12:54 pm

      We don’t do it anymore, but when I was a kid we always had a post-Turkey family football game. So much fun!

      Reply
    69. Denise L says

      November 08, 2016 at 12:56 pm

      tweeted – https://twitter.com/dmarie824/status/796048559338561536

      Reply
    70. Nancy Bowers says

      November 16, 2016 at 7:38 pm

      We always have the same turkey and sides but invite different guests.

      Reply
    71. Brenda Haines says

      November 20, 2016 at 10:43 am

      My favorite Thanksgiving tradition is, no matter who’s house we have dinner at, we each make at least one food item. There’s always a new dish to try, and I love that!

      Reply
    72. elizabeth says

      December 01, 2016 at 8:26 pm

      Our tradition is getting together and eating and talking all day.

      Reply
    73. elizabeth says

      December 01, 2016 at 8:30 pm

      https://twitter.com/eliza_elliott/status/804497711315697664

      Reply
    74. Angela Hendricks says

      November 17, 2017 at 10:47 pm

      My favorite Thanksgiving traditions are to always go to our local city Thanksgiving/Christmas parade! It’s about two hours long but it’s so much fun! Also, I love watching the Macy’s Day Parade when I am cooking Thanksgiving lunch. I do it every year and it has now become a tradition.

      Reply

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