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Emily A. Clark

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Come On In. Get Under My Table.

December 6, 2016

I love having our friends over, but I especially love it during Christmas. I heard about someone who had every person that came for dinner to sign their table as a kind of “guest book” over the years. I started copying it immediately. What a fun way to remember friends and good times.

farmhouse table

I knew when I found our farmhouse table (on Craigslist) that it would be a piece we’d have forever. And one day, when its underside is filled with autographs of people we love, I’m convinced it’ll be a family heirloom for all five kids to fight over when I’m dead and gone. Joy! :)

sharpies

IMG_1613

Is it awkward to ask company to get on the floor under the table? Maybe, but I haven’t had anyone refuse me yet. . .

guest-book-under-table

signing-table

If you start this tradition, too, just don’t forget to read the messages. One friend announced her pregnancy on our table, and I didn’t look at her note after they left. After she told everybody else weeks later, she told me we were actually the first to know. ;)

 

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Filed Under: Christmas, family, Simple Design Ideas Tagged With: Christmas, life

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Marcia Rubino says

    December 6, 2016 at 11:45 am

    I had something like this in college. I let everyone sign (and doodle) the walls in the extra bedroom I had. But this is so much better! Mostly because you can keep it. And also because college kids can be a little crude.

    Reply
  2. Joy says

    December 6, 2016 at 11:52 am

    Oh my gosh! I LOVE this idea! I have a big farmhouse table in our kitchen as well and I am definitely going to start doing this!!! Thanks for the idea!! Btw, I absolutely LOVE your wallpaper! I am looking forward to your kitchen reveal!

    Joy

    Reply
  3. Robbie Zeller says

    December 6, 2016 at 1:31 pm

    Emily,

    This is such a fun tradition! When our five kids were younger we would often be invited after church to a family’s home for lunch. The dad would heat up his wood burner and allow us to autograph the top of a simple pine table that he had made. It was such a highlight for my kids! I like your underneath version too.

    Reply
  4. Amy, Home Glow Design says

    December 6, 2016 at 1:32 pm

    What a wonderful idea!

    Reply
  5. Cindi says

    December 6, 2016 at 2:44 pm

    I love this! I’m so going to do this! Awesome

    Reply
  6. Mary says

    December 6, 2016 at 2:45 pm

    Your creativity knows no bounds. You are something!!

    Reply
  7. Carol @ CAD INTERIORS says

    December 6, 2016 at 2:45 pm

    The coolest idea I may just have to copy. :)

    Reply
  8. Michelle says

    December 6, 2016 at 3:35 pm

    What an awesome idea! I love your mix of wallpaper and farmhouse table. Can’t wait for kitchen reveal!

    Reply
  9. Sarah Ramirez says

    December 6, 2016 at 3:47 pm

    I’m a long time reader but I don’t know if I’ve ever commented before. Anyhow, I don’t know what quite happened but this made me tear up. It’s an amazing idea and I will be replicating it ASAP!!

    Reply
  10. Gwen, The Makeristan says

    December 6, 2016 at 3:57 pm

    Oh my goodness, I love this idea! Such a special thing to do. And I love any time we can get a glimpse or two of that amazing kitchen. ;)

    Reply
  11. Susan Skilton says

    December 6, 2016 at 5:10 pm

    how wonderful!!!!
    LOVE the wallpaper I’ve been waiting to see installed- and…. I recently gave away four black chairs exactly like yours….??? traded for wicker armchairs since no little children :) your green is absolutely beautiful and can’t wait to see it all together –
    Susan in Charlotte

    Reply
  12. Dana Vaughn says

    December 6, 2016 at 6:20 pm

    My dad built a loft for my son’s bedroom when he was 8. I had my dad sign and date the loft. Caldwell (now 13) asks all of his friends who come to visit to sign the bottom of his loft! Fun to look at all of those precious signatures.

    Reply
  13. Lisa H. says

    December 6, 2016 at 7:32 pm

    Very cool!

    Reply
  14. Carol says

    December 6, 2016 at 7:34 pm

    Can you tell me where you got your window shades. We are building a house and I will need blinds for all windows😳. Love yours, just hope they work in my budget. Carol

    Reply
  15. Shauna says

    December 6, 2016 at 9:58 pm

    Your kitchen looks beautiful, when are you going to post the pictures? I am in the process of a kitchen remodel, what kind of kitchen counter did you use? I love the look of white marble but understand it is too difficult to keep looking nice.
    I love your blog and you have a beautiful family. Have a wonderful holiday.

    Reply
  16. kathryn says

    December 6, 2016 at 11:05 pm

    #bestideaever :-)

    Reply
  17. Maria says

    December 6, 2016 at 11:27 pm

    I love this idea! I’ve had this idea pinned from Country Living where the author’s mom would have each of her dinner guest sign a tablecloth then the mother would hand stitch and color code each of the messages/signatures (see: https://www.google.com/amp/www.countryliving.com/diy-crafts/how-to/gmp1200/stitching-together-tradition/?client=safari). I like your idea better though since I’m horrible at sewing! Lol

    Reply
  18. laurie @ laurie jones home says

    December 7, 2016 at 12:07 pm

    This is a super fun idea, we’re going to be moving soon and starting a whole new adventure so I may have to steal this idea!

    Reply
  19. Lindsey says

    December 7, 2016 at 4:54 pm

    This is wonderful!! Question: if guests (like your kids’ friends) come over frequently, do they sign the table every time they’re over? Or is it a one and done deal? I think I’ll have to copy this when I have a nice big dinner table!

    Reply
  20. Kate says

    December 7, 2016 at 8:34 pm

    What a great idea! I just bought a farmhouse table from Wayfair and I’m so excited for it to arrive! My kids would love this!

    Reply
  21. Miranda says

    December 10, 2016 at 12:04 pm

    Great idea!!

    Reply
  22. Lois Black says

    December 11, 2016 at 8:16 am

    add me to email list for posst

    Reply
    • Emily Clark says

      December 12, 2016 at 7:47 am

      Hi Lois–Here’s the link to subscribe for posts by email:

      http://feeds.feedburner.com/EmilyAClark

      Reply
  23. Heather says

    January 9, 2017 at 6:07 pm

    I’ve had my farm table for a while now, but we’re in a new house in another state. I love this idea and this will now be our new tradition with guests!

    Reply

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