Fall placement cards

Thanksgiving, with all its bustle and cheer, offers the perfect opportunity to add a small personal touch—a little charm to guide everyone to their place without the usual shuffle of, “Where should I sit?” or, “Oh dear, who am I next to?”

Today, I’m delighted to share how you can create your own Thanksgiving placement cards. These aren’t just practical; they’re a gesture of welcome, a tiny nod that says, You belong here. Best of all, they’re simple, affordable, and just the right amount of creative.

To make it even easier, I’ve prepared a printable PDF for you to use. And if you happen to have a Trim and Score Board tucked away, it’s a wonderful tool to make the process smooth and professional—though, of course, it’s entirely optional. Let’s gather some supplies and get started.

What You’ll Need

• The Thanksgiving placement cards template
  CLICK HERE to download the free printable PDF

• A4 (US Letter) cardstock
  Around 160gsm for sturdiness, or regular paper.

• A printer
  (or access to a print shop).

• Scissors, a craft knife and ruler, or a Trim and Score Board.

• Pens or markers for adding names
  (metallic gel pens are lovely for this).

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Download and Print
Print the PDF template onto your chosen paper. For projects like this, I usually opt for 160gsm cardstock—it feels just the right weight in the hand. But if your printer prefers something lighter, use what you have.

Step 2: Cut Out the Cards
Using scissors or a craft knife and ruler, carefully cut along the outlines. If you have a Trim and Score Board, this is its time to shine. It ensures straight, crisp edges, especially if you’re making a stack of cards.

Step 3: Fold and Score
For tent-style cards, fold each rectangle neatly in half along the dotted line. A scoring blade (or even the back of a butter knife pressed along a ruler) can help achieve a clean, elegant fold. There’s something so satisfying about a perfectly crisp crease.

Step 4: Personalize
Whether you choose a classic black pen, metallic ink, or a simple flourish of calligraphy, this is the moment the cards truly become yours—or, more accurately, those of the guest whose name you write.

The Benefits of Using a Trim and Score Board

For years, I got by just fine with my craft knife and a ruler. But eventually, I decided to invest in a Trim and Score Board, and honestly, I haven’t looked back. As someone who crafts often, it’s been worth every penny when you consider the cost per use.

It’s also surprisingly handy for everyday household tasks—I’ve even used it to cut leftover school notebooks into grocery lists.

In crafting, it’s fantastic for:

• Saving time when creating for larger gatherings.

• Making straight cuts and folds practically automatic.

• Adding a touch of professional polish to handmade creations.

It’s not a must-have, but in my opinion, it’s one of the few tools that truly earns its place in a craft kit. (Not only do I dislike throwing things away—hence the grocery lists—but I’m also not a fan of a fleet of tools cluttering my space.)

A Final Thought

And there you have it—your Thanksgiving placement cards, ready to add a thoughtful, welcoming touch to your table.

Wishing you happy crafting and a warm, wonderful Thanksgiving filled with good company and cherished moments.