Last year, I had a chubby 5 month old who slept through Thanksgiving. This year, we have a very busy 17 month old who loves being involved in every aspect from helping me cook to helping me set the table. When it came time to start planning Thanksgiving, I knew I had to consult the experts. And I’m so glad I did! Inspired by natural seasonal elements and a monochromatic color scheme of rust, tan, and cream, the ladies created the most whimsical (and practical) of tables for the younger guests complete with cafeteria-style trays, an activity, and a teepee. That teepee!
We’ve been fans of Loot Rentals owners, Anna and Rhoda, for a long time. Anna was our very first featured mama when we launched Love Child in 2016, and although we’ve heard the story many times, we always love hearing how these two sister-in-laws run their business side by side, all the while growing their family and business! They recently launched Loot Finer Goods, a home goods collection inspired by the many requests from their clients who wanted to take home the rentals. Anna and Rhoda thought of everything, giving us more time to sit back, relax and enjoy the day with the fam. Photos by Mack Eveland
1. What was the inspiration behind the set up?

2. Can you walk us through the elements that make this kid-friendly?
We made it a point not to have anything breakable or sharp on the tables. Instead of drinking glasses, we used copper mule mugs. Instead of using breakable dishes, we opted for melamine cafeteria trays – the kids also love these for keeping their food separated! We brought in a coffee table for the “dining table” so the littles could sit low to the ground on cushions and pillows instead of in a stiff dining chair. The rugs are super durable – cow hide and jute, which are stain resistant and can take spills. It was super important to us that we have some sort of activity to keep the kids engaged and it be something that had a purpose. Making festive garlands that they can re-purpose for the Christmas tree is a fun way to involve them in holiday traditions! We decided on unfinished wood beads for our garlands (easily found at a craft store or Amazon), but you could also go the more traditional route and do popcorn! We pre-cut string for each kid and attached fishing line to the end to easily string the wooden beads. The kids had so much stringing the beads and later made a game out of playing with their strands.
Please note: This activity is intended for children 3 and over with adult supervision.

3. Loot has had a big year. Rebranding, launch of Loot Finer Goods, and of course motherhood! How do you balance these really major milestones while being present as a mother?

4. As sister-in-laws and business partners, do you spend most holidays together? Who sets the table?