Table Cloths for Map Reading
A new trend has taken over some restaurants
and households and that trend is having a map as a tablecloth! It is a
wonderful way to learn a little geography, strike up conversation and all
the while enjoying dinner with friends and family.
These map tablecloths can be purchased either in stores, on line or even
hand made. They can vary from faraway places that you may never have been
but would like to travel to, or perhaps a special place that you would like
to remember. Most states have a tablecloth with their
state on it and some even have a map of local interests and have their logo
embedded on it. There is really no limit to what type of map you could use
as a tablecloth.
A fun idea for the kids would be to have a map making day. Most fabric
stores sell fabric with maps on it. The children could each pick a place
they would like to visit and make a map tablecloth (Tischdecken)
of that special place. On days when that map was used as a tablecloth you
could discuss the child's plans, dreams and adventures planned. If the child
is older you can even start brainstorming on travel plans, sites to see and
track their path with the tablecloth!
If you own a restaurant table cloth maps would be a huge hit. You could use
the map from where your restaurant is based or use a local map if it is
based in a tourist area. Be careful though if you do a tourist map. I have
heard of patrons rolling them up and making off with them! They not only act
as a great map for their trip, but a great memento of everywhere they had
been while they were there. Placing a piece of plexi-glass over the map or
even glass may help prevent your beautiful table cloths maps from walking
away!
The material of the map could be vinyl of cloth, depending on what you serve
to eat the most. The vinyl would be easiest to clean but over time it may
crack and not hold up to the elements of a busy kitchen. A cotton
tablecloth, although pretty, has its flaws as well. It may stain easily and
be difficult to clean. People may think they're looking at a landmark when
really they're looking at a meatball stain. Again, the glass cover will help
with both types of cloths and ensure their beauty for years to come.
Map table cloths are a great way to keep the conversation flowing,
whether in a restaurant or at the dinner table. As our lives get busier we
sometimes rush through what is the best part of the day. A nice map table
cloth may be one small way to slow down the rush of our hectic days.
No matter which map you choose, local or distant, keep a permanent marker
around in case you want to mark off where you've been, may be going, or just
wishing you were there! Of course, reserve this idea for home. I wouldn't
recommend writing on someone else's tablecloth map!
Video presentations can also be
used to present map reading skills.
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