Overview

Use these classroom-ready placemat templates and design ideas to create warm and festive place setting for a pancake party guest. The examples on this page are inspired by the gentle, storybook line work and border treatments often seen in children's books — but they are original designs created for classroom use. Please use these motifs and treatment ideas.

Placemat Template (Center Layout)

Clear center circle labeled "Plate", cup placeholder at the upper right, and napkin at the lower left. Keep the border area free for repeating motifs.
Tip: Lightly trace a paper plate on the students' paper to ensure consistent spacing before decorating.

Border Ideas — Mix of Classy & Child-Friendly

The border page in the packet includes repeatable patterns suitable for a classy holiday look that children can execute: holly clusters, small snowflake repeat, pine sprig garland, tiny ornament string, simple plaid or candy-cane stripe lines.

Design Tips Inspired by Storybook Illustrators

  • Line quality: Use confident, slightly uneven lines to create a hand-drawn, storybook feel (like Tomie dePaola’s warm line work).
  • Decorative borders: Small, repeating natural motifs (berries, leaves, tiny animals) form elegant borders similar to Jan Brett’s patterned frames — simplify them for young artists.
  • Color palette: Limit to 3–4 colors for a refined look (for example: cranberry red, forest green, warm gold, and cream).
  • Scale: Keep central plate area mostly empty; let the border carry the design.

Placemat Process

  1. Trace the Santa plate and mark cup/napkin spaces.
  2. Sketch border ideas lightly with pencil; choose a 3-color palette.
  3. Ink borders with fine-tipped marker; add color carefully.
  4. Laminate or use clear contact paper to protect the placemats for the event.

Copyright & Inspiration Note

 This site offers inspiration drawn from the stylistic qualities of well-known children's illustrators like Tomie dePaola and Jan Brett. It does not reproduce or distribute copyrighted artwork. 
1. Respect Other People’s WorkArtists, authors, photographers, and musicians own the things they create.
This means we must ask permission or follow the rules before using their work.
2. Not Everything Online Is FreeJust because you can see a picture, song, or video online does not mean you can copy it.
Always look for things labeled:
  • Public Domain
  • Creative Commons
  • Free for Educational Use
If it doesn’t say that, we treat it as copyrighted.
3. Use Images the Right WayYou may use images from:
  • Your teacher’s approved websites
  • Creative Commons image libraries
  • Clipart labeled for classroom use
You should not use:
  • Google Images without checking permission
  • Art from books unless you cite the artist
  • Someone else’s artwork without giving credit
4. Give CreditWhenever you use someone else’s idea or work, say where it came from. Examples:
Artwork inspired by Jan Brett.
Border pattern inspired by Tomie dePaola.
5. Be an Honest CreatorWhen you make art, writing, or projects:
  • Use your own ideas, drawings, and words
  • It’s okay to be inspired by an artist—but you must change it and make it in your own unique style.
6. When in Doubt, Ask If you’re ever unsure whether you are allowed to use something, ask your teacher first!