We really needed a coffee table. I’m one of those designers that likes to ponder, research and deliberate, and research some more. That’s one of my excuses for why our little cottage doesn’t look like an interior designer lives in it. 
Anyway, I had narrowed it down to three pieces, and then we were at the local tip checking for some steel and Bren found a table. My first reaction was, “You’re not serious?! Haven’t you been looking at any of the fabulous designer coffee tables I’ve been showing you?!” Then he said, “We can paint it white.” Aaaaah, now I’m with you! To cut the story short, we paid $25 and now have a child-proof, sturdy table, that’s a bit funky too.
You might recognise the paint colour from the wooden letters in this post. Here’s the before:
And you’ll see the ‘after’ in the other photos!
1. A shop
As some of you know from Will’s shop post from a few years ago, his favourite game is shops. At four, it still is. This particular time we made a pet shop with all the soft toys we could find. We could also discuss what each animal would need when it was bought - what sort of food, and the type of space it would need.
2. Puppet Show
You can flip your table on its side for this one. If you need some inspiration for a story, grab your child’s favourite book, or put on a story CD to act with. Take turns to be the audience. We did this one with the CD A Squash and a Squeeze which was easy to act to.
3. A boat
We flipped the table upside down onto a quilt, scattered the ‘sea’ with water creatures and got some ladels to row with. A mesh turtle bag(Thank-you Aunty Lou!) was a great fishing net!
4. A Cubby
It might not be the safest thing to do, but the coffee table went on its end for this one! It could be turned any way, or just covered.
5. Baby Playstation
Bilby Ben is still cruising the furniture, even though he has taken some tentative steps. Once the toys were all on the table, and some underneath, he could go round the table choosing what he’d like to play with. This isn’t really an imaginative play idea, but it kept him occupied for a good while!
6. Petrol Station
This one was Wombat Will’s idea and we haven’t done it yet, but the plan is to tip the table on its side, cover it with paper and draw on some fuel pumps. Will post a picture on the Mm is for me facebook page and on instagram when we do it!
7. Town play table
We did this with Will’s ikea table before, but a coffee table would be great too. You can read about it more in The Play Table post.
8. Car
Just like the boat! Turn it upside down, or pile everyone on top of the table and take a ride!
9. Restaurant
I wish I’d taken a picture of us all having lunch here. We had morning tea there too! We dragged the table out on to the deck and set it up with cutlery and plates and pretend food. Then Will decided we needed to set up a pay area at the side where you choose your food and pay. We obviously take him to those type of places, not the fancy ones. :)
I have to say I was so proud of his writing! I’m so glad I took a picture of it. Just precious!
10. Bed
Another of Wombat Will’s suggestions! I prepared all the dinner while he was doing this one, and he really wanted to sleep on the table for the night. It didn’t look very comfy though! It’s just his size and he took turns with his toys in ‘the bed.’
Have fun with your coffee tables, and we’d love some of your play ideas to try!
Ash x
PS Have you entered the Mm is for me Hoodie & Cushion Competition over at Kate Says Stuff yet? It ends on June 17th. Good luck!
