kiddie table

plural kiddie tables · alternative kiddies' table · alternative kids' table · alternative kid table · alternative kiddy table

1. informalAt family events, the dining table where children are seated together, separate from the table(s) reserved for adults.

   Children gathered at the kiddie table and adults enjoyed conversation and, of course, everyone enjoyed the turkey dinner.

   2014 November 28, Angie Aguila, “Miami Springs Baptist Church hosts Thanksgiving Dinner”, in Miami Herald, retrieved 30 Oct 2015

   Synonyms: children's table

2. idiomaticoftensarcasticgovernmentThe gathering place, forum, or venue assigned to less prominent or less capable participants in an event.

   As if men have not already been the dominating voice in “serious” music, leaving women to the kiddie table of pop.

   2015 October 6, Ola Skudlarska, “How You Get The Girl”, in The Strand, Canada: Victoria University, retrieved 30 Oct 2015

   3 more examples

   EW: You’re nominated for the Best Album for Children. Does that mean you have to sit at a kiddie table? JR: We are relegated to a pre-televised ceremony.

   2011 January 10, Jessica Shaw, “Kid-music star Justin Roberts talks about his Grammy nomination”, in Entertainment, retrieved 30 Oct 2015

   After failing in 2003 to drag Canada into a disastrous war in Iraq, Stephen Harper has achieved it in 2014. And he will sleep better knowing that, when he next dines with the American president and fellow NATO leaders, he won’t be relegated to the kiddie table.

   2014 October 11, Tony Burman, “Five lessons from the war against Islamic State”, in Toronto Star, Canada, retrieved 30 Oct 2015

   Organized by Fox News, the main stage, prime-time debate will involve only the candidates polling in the top 10. According to the most recent numbers, Trump, Bush and Walker are leading the way, with everyone else competing closely for the remaining slots — and to avoid the afternoon kiddie table debate.

   2015 July 30, Sean Illing, “Fox News and the “batsh*t bump””, in Salon, retrieved 30 Oct 2015