Abstract: An illuminated table tent comprises a transparent shell with an elongate light source, adapted to direct light radially through surfaces of the transparent shell, maintained within the interior of the shell. A menu or other semitransparent or translucent document is interposed between the light source and insider surface of the transparent shell. A pressure switch is biased in an extended position from a bottom surface of the table tent base to turn the lights on when the weight of the table tent is lifted from the switch, and closes to turn the light source off when the table tent rests on the supporting surface and the switch is in a retracted position flush with the bottom surface of the table tent base. The table tent back-lights the menu for viewing only when the table tent is picked up and passed around, or turned over to form an always-on lantern; otherwise, the table tent is automatically maintained in an off position to save on battery power.