Whether we’re dining out or chowing down at home, eating with family and friends always makes the food taste better. Sure, it might sound a bit sappy, but let me paint a picture for you.
Ever been stuck in a training session with coworkers you’d rather avoid? No matter how exquisite the food is or how much effort went into the plating, it’s like eating cardboard—unappetizing and just plain bleh. Admit it, the same meal shared with your loved ones transforms into the “best thing since sliced bread!”
So, why not make it a point to attend events you’re actually into and sit with people who don’t make you cringe? That way, every meal can be a winner—no matter where you are!
Dinner Table Rules: Rooted in Silence
Did you ever grow up with a dinner table rule that felt like it came straight out of a medieval playbook? When I was a kid, my step-father was the ultimate enforcer of table etiquette. His rules? No talking and definitely no chewing with your mouth open. It was as if he was on a mission to turn our dinners into a mime performance!
He’d learned these table manners from his own childhood, where conversation was as rare as finding a carrot in a potato field. I have to admit, it was a bit like dining with a root vegetable—a potato to be precise. Solid, dependable, and a bit silent. And while I was thrilled not to witness anyone’s food getting chewed up in high definition, it was a shame that we missed out on sharing our day’s highlights.
Don’t get me wrong, I knew he loved us. But sometimes, it felt like we were missing the chance to dig into more than just the mashed potatoes. We could have shared stories, laughs, and all those juicy details of our day—if only the table hadn’t been the silent zone.
So, while I appreciate not seeing anyone’s oral cavity in action, I’ve learned that a little noise at the table isn’t such a bad thing. After all, conversations are the spice of life, and I’d much rather have a lively dinner table than one that’s as quiet as a root cellar!
“From Dinner Silence to Dinner Laughs”
When I finally set up my own table, I envisioned it as the ultimate chat zone. This idea was a major culture shock for my husband, who grew up in the “No Talking at the Table” club. It took a few dinners of me cheerfully declaring, “Here, we chat, not nap,” before he got the hang of it. If he craved some quiet, I offered to serve his dinner in the laundry room—just kidding… mostly.
But guess what? He soon realized that our lively, noisy table was where he wanted to be. As a parent, you get to create your own family traditions—so why not make them as vibrant as a garden in full bloom? Our table became a daily round-robin of updates where the kids shared their day’s highlights, their gratitude, or the funniest thing that happened at school.
As one wise observer put it, “If you want to grow a garden of memories, you need to water it daily with conversation.” Frequent family dinners not only keep us connected but also encourage healthier food eating habits—so it’s a win-win!
Furthermore, it goes without saying that communication is the key to understanding. Although we live as a family, each member is on a different track through life. Spending time together over meals lets us keep in touch with each other on a regular basis.
To quote Joseph Califano, Jr, of Columbia University, “One of the simplest and most effective ways for parents to be engaged in their teens’ lives is by having frequent family dinners.” And a side note, when families eat together, there is more of a tendency to eat healthier.
So, while my table might not boast the formality of a rectangular setup, it’s got something even better: a space for positive vibes and genuine connections. Who needs formality when you can cultivate fun and laughter?
“Table Shape: More Than a Feeling!”
You might be wondering, “Why does the shape of my dinner table even matter?” Well, lend me your ear for a few minutes, and I’ll explain.
Growing up, our dining setup was a classic 4-person square table. Now, you’d think that a square table would be all about equal seating, right? Wrong. Somehow, my step-father managed to declare himself the “head” of that square table. It was like a square peg in a round hole—totally unnecessary, but somehow it worked.
In the 1970s, fathers had a unique take on dinner table talk. Picture this: Dad, firmly planted at his “head of the table” position, wielding his fork like a scepter. Talking at the table was as rare as finding a disco ball in a library. The rules were simple! Eat your food, don’t chat, and don’t even think about sharing your day. Unless, of course, it involved a football game or a groundbreaking scientific discovery.
“Hey, pass the peas and keep it down, will ya?” was the unspoken mantra. Dad’s idea of a lively dinner conversation was an occasional joke. Such as, “How do you make an apple turnover? Push it downhill.”
Here’s a twist! When I set up my own table, I decided to turn the “no talking” rule on its head. And guess what? My husband, who was a card-carrying member of the “quiet dinners” club, had to adjust. We turned our table into a space where chatter was encouraged. Dad quickly found out that sharing the day’s highlights was a lot more fun than counting the minutes until dessert.
So, while the shape of the table might seem like a small detail – it’s not. It can make a big difference in how we connect with our loved ones. After all, why stick to the “no talking” rules of the past when you can create your own family dinette. How about a table that’s all about lively conversation and family bonding?
Rectangular Equals Formality
Ah, the rectangular table—a staple of formal dining rooms and the emblem of highbrow dinners. You’ve seen it in movies: Dad at the head of the table, Mom at the other end, and if a male guest shows up, Mom gets bumped to the side. It’s like a culinary game of musical chairs!
But why all the fuss? Research by the University of Kitchen Studies (okay, that’s not a real place, but it should be) shows that rectangular tables are favored. Why? Due to their ability to seat a crowd. Culinary food expert Julia Child once said, “A party without cake is just a meeting”—and a rectangular table without a crowd is just a piece of furniture.
I’ve got a rectangular table myself. Why? Because with a family of seven, I need all the space I can get! It’s less about formality and more about fitting everyone in without turning dinner into a game of Tetris. So, while the rectangular table may carry a whiff of tradition, it’s really just about practical seating for a bustling family feast.
Next time you sit down at a rectangular table, remember it’s not just about looking formal. It’s about making sure everyone gets a seat at the table!
Let’s Talk Round Robin
Let’s talk about round tables—no, not the Knights of the Round Table, though that would be cool. I’m talking about those charming, space-saving wonders that might just be the unsung heroes of family dinners.
Here’s the scoop! Round tables might seem like a snug fit for a breakfast nook or a cozy corner. Yet, they’re more than just space-savers. Think of your round table as the garden where family communication blooms. With no “head” of the table, everyone gets a VIP seat. It’s like giving everyone a front-row spot at the dinner show where no one’s stuck in the nosebleed section!
Research shows that the more inclusive and democratic the setting, the better the conversations (Burgess, 2015). At your round table, kids and parents alike can pitch ideas. Kind of like planting seeds in a garden—no one’s left out of the brainstorming. So, why not cultivate those conversations and let your family’s ideas blossom?
Don’t let your dinner table turn into a missed opportunity. Embrace the round table and watch your family’s communication grow!
Eating In Or Eating Out – You’re Gonna Be Gettin Life Dunn!
Hey there, food lovers! Get ready to turn your kitchen into a five-star restaurant without the wait time or the bill! I’m beyond excited to share a treasure trove of recipes that my family actually eats (and loves). Plus, some of my amazing team members are chipping in with their own comfort food classics.
From gadgets you already own to new tricks up your sleeve, you’ll find something for every busy schedule and craving. So whether you’re a kitchen newbie or a seasoned chef, let’s make mealtime fun and fabulous!
Dive in, get cookin’, and let’s make every meal a masterpiece. Your taste buds—and your family—will thank you!
“Foodie Adventures: Tasty Talk”
Eating out has become a major entertainment industry. Let’s face it, the world will probably never run out of reasons to dine out. Whether we’re sticking around town or jetting off to new places; our mission is to bring you the juiciest reviews of foodie hot spots.
Our hope is that these dining destinations will tempt you enough to make them a pit stop on your own adventures. Personally, one of my bucket list items is to hit up every diner featured on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives. Because, let’s be honest, you can’t just eat great food—you’ve got to yap about it too!
