Memorable Mealtimes

Family Dinner can be a great time to press pause on our lives and enjoy time talking and catching up. Sometimes, however, nit-picking and petty arguments turn “family dinner” into a not-so-pleasant experience... can you relate?

Here are a few ideas to try at your table, whether it's just the two of you or a whole crew!

Conversation Cards: These can be used to stimulate meaningful and enlightening conversation...you never know what you may discover about each other by asking questions you never thought to ask before. While eating dinner, take turns reading and answering the conversation cards. When dinner's over, recycle the stack for the next day!

I have created a free download for you of 18 conversation cards... You gotta try these out, even if for just one night. And, of course, you can make your own with new questions once you run out.



Conversation Jar: Same idea as the conversation cards, just in a jar with slips of paper.

picture from PartiesandHolidays


Table Talk: Perhaps you've seen something like this. (You'll have to use your imagination because I have no visual). It's a tablecloth with conversation questions on it. No need for cards... Between bites, read a question out loud for another family member to answer in a random fashion.

Create your own:
Your local fabric store or walmart has clear or white, thick plastic on large rolls. Have them cut you a piece that will fit your table. Then, write conversation questions randomly and in different directions all over your new plastic tablecloth with a permanent marker. easy-peasy.

"Just Because" Celebrations: If you are the one who makes dinner and sets the table, try, on occasion, to have a special dinner (maybe with your spouse's favorite foods). Throw on a table cloth and a candle and you'll have one bewildered spouse. When they ask what the occasion is, reply that it's the dog's birthday, the last day of winter...or something. Just to see their reaction may be worth all the extra effort!

Count your Blessings: Begin each meal with each of you saying three thankful things. It can be as simple as "I'm thankful we're having Jell-O" or more elaborate, like "I'm thankful that my boss was in a good mood today!" It changes the focus from whatever negativity the day has brought to the positive things that happen in our lives each day. {idea from this great article from Redbook Mag}


High, Low: Each person takes a turn coming up with the high and low points of their day. Imagine if you did this everyday--Even just this simple information could give you great insight on your spouse's day.

Here's to your family dinners..may they be ever delicious...and engaging!