Dinner Delights!

"What's for dinner?" That age-old question that we sometimes meet with dread. But what if it wasn't just about food on a plate and sitting at the table? What if the question really sparked some fun, and some simple activities that liven up an occasional meal?


It's vital we meet together at meal time to re-connect, to talk, to teach and learn from each other. How about if we jazz it up with the unexpected sometimes? Our family has loved doing these kinds of things through the years. It builds memories and brings laughter and warmth when we share good times together; it should be positive and delightful. A little zany is a good thing!

Be creative. Become the adventure coordinator; what you serve is secondary. HOW you do it, now that's the key. Enjoy!


Some Ideas for "Dinner Delights": 

• Treat them to a "Sdrawkcab" (backwards) dinner!
• everyone turns their clothes inside out or wears them backwards
• serve dessert first/main course last
• try to say a few phrases backwards; try some words that are the same backwards and forwards (example: "wow" (which upside down is also "Mom")
• pass things the opposite way you usually do. If you discuss things about your day always starting with the oldest, start with the youngest, etc.
•  Use crazy utensils
• set each place with serving pieces like slotted spoons, toothpicks, chopsticks, straws and everyone has to eat with whatever they have been given
• make up limericks about your experience while you eat (example: "There was a young lady from here, who ate with the wildest gear. . . " etc.)
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  Have a progressive dinner in your own house!
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  have a picnic on the living room floor for the salad
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  use the dining room for vegetables
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  eat the main course outside
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  perch on stools for dessert
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  if you're really feeling adventurous and your kids are into it, have them set up a different area with "decorations," etc.
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  Go camping inside!
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  put a big sheet over your kitchen table and sit on the floor
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  eat by the glow of a camping-type light
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  make s'mores in your microwave for dessert
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  sing camp songs
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  Get a "Round" to it!
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  make everything you serve round in shape
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  sit in a circle to eat
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  play a name-everything-you-can-that's-round game
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  play ring-around-the-rosie afterwards
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  talk about ways we "circle up" today for strength and protection just like the pioneers did
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  Use a color to build your dinner theme
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  for example, how about "orange?"
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  have everyone wear whatever they have that's orange
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  serve chicken with an orange sauce, orange slices, orange Jell-O, carrots, and food coloring in the milk or water
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  ask "Orange they glad they came to dinner?" and then you can ask "What else do you think of when I say 'Orange you glad about __________?" and they fill in the blank with things they're happy about
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  Celebrate wacky things! For example:
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  Sept. is National Potato Month, National Honey Month
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  Oct. is National Popcorn Month, National Pizza Month
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  Nov. is National Peanut Butter Lover's Month
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  each month has some national item like this; or make up your own!
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  use balloons, posters, noise makers, whatever you have on hand to celebrate the food!
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  we've even had the kids bring bits of info. on the featured food (how/where it's grown, where it originated, etc.)

When family time equates to fun time, kids want to be there, to be a part, to join in and participate. Soon, they'll even come up with their own ideas for "Dinner Delights!" Have fun!

Thanks so much to Melanie M. for her contribution this week! Can't wait to try some of her ideas!