Setting The Family Table For Dinner!

The dinner table has been a special place for our family to connect with each other and share our days experiences. The dinner table was a place where we made family decisions, made vacation plans,  plans for the weekend, upcoming activities we were involved in school which others could attend, and more. Conversation at the dinner table was always pleasant. Any conversation that could evoke negative emotions was forbidden at the table. 

We always helped mother in the kitchen. I remember helping her as early as 4 years old. Starting with simple things such as setting the silverware on the table. Mother was so patient with us as she taught us where the different pieces went on the table. She was always positive and reinforced when we did something right and pleasant when she told us how to correct something we had done wrong. Through her encouragement and as we got older we accepted more responsibility for the family dinner table.

There was always a tablecloth on the table. We had everyday and special occasion dishes. We were taught there are 3 ways to set a table, Casual, Informal and Formal. The utensils and dishes used would depend on the occasion and the number of courses the dinner consisted of. A nicely set table no matter how simple sets the tone for a nice dinner.

My everyday dinner table is set casual style with the plate in the center of the place mat. The knife to the right of the plate with the blade turned into the plate and then the spoon to the right of the knife. On the left hand side I place the forks. The dinner fork is closest to the plate and the salad fork to the right of that. Above the plate to the right you will find the glass and to the upper left a bread plate if needed. The napkin is placed to the left of the plate under the forks. I like to use cloth napkins with napkin ring. If you use napkin ring you may place them to the left of the forks or in the center of the plate. As a child I always loved the napkins in the ring. I felt special and made the dinner more of an event.

My desire is to bring the family meal and table back. It's time we get back to basics. Unfortunately our society has sent us all in different directions. We need to share the family table experience with each other which will bring a closer bond to the family.

So let's turn off the television, put down the electronics and spend time getting to know each other.