Eating a meal is more than just fueling your body. You want to make sure that your meals are as enjoyable as possible, and this means adding other things to the whole experience.
As well as making sure that you’re serving delicious meals, think about the environment where you’re eating. You could have a Michelin star meal, but you aren’t going to enjoy it if you’re sitting in a landfill. Here are a few tips to help you improve your dining area and experience.
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Designing the Space
First, think about the space at your disposal. Older houses had dedicated dining rooms, but modern houses tend to omit this in favor of a kitchen-diner or a larger living room with space for a table. Each option has different pros and cons, including convenience and closeness to the kitchen so you aren’t carrying your food all through the house.
If you don’t have a dedicated dining room, you can’t exactly decorate the whole room with your dining experience in mind. But you can still design the space where you’ll be eating to make it a bit more special.
For starters, the basic furniture you will need are a table and dining chairs. You want your furniture to cover the basics, so it needs to be functional. It should also look good and be comfortable. Nobody wants to eat a meal with a bad back. Ideally, you should also use materials that are easy to clean so you can tackle any spillages.
As well as the table and chairs, if you have the space, you might consider getting some cupboards to store serving plates and cutlery. Again, it’s more convenient when serving food.
Decor Touches
A dining table doesn’t feel finished if it’s just left bare. You can add a tablecloth or a table runner for a bit more of a decorative flair, and a tablecloth also allows you to keep the table clean. Don’t forget about a vase of fresh flowers or even candles so each eating experience feels a bit more special.
Think about how to decorate the space. Use artwork and other ornaments or decorative features to make your dining area feel more inviting. You can play around with your personal style.
Make sure that the dining area is kept clean and clear when you’re not using it so it’s easy to set for each meal.
Table Etiquette
If you want to actually enjoy your meal, it’s helpful if everyone has basic etiquette. You don’t all need to behave like lords and ladies, but you could at least be polite. Nobody wants food thrown everywhere or a full-blown burping competition while you’re trying to eat. You want to be able to enjoy the food and everyone’s company.
You need to find the balance between teaching your kids to be polite and teaching them to hate mealtimes. Some basic, easy to learn table manners are a good place to start, and many of these can be understood by younger children. As your kids get a bit older, these rules can change.
