Family Table

Mealtime is an important family gathering in our home. Not only does it allow us a time of wonderful conversation, but it also provides a sense of belonging with each other.

I truely enjoy preparing a delicious meal for my family. It can be a challenge sometimes when you consider that fact that most people eat three times a day. In our home we eat together just twice a day, with our main meal mid-day, but with a bit of menu planning prior to shopping day the challenge can be minimized.

I believe the family dining table is one of the places where families can gather to enjoy each other. To me it is the simple act of sitting together at the table and breaking bread.

Growing up, in my parents home, the heritage of family dining was provided. That is the place my memory first goes when remembering home and family. Of course, the family meal table is not the only memory that I have of home and growing up, but it is the focal point, the place where I sensed the unity of our home the greatest.

In addition to dining together I feel that it is important to make an atmosphere, by setting a pleasing table with nutricious foods that are colorful and varied. A place that gives one a sense of "this is special".

Though our family eats together everyday, I have set aside Saturdays for candlelight dinners, the using of our "special" dishes, ect. Cloth napkins are used daily in our home so there is always the feeling of "special", but candles and a centerpiece truely add to an attractive table. It takes only a bit more time in preparing, but truely makes the occasion special.