Making Mealtime Fun

Mealtime is one of those areas of life that can sometimes use some fresh ideas. Face it, we make the same food day in and day out. Our children are more than ready for us to add some zest and fun to the occasion. I think you will find that once you start adding some pizzazz to the family meals, you will like the changes and realize how much you needed that little something extra as well.



Here are some fun and fresh ideas for you to spruce up that boring “dinner” call.


*Have everyone in the family pick out a TV tray and eat in your Family Room while watching a favorite family movie together.


*Eat out on your deck or back porch for a change. Use either a picnic table or set up a card table and enjoy the fresh air.


*Have an indoor picnic. This is one of my daughter’s favorite things to do. Pull out a blanket, get out the paper plates and just add the food! You can make dinner or bring in sub sandwiches from a local sandwich shop.


*Let your children decorate placemats and get a tablecloth that they can color on.


*Switch places at the table for a change. Everyone needs to sit somewhere other than his or her normal seat.


*Get some chopsticks and use them for fun instead of silverware.


*Buy festive napkins, plastic goblets and fancy straws.


*Have backwards night. Eat your dessert first and your main course last.


*Make normal foods fun by adding food coloring or using cookie cutters to make shapes.


*Let your children make the meal!! Even a 3 year old can plop some peanut butter and jelly on bread. Promise to at least take a “thank-you” bite of each item on your plate.


*Serve food on fun dishes instead of your normal plates. Spaghetti can be eaten out of a popcorn or ice cream bowl; veggies can be placed in crystal candy dishes, etc.


*Turn out the lights and use candles. Adds such a relaxing atmosphere and will become a favorite incentive for calming down at the dinner table.