Ten Tips For Organizing Family Dinner

We've had such a terrific response to our last Family Focus (the difference it can make in the lives of our family if we eat dinner together), that we thought it would be helpful to share some ideas on how to make this truly great idea a little easier to put into practice.

This mission doesn't have to be daunting--remember the goal is to get everyone to the dinner table (at the same time)--NOT to force Mom into June Cleaver or Carol Brady mode. Here are ten tips on how to pull it off:

Set a goal. Twice a week, maybe? Build from there.
Keep it simple. Family meals don't have to be elaborate. Work salads and vegetables into meals. Focus on familiar favorites. Tonight Alice and her husband, Rich, had baked potatoes, baked banana squash, tossed salad, and sour dough toast--simple and easy.
Be prepared. Keep ingredients for healthful meals on hand, including plenty of fruits and vegetables.
Keep healthy "appetizers" on hand. Stock the kitchen with fresh fruits, nuts, and low-fat cheese--stuff everyone can snack on instead of chips and cookies.
Get the family involved. Let kids help prepare meals, set the table, and clean up after dinner. (Be sure to check next week's Less Muss, Less Fuss) for some super ideas on how to make the kitchen easier for kids to work in).
Use the crock pot. Put everything together before leaving for work in the morning (or better yet, the night before and place meal or crock in fridge until time to start it cooking the next day). Everyone will come home to the delicious aroma of a cooked meal--what a treat!
Avoid portion distortion. Keep serving sizes under control.
Make the ambiance enjoyable. Leave the serious discussions for another time. Family meals are for not just physical, but emotional nourishment, as well as comfort and support.
Set the mood. Play soothing music. Put flowers on the table. Light a candle. Create a relaxing environment. Family will also get the message that you really care about this time together, and they'll appreciate the effort you go to.
No TV allowed, no phones answered. This is time for listening to each other, sharing the day's stories, and nurturing the family connection.

One final thought on how to put this wonderful idea into practice: Don't hesitate to use paper plates if the day is looking crazy. In the final analysis, your family will remember the memories this custom afforded, NOT what the meal was served in. Simple can mean doable, so let's do it!