6 Tips to Get the Family at the Dinner Table

Posted on Sep 07, 2018

There is something special about getting the whole family together to enjoy a meal around the dinner table - the comradery, tasty food, all of it! We get it, though – with school, extracurricular activities, work and everyday life, schedules can often be hectic with little time for cooking, let alone the opportunity for everyone to sit down and eat at the same time. September is Family Meals Month, a time to highlight the benefits of family meals and challenge us to enjoy a healthy, home-prepared meal around the dinner table at least once a week. We’ve gathered these six tips to inspire your family to gather around the table for dinner this month and beyond.

1. Chef Night

Set aside a handful of days each month for a family chef night. Pick a new head chef each family chef night and let them select what is on the menu that evening. Let he or she call the shots in the kitchen, too!

2. It's Game Time

Games are a fun way to share time with family. Why not make an evening out of it and have a dinner and game night? Once a month (or week if you’d prefer), make a fun, easy meal like these Grilled Shrimp Lettuce Cups with Sorghum and Corn Salsa that could be enjoyed alongside your favorite games.

3. Theme Night

Does your family have a favorite place to visit? What about a favorite movie or book? Once a month, get the family together for an extra-special themed dining experience. Whatever theme the family selects, prepare dishes inspired by the theme. Let your creativity guide you! You can even take it a step further and dress for the occasion.

4. Cook Together

Everything is better when it’s done together! Get the whole family in the kitchen to prepare dinner. Give each family member a different job, including the little ones. This will give everyone a chance to catch up after a long day while working together as a team.

5. Experiement with New Ingredients

Trying new types of food can be quite exciting! To mix up dinnertime, experiment with new ingredients. Try utilizing foods from the five major food groups – vegetables, grain, protein, dairy and fruit – to not only add creativity to your dinner menu but healthy nutrients, too. Whole grains are easy to experiment with, especially sorghum. Try this Sorghum Lasagna Recipe for a unique twist on a classic recipe.

6. Share your Day

Implement a meaningful dinnertime culture in your home. Each family dinner, go around the table and let everyone share the best part of his or her day as well as the most difficult or challenging. This could give your family a nice opportunity to bond over a delicious meal.

What is your favorite way to gather the family around the dinner table? Share your tips with us via our social channels - Simply Sorghum on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter!