The Overlooked Role of the Dining Table in Family Life

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We often forget about the dining table, but it’s something that brings families together at the start or end of the day. Whether you all find yourselves around it for breakfast, or if you prefer to spend that time socializing over dinner. Dinner tables are incredibly meaningful for many families across the world.

With that being said, here are some helpful tips on why shared meals matter more than we perhaps think.

Why shared meals matter more than we think

Shared meals are something that many people will bond over. It’s a daily ritual for many to have food together, and for families, it’s incredibly important.

For some, it might not be that important, and not all families will eat their dinner around the table. However, being able to have dinner around the table at some point or another can be vital for both families and communities alike.

Some of those benefits include improving emotional and social skills, as well as promoting healthier eating habits and improved nutrition.

It also presents a valuable opportunity for the transmission of social skills and for cultural learning, too. 

Choosing dining sets that fit both everyday chaos and special occasions

How do you choose a dining set that fits your needs and wants as a household? Here are some helpful tips to choose a dining set that fits both everyday chaos and those special occasions, too.

Consider your space

Space is certainly important to consider, so you’ll want to measure your dining area to figure out which one is best for your room. Allow some clearance on all sides for a comfortable fit and for easy chair movement. Check out the variety of dining furniture at Shawcross for something to fit every space.

Opt for extendable tables

Extendable tables are handy when it comes to versatility. An extendable table is helpful for daily use, but also for hosting large gatherings on those occasions where you have more than the usual staying for dinner.

Look for durable materials

Durable materials, when it comes to your dining table, are always going to be more effective than something that won’t last for more than a couple of years. Look for solid wood tables, especially ones that have an oil finish to provide that extra level of protection.

They also offer up a timeless look that will keep it a classic dining table for years to come.

Make the surfaces wipeable 

Ideally, surfaces should be wipeable. Easy-to-clean fabrics are great for those households where there’s often a lot of mess on the dining table. From wipeable vinyl chairs to leather, opt for these materials to keep surfaces clean.

How to make it a no-phone zone (and why that matters)

When you’re looking to create the perfect space for you and your family to enjoy, you’ll want to make it a no-phone zone.

You’ll want to model this behavior by putting your own phone away during dinner time. It helps to reduce distractions, improve focus on the meal, and strengthen family bonds.