5 Ways to Make Family Dinners Awesome

This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Dixie. All opinions are 100% mine.

Last night, we went #DarkForDinner, we gathered all our electronics in a basket and enjoyed a distraction free family dinner. We had a blast! I can not say enough good things. The laughter, the conversation, and even the moments of silent were just beautiful. It made me realize how very short life is and that moments like this are too short and far between unless we’re intentional about creating them.

If you saw our post last week and joined us going #DarkForDinner, we’d love to hear how your dinner was! If you missed it’s still not too late, the movement continues for six Sundays. So jump on in! Here are a few tips to make it even more successful and meaningful!

5 Ways to Make Family Dinners Awesome

1. Stick to easy meals. Family dinner’s don’t have to be complicated, I love easy meals because it means less stress. During our first #DarkForDinner night we made “breakfast” for dinner which is a family favorite. It took me less than 15 minutes to make french toast and turkey bacon on the griddle.

2. Get the kids involved — so they can take pride in the meal, too. Even little ones can help. My toddler loves being the in kitchen with me, so I set her up her own little cooking station. When she’s older she can start helping with the real food prep but for now playing with empty pots and pans and wooden spoons is perfect for her!

Older kids can also help by setting the table and gathering all the electronics into a basket. Be sure you turn all the electronics off and set the basket away from the table.

3. Clean up as you cook — that way there’s not a huge mess waiting for you in the kitchen after dinner, instead you can spend more time with your family. Using paper plates is also a huge help! Dixie® products are perfect for this! They continue to make lives simpler and clean-up easier which is exactly what I need! Using paper products means less clean-up and more family time which is always a win in my book.

4. Eat your dinner together as a family. Go #DarkForDinner, put the electronics away, and enjoy the moment together with your family. We’ve also created a fun list of conversation starters you’re welcome to print off and use as conversation starters at your meals.

Click here to get the free printable

We asked our toddler these questions during our last meal and even though she’s not talking yet, she babbled answers, smiled and laughed — she was having a ball. Even thought she can’t talk yet she loved the attention, I could tell by the way she was lighting up.

5. Don’t stop at dinner. After dinner pull out the games and keep the fun going.

Do it! Go #DarkForDinner next Sunday and then come back and tell us how it went!

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If you loved this, you’ll also want to check out: Mommy, Will You Look in my Eyes When You Talk?

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