Making Meals Into Memories

Mealtime is a joyous time. I find the best conversations happen around the table or while we’re milling around the kitchen. Food brings people together everyday. I hope that some of these tips for making meals into memories will inspire you to add just one family dinner to your routine each week. Life is busy, that’s an understatement, but eating is necessary and pausing to connect for just 30 minutes can be an important aspect of sharing with those you love. Below, I provide several tips for making meals into memories. If you have stories to share or tips to add, please comment below or send me a message. I’d love to hear your stories. Let’s bring sunshine to mealtime!

No Technology Rule

I get it, this is basic, but VERY hard to do. There is always something to google, weather to check, an awesome blog to read (if it’s mine, thank you), but pausing these activities while eating can be super beneficial. Connect with those around you, ask questions and listen to what they have to say. When there are no devices to hide behind, we’re all more willing to share and communicate. My kids will tell stories about their day and share information that I wouldn’t have the joy of hearing if we didn’t take that time to disconnect from electronics. Also, mindful eating is beneficial too. It’s time to start a new rule, no devices at the table.

Table Topics

Have you seen these lovely conversation starter cards designed for the dinner table? I personally love them and think it’s a great starting point to get kids (and adults) talking and sharing with each other. Some of the questions are silly, some thought provoking, but it’s awesome to get everyone’s ideas, answers and opinions. It never fails that one question will lead to a related story or comment bringing more happy conversations than I could ever hope for. Click here to see all the options for Table Topics on Amazon (I’m making no money from this, just want to share the joy).

Recipe Card Journaling

This one is my personal favorite. I have been journaling on recipe cards for a very long time. Along with recipe comments, I write what is going on in my life. Whether it’s a special moment, comments about a beautiful day or just what’s going on in our lives. Every time I revisit a recipe and read about that moment in time, it puts a smile on my face. I’ve come across my son’s first sentence, special awards/activities and small things that are beautiful and I would have never remembered unless I wrote it down with the recipe.

Positivity/Kindness

There is something to be said about talking about or writing down happy and positive things and the improvement you’ll see in your day/mood. Have everyone go around the table and share something positive, a happy moment or an example of kindness in their day. This could also lead to additional conversations focused around positivity and may encourage someone at the table to spread kindness and joy.

Please feel free to share a story or idea for making meals into memories and continue making each day Buttered with Sunshine!

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