Do you eat at the table?

SuperPikachu

I tend to just eat at my computer desk cause it is convenient

boliston

I eat sitting on my sofa with a padded meal tray, but I never watch TV while eating as I don't have (or like) TVs - I normally prefer to use my computer while I eat.

phoebe1989seb

Since recently moving a spare sofa into the kitchen in front of the wood burning stove we've created a cosy seating area in which to flop down after a day DIYing or chopping/moving logs. On Sunday DH and I decided to eat our tea there - toasted crumpets and homemade raspberry brioche, so no trays required - it was lovely
No TV in the kitchen, just newspapers and lots of books (although wouldn't want to get the latter mucky lol) so we chatted, scanned the papers and munched our way through lots of deliciousness!

We don't have that type of Sunday tea often but when we do I think we'll be eating there again

amandacat

We eat on the sofa while watching tv. The main reason for this is that we have a lounge diner and the table is pushed up against the wall due to space meaning we have to pull it out etc. so it’s too much hassle. It’s only the two of us. Christmas Day is the only time we use the table.

When we move we want either a kitchen diner or separate dining room. We would never have a lounge diner again. We like to think we will then eat at the table.

VJsmum

LilElvis wrote: »

Whilst that might be the ideal it also isn't realistic for many families - long commutes, shift working and late finishes. We would love to all eat together, but my husband has a very demanding job and so we can only do this at weekends. It's nearly eight o'clock and he's still not home, twelve hours after he left - and this is normal during the working week. Please don't denigrate those who can't live up to your rosy ideals because we aren't bad parents.

We had that too, at times. It wasn't always the four of us... But the principle was and is that the table is where we eat. Nothing is as rosy as black and white make it look (IYSWIM) sorry if it came across like that..... we all manage within our own circumstances.

maman

VJsmum wrote: »

We had that too, at times. It wasn't always the four of us... But the principle was and is that the table is where we eat. Nothing is as rosy as black and white make it look (IYSWIM) sorry if it came across like that..... we all manage within our own circumstances.

Absolutely right and I appreciate it's difficult and tiresome to juggle whether that's times and working hours or physical things like space in small homes or even the finances if you don't own a table already.

If the principle is that sitting at the table is the place to eat then it really shouldn't matter if the family eat in relays during the week , they'd still sit at the table.

I posted previously that when we lived in a small house with a lounge/diner we had a drop leaf table that got brought out and then folded away after every meal. That didn't mean it was me that had to do it every time. As well as teaching children table manners, eating this way also teaches them to lay up, clear away, wash up even:eek: They're life skills. I'm so pleased my MIL taught them to my DH.

gfplux

At the table and have a conversation away from the TV, tablet or phone.

LidLicker

Myself and my girlfriend always used to eat in front of the TV, however since around 12 months ago we said we will always eat at the table now, away from the TV and leave our phones in another room.

Teacher2

We eat at the kitchen table, properly set with cutlery, condiments, vegetable dishes and whatever is appropriate to the meal during the week and at the dining room table with a tablecloth, napery and the above on Saturdays, when guests come and at Christmas.

Ceremony, marking out eating as an occasion and conversation around a table are aspects of civilisation and teach children manners, respect for others, the joy of conversation and the enjoyment of a meal.

I have had a battle with phones at the table which, on the whole, I have banned entirely for members of the household and up to a point for the child who visits occasionally but has her own house.

coffeehound

Teacher2 wrote: »

... at the dining room table with a tablecloth, napery and the above on Saturdays, when guests come and at Christmas.

Well I've learned a new word today