Mealtime conversation

I read a fun article the other day on the history of our '3 meal a day' culture, including the origins of the full English breakfast, and the cornflake.

The author alleged that the decline in the traditional family dinner could be attributed to the year of my birth - not because of my arrival into the world I hasten to add, but because the same year heralded the first microwave meals.

Sitting at the table for dinner has been an important part of the Photographer's upbringing and it has filtered into our marriage. We chat over dinner, catch up on each other's days and relax in each other's company. I enjoy spending time preparing a meal, especially when it is to be shared with others, and that time allows the Photographer to catch up on other things he enjoys (or editing photographs in his busy season).

The BBC article also touches upon the phenomenon that is the dinner party, claiming that the success of celebrity chef recipe books has fuelled the popularity of this traditional form of entertainment. I can see why, because whilst the Photographer and I love our evening meals together, we also happily share that time with others and often have friends over for dinner, and I love having the opportunity to try out new recipes for friends to try.

There's something about conversation over a meal that is genuine, real and memory-making. I'm determined that our family won't become another statistic in the decline of this cherished part of our culture.

Much love,
xx