A dining table is an absolute essential for your home. It seems that nowadays a lot of families would rather sit on their phones or watch TV while eating dinner rather than enjoying dinner as a family. A dining table is a key social aspect of the home. Not only can great dining tables add a lot of character to homes, they can also be used for hosting social events such as dinner parties and family get-togethers. Here are 4 reasons as to why a dining table is one of the most important items of furniture in your home.
1. It helps you connect with the people you care about
It can be hard to find the time to spend with your family and friends. If you have a family it can seem that everyone spends more time at work and school than they do at home. Sometimes the only chance you will have to bond with them is over dinner. You don’t want to waste this time in front of the TV. You should instead be eating together as a family, as you can all share what happened throughout the day.
Another way in which you can use your dining table is for hosting social and family events. Try to purchase a dining table that can accommodate more people than just your immediate family. Not only will you be able to use your dining table for weeknight family dinners but you will also be able to use it to host events like dinner parties, and family events such as Christmas and Thanksgiving.
2. It Reduces mess in your home and teaches children table manners
Eating around the dining table is a much better option than eating on your couch or worse your bed. Mess is inevitable and if you eat anywhere other than the table it can cause a mess that will be difficult to clean up. Food remnants in your couch can go unnoticed and attract insects and rodents.
Dining tables are designed with mess in mind. They are easy to clean and maintain. Eating at the table can also teach children the importance of table manners. You can show them how to eat correctly and how to clean up after themselves. If your children are used to eating at the table this will also make it easier to take them along to restaurants and dinner events.
3. It is the healthier option
You are much more likely to choose better food options when dining in a group than when alone. If no one is watching it is easy to have a quick meal rather than a balanced one. If you have children it is a good opportunity to teach them healthy eating habits and encourage them to try new foods.
4. It reduces screen time and gives you a chance to live in the moment
It is hard to be bored nowadays. There is always something to do. If you have nothing to do it is easy to check your phone or watch TV. At dinner time you should put away the technology and eat as a family. It encourages you to make conversations instead of looking at your phone.
According to a study by Nutrisystem 1 in 3 Americans use their phone whilst eating. Distracted eating causes you to eat larger portions and stops you from properly enjoying your meal. If you have children, it also sets a horrible example and prevents you from socialising with your family. You should be turning the TV off and putting your phone away during meals.
All in all a dining table is a must have in your home. Not only can it add a lot of character but it can also be the social hub of your home.