OVERVIEW and CLASS #1: 

PLANNING: PREPARED FOR ANYTHING!

Given the often-packed schedules of today’s families, planning dinners ahead of time is an essential skill for every homemaker, especially if she is also the family chauffeur! With menu planning in advance, she can avoid the pitfalls of frequent less-than-nutritious take-out meals and/or the stress of putting together a meal at the last minute when everyone in the family is tired and hungry. This session provided the attendees with a personal menu planner, a list of pantry essentials, and several quick, easy and delicious recipes to try at home. Our experienced presenters also shared tips on the use of left-overs from Sunday’s roast; on cooking double batches, freezing one for later use; and on the use of slow cookers for nutritious and convenient meals.

CLASS #2: 

SETTING THE TABLE: MONDAY TO SUNDAY

Not every family meal is the same; nor should the table setting for every family meal be the same. Different occasions in family life call for more or less formality. In this walk-and-talk demonstration of casual, formal and informal (or everyday) table settings, the attendees also had a clear visual of the differences as well as the similarities of the three. Handouts further explained the finer, less-encountered placement of cutlery, glassware, and dishes. The need for clean (sparkling glasses, polished silverware, pressed linens, etc.) and attractive (with fresh flowers, candles, harmony of the colors of the table linens and the dishes, etc.) table settings is stressed as essential to an inviting and enjoyable dinner for any and every occasion in our homes.

CLASS #3: 

ENJOYING GOOD CONVERSATION AND GOOD MANNERS

This session found the three speakers and the attendees gathered around the dining room table for dessert and coffee. The engaging talks on promoting both good manners and good conversation at the family dinner table dealt with a range of typical issues: how to keep the tone elevated and respectful of all; how and what to choose/allow for topics of conversation; setting a few, but firm rules for behavior and the consequences for misbehavior; the importance of the husband as the father of the family; and how to manage dinner time in his absence or late arrival home were among them. Our speakers: one, a young mother with several special-needs children; another, a mother and now grandmother of four; and another, a mother of seven children ranging from eleven to twenty-six, spoke with great wit and wisdom of their learning experiences at the family dinner table. The attendees were then encouraged and, hopefully, inspired to ‘go home and make the family dinner time work for their families!

CLASS #4: 

COOKING AND CLEANING UP: SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE!

Working together whether preparing or cleaning up a meal affords all members of the family countless occasions to learn new skills, to grow in virtue, and to strengthen familial unity. Teaching moments abound in this natural setting of the home: praise for specific virtuous words or acts; gentle correction of unacceptable attitudes (child or parent); consistent example of work well done; the recognition of the importance of the spirit of service in family life. In this talk-and-demonstration, one presenter explained the basic tasks involved in meal preparation and those of a thorough kitchen cleaning that children need to be taught according to age and ability. While giving a demonstration of how to use a knife correctly, our second presenter prepared all the necessary ingredients for chili, simple enough for a child to prepare. Never underestimate the capacity of willing children to learn new skills and to grow in confidence and competence!