DINNER TABLES ARE a place for friends and family.
It’s always been that way – no matter what generation you grew up in, your first meal times were generally shared with those you care about. And so it should remain.
But what exactly is so special about Irish people sitting down around a dinner table?
1. Survival of the fittest
If you come from a larger family, this applies double. The best food – or maybe even just the most food – is bickered about amongst siblings. It’s just the natural order of things.
2. Diversionary tactics
And, speaking of the above, there’s usually a benevolent parent begging for peace in the background. With a pained expression, holding the food at a safe distance from the baying mob, all of whom are just in the door from training in search of a feed…
3. Dog eat dog world
Hands up who in their life has fed the family dog under the table?
4. Clean plates
SOMEONE is going to lick their plate. Let’s just face that fact. We don’t condone this kind of behaviour, of course, but it’s better to just pretend you can’t see what’s happening than raise an objection.
5. All is fair in love and war
All sorts of jostling and bickering takes place under cover of the kitchen tablecloth. When an Irish family get together, there’s undoubtedly going to be a bit of ratting going on – who said what, trying to get each other in trouble, settling scores… Not to mention a quick thump under the table.
6. But not forgetting…
Big grins all round once the plates are cleared. After all, the way to every family member’s heart is through their stomach, right?
Dolmio are here to encourage Irish families to enjoy sitting down for dinner together again – to share some laughs, tell some stories and strengthen bonds. Show your support for Dolmio’s Stand Up For Sitting Down campaign – and you could win a professionally prepared Dolmio Family meal for you and 5 members of your family. To find out how to enter, just check out the Dolmio Ireland Facebook page.
Do you sit down for meals with your family? Let us know in the comments – go on, share your best dinner table stories.
