Dining, going to dinner, brunch, let’s do lunch, barbeque, sharing a meal with family and friends; however you want to say it, it is simply a time to slow down and enjoy the company of family and friends. In today’s rushed schedules, it’s nice and relaxing to take time to slow down and enjoy the company of others. Dining gives us that opportunity. Dining doesn’t have to be a formal setting with white table cloths - it a can be anything where two or more are enjoying each other’s company over a meal. It can be as casual as eating outside on a patio, dining at a fine resteraunt, a picnic in the park, or simply sitting at the kitchen table surrounded by family. It is anytime two or more people are enjoying each other’s company and spending more than a quick few minutes over a meal and are creating memories.

There are some key elements in successful dining. Allow time to engage in conversation so it flows and it’s not forced but happens naturally. Knowing the right combination of people to dine with will make the dining experience a fun and enjoyable time for all involved. Even with family and extended family one may need to be selective when deciding who to invite.  Where to dine will have an impact on the overall experience. If you wish to make an evening of it and you choose a semi fast restaurant that is used to turning their tables quickly, you will be interrupted multiple times as your waiter is trying to get you to move along so they can turn the table, this will most definitely impede the natural flow of the conversation.  Another key factor can be the weather. If you are planning to dine outside, you always need to have a back up strategy in case the weather is not suitable for outdoor dining. Keeping these simple guide lines in mind will make your dining experience successful and one which everyone enjoys and will leave friends and family wanting more.

Remember, time is one of our most precious gifts we can give to another, once the time is gone we can’t get it back. Giving of one’s personal time communicates to the receiver our delight and joy at having that person in our lives.