Say Goodbye to ‘What’s for Dinner?’ and Hiding Food: Emma Beddington’s Must-Follow Rules for Stress-Free Family Dining

Eating out has become quite a financial strain lately. As prices soar—have you seen the price of a croissant lately?—more of us are cooking at home. Despite this, there are still some dining rules worth discussing, whether you’re hosting a dinner or enjoying a meal at someone else’s table.

Here’s how I see it:

1. Soups vs. Meals: Soup is not a meal; it’s more like a drink. Even if it’s hearty, it shouldn’t be the main course.

2. Toast Is King: On the other hand, toast can stand alone as a meal! Throw on some toppings, and you’re good to go.

3. Dining Questions: When someone asks, “What’s for dinner?” it’s frustrating. Instead, come prepared with your ideas!

4. Be Honest: If you say you “don’t mind” about dinner, you can’t complain about the meal once it’s served. It’s inconsiderate to dismiss someone else’s efforts.

5. Personal Items: You can have one special dish or mug just for you. But let’s keep it to one.

6. Kitchen Etiquette: Hands off the veggies while I’m chopping! It’s rude to steal food before it’s ready.

7. Cooking Control: If you’re not the cook, don’t hover around giving advice unless it’s a safety issue. Either step in or let the cook work their magic.

8. Portion Sizes: A pack of fresh pasta is strictly one serving, sorry!

9. Trying New Foods: Unless you have severe dietary restrictions, try what’s served to you. It’s part of honoring the cook and the shared experience.

10. Leftovers: Once dinner’s over, leftovers are fair game; so divvy them up among guests.

11. Shared Spaces: If you store food in the fridge, it’s your responsibility to throw it out when it goes bad. We don’t need any surprises lurking in there.

12. Maintaining Mystery at Home: Don’t work from home together every day. Relationships thrive on a little mystery and personal space.

13. Keep Judgments to Yourself: Don’t critique someone’s choice of condiments. Taste is personal!

14. Fair Sharing: The rule “One person cuts, the other chooses” applies at any age.

15. Dish Soaking Time: Dishes can only soak overnight—anything beyond that is just untidy.

16. Hiding Snacks: You can only hide food in extreme situations or if you’re dealing with teenagers.

17. Baking Temperature: Everything goes in the oven at 180°C. Just trust the process!

Dining is more than just eating; it’s a social experience. The trends around food that we observe today reflect societal behavior too. According to recent surveys, many people find cooking at home more enjoyable and rewarding than dining out, turning meal prep into a creative escape. It’s all about balance and making every meal a unique experience, whether at home or at a restaurant.

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