It was a Saturday night and we decided to eat out by the pool. We love to take our dinner outdoors during the summer months, since our winters are so long. This Saturday I decided to make us a fancy-ish kind of picnic in a very un-fancy way at our worn out table with pretty paper plates.
It took no time at all and little effort. I picked up a rotisserie chicken, a loaf of bread, some cheese, salami, summer fruit and threw together a salad. We even had sparkling grape juice, which had been tucked in the back of our fridge since New Year’s (I know, I know). My oldest cut a few flowers from the yard and we all worked together to place everything on the table.
We used Dixie® paper plates to save time on the clean up…so we could spend our time being more present.
All summer, I’ve been dreaming of going to the beach with my family. I can almost hear the waves. It didn’t happen this year, but this family dinner by our own calming blue waters did. With a deep breath, I breathed in the summer-scented moment mixed with the fragrance of family, together.
And, because we were able to focus more on each other, rather then cooking and doing the dishes, we saved a little extra time for…
Family Game Night!
We popped some popcorn, put out a blanket and played some games. My 4 year old learned how to play Uno, and Rocco played at piling the most popcorn on his plate.
Do you have any practical time saving tricks that allow you more time to “Be More Here” with the ones you love for a meal?
My Practical Time Saving Tips That Allow You to Be More Present Are:
1. Paper plates. Easy clean up is everything in a family of 6.
2. Kids help set the table and clean up. When everyone has a part they feel more a part of the family. Even toddlers can put out forks or napkins.
3. Don’t prepare everything for the meal. Cook the main dish and use frozen garlic bread or a mixed salad in a bag. Less time chopping. More time chatting!
4. Start a weekly tradition. A Taco Tuesday / Meatless Monday kind of thing. This way meal planning and trying too many new recipes doesn’t take too much of your time. At our house, Friday night is pizza night. It’s simple, but it makes it simple to count on and kids really do love routine.
Here is to full bellies and hearts and being more here with the ones you love!
PS- Check out more fun family ideas and inspiration on “How to be more present for the moments that matter in life,” right here.
Compensation for this post was provided by Dixie® via AOL Media. The opinions expressed herein are those of the author and are not indicative of the opinions or positions ofDixie® or AOL.