Couples just married are busy setting up their household, and many of the decisions they make in the first year will often dictate their future for years to come. If they allow their family to continue inviting them over without returning the invitation to a family meal, it is likely they will be given little opportunity to host. It is important to make friends and family feel welcome, so starting a traditional of hosting the family at least once a month can be a good way to begin a new tradition. The first time could be difficult, but the family will generally be helpful.
An expensive undertaking
For those with large families, it can be an expensive undertaking to provide the entire dinner for everyone. Many families have developed a tradition of having the hosts provide the setting and meat, but each group will arrive with an appetizer, side dish, or dessert. This relieves everyone of the expense of paying for an entire meal, and it takes away the time-consuming effort of cooking it. Families that have the ability to cooperate and plan a large event often find this is the best way for them to be able to enjoy a great dinner with no concerns about expense.
Coordinating plans
Families today are widespread, and many of them find their jobs do not always conform to traditional weekdays. Getting everyone together on a certain day requires coordinating plans with many different households, and it can take a great deal of time and patience. For those who are determined, it can become a chore to contact everyone, but modern electronic communications can make it easier to bring it off successfully. It might take a few years, but the entire family could eventually know when to create their favourite dishes for everyone to sit around the table and enjoy a meal as a group.
Smiles and laughter
Children have long provided interest when it comes to meals, and watching them grow into adults is often a joy for their parents. When they finally begin to form their own long term relationships, family dinners at their homes can be times of smiles and laughter from everyone as they recount the joys and disasters of growing up together. Their spouses will often enjoy hearing about family history, and their own children will have a sense of continuity. While there can be the occasional issues as the children grow, these are the times families look forward to as they go through life.
It is not surprising that many young couples are eager to establish a routine of family meals on a regular basis, and they often take great pains to work out a schedule to meet on a regular basis. They want to continue to spend time with their siblings and parents, and sharing food together is a good way to keep in touch. Eating dinner every night with their family is no longer expected, but hosting a regular gathering of the family for their favourite meal is an entertaining tradition often expected of couples establishing their own households.
