6 fun ways to celebrate food

Meals are traditionally the centre of social gatherings.  Whether you're a foodie or simply planning to make food the star of your next soiree, these tips will help you create a memorable dining experience.

Eating with friends and family is a great opportunity to catch up on each other’s lives, but sometimes we get lost in our meal. Take turns going around the table and asking everyone about their day, or discussing topics that are relevant and interesting to as many guests as possible. If you're the host, pay particular attention to everyone's body language and tone to gauge whether someone is uncomfortable with the subject matter. The table should be a happy place!

If you mindlessly eat your food you won’t enjoy it. Put your utensils down between bites. Use the time to chew and swallow. Note the flavours, colours, and textures of the meal as well as the look of the table and the ambience around it. Look out the window and enjoy the view.

Privately or as a group, give thanks for the fact that you're here and able to enjoy the company and the food. It need not be a prayer if you're uncomfortable with that. Come up with your own ritual. It could be a toast or everyone saying hello or a quick moment of silence or even holding hands. Whatever you are comfortable with is the best choice of all.

Do you remember the days when it was never a matter of life and death for someone to get in touch? Make sure everyone turns off their cell phone and any other devices that keeps them in contact with the outside world. Make mealtime inviolable. After all, if it’s really urgent, friends can contact you later.

Think of a traditional Japanese tea ceremony, in which every sense has a role to play: you listen and observe as the tea is poured, feel the hot cup in your hand, smell and taste the tea. To focus your mind and slow things further, bring a meal to the table course by course and leave time between courses for relaxation and conversation.

Enjoying local seasonal produce can make a meal more meaningful by linking your dish to the place where you live. Visit a farmer's market for seasonal vegetables or meats. Ask about ways of preparing fruit and vegetables that may be new to you. It’s great to think about the produce growing locally as you prepare and enjoy it.

You and your family deserve the finishing touches every day so put out some fresh flowers, a nice table setting and garnishes on the plates. Take care not to eat at a messy table with school books or a pile of mail at the other end of the table.

It’s the little things that make a difference in life. If you take these steps to enjoy meal times you’ll get much more pleasure out of food and life.