View all news stories

Dinners on the sofa can have social and interactive benefits.

Mealtimes in contemporary society homes are becoming much less formal. Each member of the family has their own busy schedule, which rarely coincides. As a result, some families are abandoning the sit-down meal at the table and taking to the comfort of their sofas to enjoy a relaxed meal instead. Those who live on their own, or share a flat but eat alone, may find eating at a table without company a little lonely. What is more, going to the trouble of setting the table for one person can be viewed as pointless. Previous generations may not approve of the casual meal in front of the TV, and see it as an indication of the decline in society and family life, but times change and this type of arrangement has many advantages.

With many people working long hours, when they get home all they want to do is relax in front of the TV. This may not be a particularly intellectual pursuit, but is understandable for a busy working person. Instead of sitting on a rigid chair at the table, opposite your partner, you can relax on the sofa next to them while you eat. It may be wise to use a cushion to support your back, so that you are not slumped while eating (not good for the digestion!). It is always nice to be able to sit with loved ones in an informal and relaxed ambience whilst you eat. We can always rely on restaurants when hoping to gain that formal dining experience.

In some cases, it is a practical option. If you live in a small flat, with little or no space for a table, you may be forced to eat while sitting on the sofa. Most flats are not big enough to have a dedicated dining-room, which seems to be going out of fashion anyway; there might be space to create a dining area, but some flats are just too small, especially in crowded cities. In a shared flat, the table may be so small that there is not enough room for everyone to eat at the same time. As a result, eating while sitting on the sofa can prevent a dreaded unsociable dining experience. Perhaps if you are lucky to have a table large enough for sit-down meals, sofa suppers can be best kept for special occasions. In any case, unless you have a leather sofa that is easily cleaned if food gets spilled, the safest option is to cover the sofa with a washable throws and eat with a tray.

The twenty first century has most definitely seen the increase in sofa suppers. Some critics claim this scenario can have damaging effects on family communication and social interaction with loved ones. On the other hand, some scientists believe when an individual is completely relaxed in their environment, social interaction will naturally perpetuate. Sofas are therefore the ideal place to be comfortable and enjoy a nice socially interactive meal... After all who said the television has to be on!