The big opinions we have with regards to what our favourite meals are suggest that we’re big on food here in Britain, never shying away from giving our two-cent’s worth on how our meals should be eaten, when they should be eaten and by whom. Exploring our attitudes with specific regards to dinner in particular makes for some interesting reading. Oldrids & Downtown, providers of dinner sets helps us find out…
The Favourites
Naturally we all have different preferences and with regards to our food that becomes a personal thing, so nobody could every claim to put together an iron-clad list of the nation’s favourite dishes. However, we do have a general picture of the meals coming in as some of the favourites on the quintessential British menu.
According to the Spruce, the top ten dishes making our favourite British foods include:
- Bacon sandwiches
- Roast dinners
- A cup of tea
- Fish and chips
- Yorkshire pudding
- Full English breakfast
- Cornish pasties
- Strawberries and cream
- Teatime treat, crumpets
- Beer
Welsh Lamb commissioned a survey which went on to be reported by the Express in which the British classics were revealed as our ultimate favourites, with shepherd’s pie and roast dinners stealing the top spot. Italian food followed on in second place, with spaghetti Bolognese and pasta coming in as favourites among us Brits. Indian, Chinese and Thai cuisine completed the list.
Family Dining and the Importance of Family Dinners
Research surrounding the dining habits of British families revealed that fewer families are having meals together, with those that do often eating in front of the television. The significance of this has implications on some benefits of dining as a family, as expressed by Health.com, which include:
- Children being more likely to eat their vegetables – research found that children who sit and eat with their parents are more likely to eat healthier foods, like fruits and vegetables
- Families which eat together more likely to be healthier
- Eating together giving families more time to chat
- Money being saved, which would have otherwise been spent on eating out
Is the Dinner Party Dying Out?
The formal dinner parties synonymous with the 80s and 90s are dying a slow death, according to the Telegraph. Dinner parties may have meant that everyone dug into the same meal, but that’s changing fast with menus catering to a wider range of dietary requirements and preferences.
Dinner Party Hosting Tips
- Choose that food which can be prepared earlier on in the day so that when your guests arrive you can spend more time with them.
- Serving dishes should be put out so that the guests can help themselves.
- Short-cuts aren’t to be frowned upon here – if buying your bread instead of baking it will save you time, go for it!
- Set the mood with a nice playlist and where possible, make it a fun environment with a variety of entertainment on offer.
- Don’t worry too much about things being perfect. Relax and enjoy the occasion with your guests.
