Over the last century, homes have drastically changed. The Dining room was always part of a home, but it started to go through a change. Kathy, what happened to the Dining room in the 1950’s?
Once the Dining room was located far from the kitchen, away from the noise of servants and the risk of fire. But in the 1950’s, the dining room was a well-used room, closer to the kitchen. Many families had evening dinner here, as well as guests when entertaining. People purchased more formal dining tables and always had a hutch or buffet to hold their good China!
So did that change over the next 30 years?
Yes, life became busier, and having the family dinner together in the Dining room became less and less! Busy work schedules and arriving home late from work appear to be the biggest issue! The use of the China was left to Sunday meals and entertaining.
Did Covid have an impact on using the Dining room at dinner?
The pandemic did help push people towards making time to gather around the dinner table.
Has that continued since the end of the pandemic?
People have a new appreciation for gathering with people who you love to celebrate the end of the day with great food and conversation. It is an unbelievably powerful experience!
Have people gotten back into cooking more at home?
Yes, we are seeing that even millennials and Generation Z are committed to gather around the dinner table. They are enjoying cooking and seeing the health benefits of eating at a home cooked meal. It is great to see this habit continue for so many Americans as we come out of a very challenging time.
So, let’s go back to the original conversation which is, is the dining room back?
Over the last few years, with Covid, we saw the Dining room be the school room, the home office and a room to just escape to! But since then, the Dining room has become a more informal area to gather and enjoy family! Younger generations are loving the idea of family dinner. They have gained confidence to prepare meals on their own!
What about the style of furniture being used in the new dining rooms of today?
We see more casual options with comfortable chairs. The popularity of the trestle table with benches is being used to seat larger groups! The wood colors are countless, the the gaining of more rustic is popular as compared to the high gloss of years back! We want to use this space and enjoy it with family!
Gathering around the table, enjoying familiar food and intimate conversation is a remarkably constant symbol of unity and stability for the American family. The Dining room today is that place!
Thank you, Kathy, for reviewing the past changes of the American Dining room!