When I was younger we NEVER did meals at the table, except holidays. I remember one time we tried some dinner at the table... *laughs* My brother was picking at his food and dad threw his pork chop up against the wall. Such a lovely memory. *laughs*

I'm from Illinois by the way.

I honestly hate dinner without background noise. I hate silverware clanging on a plate, knives scratching plates, listening to people chew and being able to hear myself chew. Just too much irritation to have a good time. I think that's why we prefer to sit on the couch.

My grandma's house was very much like what Mama described. No make-up allowed, only women were allowed in the kitchen when cooking was going on, unless you were just passing through from the back porch & den area to the bedrooms or bathroom. Grandma always put things on the table for us to eat, we weren't allowed to leave until granted permission & our plates had Better be clean or we weren't moving. Unless of course it was something new & we had eaten the required 3 bites before deciding we didn't like it.

My family now, I dish up everyone's plates from the stove. The kitchen table is used for schoolwork (we homeschool) and we usually eat in the living room.

We eat all over the house I try and make the kids eat at the table since they spill things more easy.

What's the deal with no make-up at the table? Is that some sort of sign of disrespect??

Nah, my grandpa just didn't like women to wear make-up. It was a quirk of his I suppose. My dad doesn't like lipstick, all other make-up is fine, he just hates lipstick. Maybe it's a generational thing too.... My grandpa was in his 70's when he passed away 2 years ago this Christmas. That probably has something to do with it.