Family rituals bring connection and teach children gratitude. One lovely tradition is the appreciation plate or plate greeting ritual. It involves choosing a special plate and using it to honour a different family member at each meal. The idea comes from families who have practised it for over 15 years. Here’s how it works and how it can make your dinners more meaningful.
What is the plate greeting ritual?
- Choose a special plate that stands out from your other dishes. This could be a plate with a fun design or a colour no one else uses.
- At each dinner, the plate goes to a different family member until everyone has had a turn.
- Before eating, each person at the table shares one thing they appreciate about the person with the special plate. The honoured person then thanks everyone and, if your family says a blessing, leads the blessing or simply says “thank you”.
- After the meal, some families play a game like “Roses and Thorns,” where everyone shares the best and hardest parts of their day.
Why it works
This ritual diffuses sibling rivalry and turns bad days into good ones by focusing on appreciation. It helps children practise giving and receiving compliments and teaches them to recognise others’ efforts. Having a consistent ritual also anchors family time and makes everyone feel valued.
Tips for starting your own ritual
- Let your children help pick or decorate the special plate.
- Encourage specific compliments: “I appreciate how you helped set the table,” rather than general praise.
- Keep the ritual positive; if children struggle to come up with something, prompt them with ideas.
- Adapt it to your beliefs: some families incorporate a prayer or a moment of silence, while others simply say “cheers” or “bon appétit.”
Call to action
The Polite Greetings Toolbox includes printable conversation cards and gratitude prompts to pair with your plate greeting ritual. Using it alongside this tradition can deepen family connections and teach children to greet one another warmly.
