Every parent knows, getting everyone to the dinner table is half the battle. Author and family mealtime expert Miriam Weinstein has some great pointers to make dinner time a special event.

- Mark dinner on your calendar and let your family know it is an important commitment.

- Clear the table of homework, bills, projects, etc. and make sure there are enough chairs for everyone. Eat facing each other.

- Say no to distractions. Turn off the TV. Don’t answer the phone. Declare this time interruption-free.

- Say yes to each other. Make this a time for family. Let your family know that they are expected to show up, and that they are expected to eat together.

- Set the tone. Take pleasure in each other’s company. Give everyone a chance to talk, and then listen respectfully.

- Keep it light, keep it fun. Save the lectures for another time.

- Make the food yummy and nutritious. Offer tasty dishes, and let people choose how much and whether they will eat. Remember that it can take many tries before someone enjoys a new food. Don’t be too quick to prepare individual dishes; that only encourages saying no to the main meal.