A Sunday lunch is a tradition in many families, and for good reason. Everyone slows down, the table fills up, and there is time to talk properly for once. But the cook can end up spending the whole morning in the kitchen and half the afternoon washing up. With a little planning, a family lunch can be warm and unhurried for everyone, including whoever is doing the cooking.
Start by choosing a main dish that mostly looks after itself. A roast, a slow-cooked casserole or a large bake can sit in the oven while you get on with other things. Prepare the vegetables the day before if you can, and keep the pudding simple. The fewer things that need attention at the last moment, the calmer the kitchen will feel when people begin to arrive.
Sharing the work
Ask family members to bring something, and be specific. One person can bring a pudding, another a salad or bread, and a third the drinks. People usually like to contribute, and it takes pressure off you. Children can lay the table, fold napkins or pick flowers for the middle. A job to do makes them feel part of the day rather than guests to be entertained.
Find out beforehand whether anyone has allergies or avoids certain foods, and respect the answer. If someone does not eat meat, make sure there is a proper dish for them rather than just the side dishes. It helps to put small labels by each dish so nobody has to ask. Have soft drinks and something hot ready too, so that everyone has something they can enjoy.
Think about the timing and the table. Give people a drink and a small nibble when they arrive, so that nobody is hungry while the last things are finished. Bring the dishes to the middle of the table so everyone can help themselves and pass things round. Sitting close together helps the conversation, and a long table makes the meal feel like an occasion.
Leave the washing-up until later. Once the meal is over, let people linger over tea or coffee, and tackle the dishes together in a while. Put leftovers in the fridge promptly, and send some home with those who would like them.
