[carolprudm]

I hope it doesn't happen, I'll protest mightly if it does, but on the off chance that my inlaws show up for a holiday meal what is your family's policy on TV and meals?

I know they will want to eat in front of the TV but we have never done that. Family meals are for family though i will schedule around important games.

Otherwise IMHO they should go to a sports bar.

[Louise]

Your house, your rules, though it probably should be discussed with your SO beforehand so that you present a united front.

I think you're right, by the way, though it used to anger me to no end when Mom would announce that dinner was ready, two minutes before the running of the Kentucky Derby.

[Bacardi1]

I agree with you. All family holiday meals in the past - heck, even recent holiday meals when it's just been my husband & I - are eaten in a nice setting & NOT in front of the tv. Of course, since our house is set up with the kitchen/dining/living room in one big cathedral-ceilinged "great room", I don't have a problem with the tv being on while we're eating. So I guess in my case it's sort of a best of both worlds.

[JanM]

I don't know what is more irritating, showing up for a meal without mentioning it, or watching tv while you eat the meal you just showed up for.

[WoofNWhinny*]

Your house, your rules, though it probably should be discussed with your SO beforehand so that you present a united front.

Agreed.

Then unplug the TV before the guests arrive.

[carolprudm]

Your house, your rules, though it probably should be discussed with your SO beforehand so that you present a united front.

I think you're right, by the way, though it used to anger me to no end when Mom would announce that dinner was ready, two minutes before the running of the Kentucky Derby.

He agrees with me. The last time they had Christmas dinner with us they spent as little time with us as possible. Arriving just as we were sitting down, bolting before desert. Not a problem really

[carasmom]

We have a family member that plays for the Vikings so if the Vikings are playing the TV is on, otherwise no TV during dinner! Oh and my husband played football for UK and bleeds blue so if UK basketball is on he is allowed to watch.

[Coanteen]

No TV during dinner. My family will sometimes have dessert in the downstairs rom with the fireplace, and put on a movie then.

[Hilary]

Well the Kentucky derby lasts at most for 2 minutes. A football game can last for hours. There is a slight difference in the required time away from the meal and company!

(Yes, I'm a little biased)

[MunchingonHay]

At our house most meals are eaten around the table. Only on Sunday when we order pizza can we eat in the living room.