CNY Reunion Dinner...at home and out

[Manfrotto]

I guess it is our responsibility and an opportunity to impart some good traditional value to our children during these occasions. Respecting the elder (拜年 with oranges) teaching them the meaning of it. Having meals together (value the family bonding time), learning to greet the seniors and elder by their actual generational stature. Instead of just greeting all by aunty or uncle. I have junior in the family ( younger cousins) that won’t greet and just reach out their hand for red packet. I would insist that they at least look at me and greet me before handing them.

[schweppes]

tankee:

IMO, having 2 reunion dinners is quite the norm these days.


I'm lucky that the 2 dinners have always been on different days.

Personally, I prefer having steam boat at home. Unfortunately, none of our homes are big enough to house the entire family to have dinner at the same time. Eating out is also quite a challenge, not many restaurants have tables big enough for us, and need to book early to get those tables.

Had steam boat once at my bro's new place for reunion dinner and the heat from the pot burned his new table :yikes: :slapshead: That was the end of steam boat for reunion dinner.

[tankee]

schweppes:

tankee:

IMO, having 2 reunion dinners is quite the norm these days.


I'm lucky that the 2 dinners have always been on different days.

Personally, I prefer having steam boat at home. Unfortunately, none of our homes are big enough to house the entire family to have dinner at the same time. Eating out is also quite a challenge, not many restaurants have tables big enough for us, and need to book early to get those tables.

Had steam boat once at my bro's new place for reunion dinner and the heat from the pot burned his new table :yikes: :slapshead: That was the end of steam boat for reunion dinner.

Traditional charcoal steamboat?

[schweppes]

Not wanting mom to tire herself out from long-drawn cooking, we have always ordered takeaways from Guan Hoe Soon (which offers Peranakan dishes) for reunion dinner. Must place orders at least one month in advanced and dh will collect the food on the day itself.


The food is yummy and there's minimal effort from mom. Less stress for her and she gets to enjoy the evening activities. :love:

[schweppes]

tankee:

schweppes:

[quote=\"tankee\"]IMO, having 2 reunion dinners is quite the norm these days.


I'm lucky that the 2 dinners have always been on different days.

Personally, I prefer having steam boat at home. Unfortunately, none of our homes are big enough to house the entire family to have dinner at the same time. Eating out is also quite a challenge, not many restaurants have tables big enough for us, and need to book early to get those tables.

Had steam boat once at my bro's new place for reunion dinner and the heat from the pot burned his new table :yikes: :slapshead: That was the end of steam boat for reunion dinner.

Traditional charcoal steamboat?[/quote]no lah... those normal electric ones. Mom was horrified and bro was of course :mad: Lucky he kept his cool.

[auntieM]

umm… must be careful with steamboat next time…

Don’t mean to be fussy, but after a few years of fried frozen fish and semi cooked chicken at ILs… really need to change venue this year…

[schweppes]

auntieM:

umm.. must be careful with steamboat next time..

Don't mean to be fussy, but after a few years of fried frozen fish and semi cooked chicken at ILs... really need to change venue this year..

Maybe can casually mention that the family tries something different this year. Show that you are the dutiful and caring DIL :imanangel: and offer to ta bao food for CNY reunion dinner or dine out. Say you do not want to tire and trouble dear MIL :evil:

But if dine out... think everywhere is packed. Also, don't like to feel rushed eating dinner. Most places have 2 sittings and I feel like I'm in a factory production line - must quickly gobble down food as the staff rushes you as the next group of diners are waiting for our table. Don't like that feeling. :mad:

[Belle2011]

I have been to restaurants that have THREE sittings!

[schweppes]

Belle2011:

I have been to restaurants that have THREE sittings!

:yikes: :faint:

[Funz]

Reunion arrangements with PILs usually will involve some frustrations and last minute changes and some drama. This year, DH managed to confirm the date and book dinner at the restaurant early and without any issues. Unfortunately, there will not be any dinner at the restaurant as FIL passed away suddenly. We will have a quiet dinner at home instead.