
Image by Marie Vonow
Sometimes I enjoy eating alone. I am likely to be
more mindful of what I am eating. Some people think it is sad or pathetic to eat alone, especially if the lone diner is in a restaurant where others are in couples or groups. Some feel it is not worth making an effort to cook a lovely meal for one at home and going to the bother of setting the table complete with flowers and candles. I disagree.
At home, I sometimes eat with my son or other family, but there are times I eat on my own. I may eat in the kitchen but sometimes I choose to eat alfresco. Wherever I decide to eat, sometimes I put a lace tablecloth on the table, pick a bunch of flowers and light a candle or two. I may even have a glass of wine. It makes the meal more of an occasion and yes, it is definitely worth the effort just for myself.

Courtesy of Pixabay
I find I take more notice of what I am eating when I am solo. I also appreciate my environment more.
Ways to make eating alone at home an 'occasion'
Put a tablecloth on the table. Why do I only have lace tablecloths? Because they don't need ironing. I also think they are pretty.
Eat outside during daylight. Enjoy looking at the plants in the garden. Watch the birds and butterflies.
Eat outside and watch the sun set. Hmmm perhaps I should get up earlier and eat breakfast outside so I can enjoy watching the sun rise one morning.
Eat alfresco when it is dark. Put a candle or two on the table. Alternatively use a solar lantern to light your table. (Make sure you check for any spiders that may have taken up residence while your lantern has been outside in the sunlight charging up.) I have solar lights decorating my back garden and it is lovely to look at them while I eat outside.
Decorate the table with a vase of flowers.
Play your favourite music.
Use a pretty serviette, either fabric or paper, your choice. There are some very pretty paper serviettes available these days.
Although I am sometimes happy to eat alone at home and even make an event out of it, I also enjoy sharing a meal with others.
# Alone
# Enjoy
# Enjoyment
# Solitude