Adorable ideas to get everyone excited about eating dinner! These fun dinner ideas for families are 100 percent tried and true favorites for my crew of six. And best of all, most of them are simple enough to pull off any night of the week to serve with some lovely Patterned Dinnerware.

Fun dinner ideas for families

1. Put a picnic table outside. So simple, such a win. We set up a basic picnic table in a shady spot outside. This thing gets used over and over every spring, summer and fall–and feels like an adventure every time.
2. Serve dinner on a stick. From steak to mushrooms, use the combination of protein and plants you like. Our favorite will always be Pork & Pineapple Skewers.
3. Make it miniature. Lasagna Cups are just like regular lasagna…except you hold these in your hands! Or serve your family’s favorite pasta bake* in an oversized muffin pan, flip the finished product and add a super simple flag: Castle Mini-Casseroles! (*We’re fans of Quinoa Enchilada Casserole and Italian Casserole with Zucchini, Rice & Sausage.)
4. Picnic night. On warm evenings, I love loading up the red wagon we have George for his first birthday with melamine dishes and a utensil caddy that’s made to move. Pack a blanket and get ready for excited kids! 
5. DIY dinner. From Make-Your-Own Pizza to Make-Your-Own Sandwich Night and even DIY Waffle Bar (the ultimate breakfast for dinner!) everyone digs customizing their own dish.
6. Get the kids cooking. Not all the time, but when you REALLY want to get kids interested in a meal, let them pick the recipe and make the whole thing. Every Sunday one of our kids gets to be the cook and every Sunday, dinner is a hit. Here are the biggest crowd pleasers so far: Instant Pot One-Pot Spaghetti with Meat Sauce, Magical Mac & Cheese (with Cauliflower and Sweet Potatoes) and Sauteed Kale with Bacon & Cranberries.
7. Just add color. Try a Dr. Seuss move and give your baked macaroni and cheese a new hue: Very Green Baked Macaroni & Cheese!
8. Put it in a Pocket. There’s something so festive about a hand-held dinner, especially when the inside’s a mystery. Our favorites are Turkey Pesto Meatball Pockets, Cheeseburger Hand Pies and Taco Pop Tarts. 

Want more ideas for families?

• 10 Ways to Get Kids to Eat Healthier Food
• 12 Pictures of What 5 Servings of Fruit & Veggies a Day Looks Like for Kids
• Tired of Kids Complaining about Food? Try these Tips from a Mom of 4