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Petit Porcini

You don’t need new recipes. You need this.

Published about 2 months ago • 1 min read

If there’s no joy around the food, there’s no point.

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I’ve been sharing recipes with you these past few Thursdays, comforting ones, cozy ones, the kind that make you want to slow down and eat together.

But today, I want to pause the cooking for a second. Because what’s the point of good food if there’s no joy around it?
We all have those evenings when dinner feels like another task.

The table is set, the meal is fine, but the feeling, the connection, is missing. So today, instead of a recipe, I want to share three small French-inspired reminders to bring joy back into your mealtimes.

1. You don’t need the fanciest dinner for the best evening.

The most memorable meals are rarely the ones we planned for weeks, they’re the impromptu ones. The last-minute pasta when friends dropped by, or the soup night that turned into laughter. Stop waiting for “special.” Just sit, eat, talk, CONNECT. That’s what makes it special.

2. Be organized… just enough.

A bit of structure makes space for ease. I talk about this often on Instagram, how being organized isn’t about control, it’s about freeing mental space so you can actually enjoy the moment. Find the system that works for your family. There’s no perfect one (no cookie cutter), just one that fits your rhythm.

3. Create little rituals.

Small habits bring everyone into the moment. A tablecloth. Real napkins. Saying “bon appétit.” Maybe your older child sets the table, your younger one clears it, and your partner loads the dishwasher. Suddenly, dinner isn’t just about eating and a chore, it’s about being together and teaming up.

Because truly, it’s wonderful to have great recipes and inspiration. But if there’s no joy around it, what's the point?

A deeper reset…

This is exactly what I teach inside The Table Reset, how to rebuild calm, connected mealtimes, one habit at a time. If you’ve been missing that spark at your table, come take a look.

Your Turn...

If this resonates with you, I’d love to hear it. Hit reply and tell me, how do you bring joy back to your table?

And if you haven’t yet, come visit me on Instagram. You’ll find simple ideas there, from taking breaks, to meal organization systems, to little rituals that make everyday food feel like a French family dinner.

Mél

Petit Porcini

Mél

Come hang out in my French kitchen abroad!

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