© Shutterstock

Holiday highlights -

Celebrate upcoming holidays early with themed menus. Think "spooky snacks for Halloween," or "Santa’s funfetti snowball cookies" for Christmas.

© Shutterstock

Sunday spotlight -

For this theme, each family member will have their time to shine. Each week, a different family member gets to lead a family activity, choose the theme, or even help cook the meal.

© Shutterstock

Sunday sips -

Add a festive touch to an otherwise normal Sunday dinner by adding a special beverage to the menu. Consider drinks such as sparkling water, homemade lemonade, or watermelon mocktails.

© Shutterstock

Color coordinating -

Choose a vibrant color or colors for inspiration, then use those colors to create a menu and table decoration theme that reflect your chosen hue. Think "red, white, and blue BBQ" or "green goddess garden party."

© Shutterstock

Movie munchies -

Is your family full of film fans? Consider pairing dinner with a newly released movie (or even a classic one). Then, craft snacks, dishes, drinks, etc. that are inspired by the film's theme or setting.

© Shutterstock

Decade delights - Take a walk down memory lane with a themed dinner reflective of a time in history. Think "rockin' '50's milkshakes" or " 2000’s real easy Ramen." Get creative and have fun with it!

© Shutterstock

Mystery menu - Each guest brings a secret ingredient and keeps it a surprise until the big reveal. Then, once all the ingredients are on the table, everyone can use a search engine to brainstorm some creative recipe ideas that combine the mix of ingredients!

© Shutterstock

Potluck power -

A good old family favorite: the potluck. First, assign courses for dishes for each family member to create or bring (they can also sign up). This type of dinner promotes teamwork and culinary exploration.

© Shutterstock

Tabletop fun -

A nice way to foster some family-friendly competition while enjoying some laughs and good times is to host a game night after Sunday dinner.

© Shutterstock

Recipe roulette -

For this tradition, each family member first writes their favorite meal on a card and puts it in a box. Then, a selected individual will pull one card from the box and that’s the meal for tonight!

© Shutterstock

Dinnertime discussion - A lively and interesting stream of conversation will keep weekly dinners something to look forward to. Consider creating a conversation starter jar filled with questions about your week, dreams, or funny anecdotes.

© Shutterstock

Guest stars -

Keep the festivities fresh! Occasionally invite different people in addition to the standard set of family attendees. Think extended family, neighbors, or friends, ultimately expanding your circle and creating new memories.

© Shutterstock

Gratitude gram -

What are you thankful for this week? Today? In general? Each family member can jot down and share one thing they're grateful for. Adding positivity and appreciation is a healthy and heart-warming way to further connect.

© Shutterstock

Time capsule treats - When you look back on a particular Sunday supper, what will you remember? A fun addition is to write and include a small note or tiny token from the evening into a makeshift time capsule, then bury it away and open it again during a future Sunday supper.

© Shutterstock

Sunday strolls -

Family physical activity following a hearty dinner is also a way to connect. After dinner, take a group walk or bike ride, enjoying fresh air and quality time together.

© Shutterstock

Sunday service project - Dinner and volunteering can be a dynamic duo. Families can come together at a local organization or donate meals to those in need, fostering a sense of community and purpose.

© Shutterstock

Family photo fun -

Agree to take a themed or silly family photo each week to document your Sunday supper tradition. A bonus is that you can then create a photo album or collage to look back on or use as a holiday gift for loved ones.

© Shutterstock

Sunday showcase -

Talent show anyone? Each family member has their own talents (hidden or otherwise). Have individuals share talents, hobbies, or projects at the table to help teach everyone that pride in oneself is so important.

© Shutterstock

Sunday stories -

Rotate the role of storyteller, with each person sharing a memory, joke, or interesting fact they learned that week.

© Shutterstock

Sophistication Sundays -

Adding in learning opportunities to your Sunday traditions challenges one another and helps expand young minds. Teach table manners in a fun way, making polite conversation and etiquette central.

© Shutterstock

Health kick dinner -

Teach or reiterate to the family the importance of nutritious and wholesome meals. In your recipes, make sure to incorporate plenty of fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins.

© Shutterstock

Sunday scavenger hunt -

A fun, little pick-me-up at week’s end can leave you smiling and ready for the next one. For this activity, hide clues around the house and/or yard leading to a small treat or activity.

© Shutterstock

Musical menus -

There are many ways to execute this idea. For example, you could create playlists linked to the meal's theme, or make the music the theme itself.

© Shutterstock

Sunday surprise -

Leave a small, personalized gift, note, or both at each person's place setting for them to find and enjoy when they arrive or sit down to eat. It’s a thoughtful and cute way to show family members they’re on your mind.

© Shutterstock

Breakfast for dinner - Get the family together and then have some fun and make the untraditional, traditional! Pancakes, waffles, bacon, and more! Breakfast for dinner is a spin that you have to try.

© Shutterstock

Pizza-building party -

Buy ingredients in advance or have each person be responsible for a part of the pizza. Then, when you’re ready, lay the ingredients on the counter and let each person assemble their own pizza.

© Shutterstock

Soup and sandwich soiree - Cold night? Cozy family get-together? For this themed dinner, pair different soups and sandwiches for a warm and comforting experience.

© Shutterstock

It's family dinner time! -

Whether you enjoy meals with your family every day of the week or only sometimes, making Sunday dinner a tradition can be an exciting idea to incorporate.

Sources: (Michelle’s Party Plan-It) (The Savvy Sparrow) (Everything Zoomer) (Simplify Create Inspire) (Denby) (Myojo)

See also: The future of food: 2024 trends and  innovations shaping the culinary landscape

© Shutterstock