When our son was born, we set out with a rule that from then on all dinners would happen at the dining room table… with the exception of pizza. Pizza is just meant to be eaten in front of the TV. We intended to use the time for conversation, but when your day to day lives take on a routine it can start to feel like the movie Groundhog Day. Talking about the same coworkers and same daily tasks can begin to get feel a bit maddening!

So I went out in search of fun, unique, and thought-provoking questions to get the conversation started at dinner. These can also work for dinner parties or as a way to break the ice with a group of new friends.

~

Asking about childhood and early adulthood can be a great way to get to know your spouse or dinner guests on a deeper level. These could be adapted for children as well.

• What was your favorite toy when you were a kid?
• What is one thing you miss about being a kid?
• If you could have chosen your own name, what would it be?
• What is the craziest thing you’ve ever done?

Money and riches are a common ground topic. It can be a great way to learn more about a person’s hopes and dreams.

• What would you do if you won the lottery?
• If I gave you $10 to spend on just you, what would you buy?
• If you could go on an all expenses paid trip anywhere in the world, where would it be and why?
• If you had three wishes, what would they be?

“What if?” questions are much like money questions. They give us a chance to dream a bit and learn a lot more about others.

• If you were invisible, where would you go?
• If you could be a photographer for National Geographic, what area of the world would you most like to photograph?
• If you had to teach a class for a day, what subject would you choose?
• Describe your perfect day.

“Either/ or” and “Would you rather” questions can be fun and create a great dialogue between differing opinions. Just keep it light… you don’t want your dinner to turn into a fist fight!

• Cats or dogs? Why?
• Would you rather be really hairy or completely bald?
• Would you rather go without the internet or a car for a month?

What are your favorite ice-breaker conversation starters?

~Tonya – Tyrneathem

Tonya is a stay-at-home mom to a precocious two-year-old son that takes every opportunity to steal the spotlight. She’s wife to her romantic knight in mostly-shining armor. They live in Wisconsin in a house ruled by their two crazy cats. Perhaps naming them after goddesses was a bad idea. The family’s obsession with dragons inspired the name of Tonya’s blog… Tyrneathem means “Children of the Dragons.” The cast of characters above are woven through her posts about life, crafts, and whatever else pops into her head.