My top 10 rules for foolproof family dinners {issue 52}

Plus, the 13 best Trader Joe's frozen groceries for kids.

September 30, 2021 No. 52 My question for you: Are the Halloween decorations up yet? We are leaning full-force into fall, with a jaunt to the local apple orchard (ate our weight in Pixie Crisps) and bucket list items to check off (drive-in theater! pumpkin picking! spooky movies!). Hoping for heaps of fall fun in your family's future too. — Thao      My Top 10 Rules for Foolproof Family Dinners This week, I'm dropping off my youngest at college, which means, among other things, family dinner in my house, which we've had religiously for fifteen years, and which I've been writing about for over a decade, will now look a lot different.   Instead of focusing on how strange it will be to have only two place settings instead of four, I thought instead I might share a few rules I've collected along the way. read more > cubby ❤️ Hold onto your mouse ears — Society6, one of our very favorite sources for art, has launched three adorable new kid-friendly collections: Minnie/Mickey Mouse, Star Wars, and Pixar. See our favorite picks here.     live     Before and After: A Basic Bookshelf Gets a Smart, Cheap Upgrade It's a quick afternoon project that the kids can even get in on! read more >     Designers Can't Stop Raving About Kid-Friendly Carpet Tiles — Here's Why They're incredibly easy to clean AND they look great. It's a parent's dream! read more > eat     My Kids Love These 3 Veggie-Packed Meals Everyone knows the trick is cheese, crunch, and okay, more cheese. But it works! read more >     The 13 Best Trader Joe's Frozen Groceries for Kids — Plus, Our Very Favorite! Stock up on these kid-approved freezer items to stretch out your shopping trips. read more > play     The $15 Gadget That Finally Got My Bedtime-Avoiding Daughter to Sleep We tried everything ... but this inexpensive Amazon find was the secret to peaceful slumber. read more >     Three Unexpected Ways to Use a Babysitter As parents, we're much too tired for date nights — so we got creative for some necessary R&R. read more > cubby finds: cute caddies wooden rose house metal storage Elin toolbox ask maxwell My best friend is having twins — wahoo! What is the best gift for new twin parents?? A nap?! — Annie  Dear Annie,   I would say TWO naps! :)   But seriously, I think that families that have twins probably have an amazing time — hair-raising, for sure — but amazing. I have a number of friends with twins and they are all very happy, BUT the root of your question seems to be what might be a good gift that MIGHT make everyone feel a little calmer about the big day that's about to arrive. I get it. It's GOT to calm twin-xiety.  read more > Maxwell Ryan is a father and was an elementary school teacher in NYC before founding Apartment Therapy. He'd love to answer your question: askmaxwell@cubbyathome.com ( trust us ) Well, OK then Unsubscribe or Manage Your Preferences  View this email in your browser  Apartment Therapy is full of ideas for creating a warm, beautiful, healthy home. If we've inspired you, we may receive a share of purchases made through this email. Apartment Therapy Media 270 Lafayette Street, Suite 1300 New York, NY 10013 ABOUT | CONTACT US | PRIVACY POLICY | TERMS OF USE