As with planning, putting the burden of cooking on one person can dampen that person's enthusiasm for the meal ritual. Some adults share the meal preparation and involve the children more actively as they become older. Even very young children can help set the table. Even if you don't have a separate dining room, you can create ritual space in the kitchen using candles and music. Turn the television off if family connection is the goal, and take newspapers, bills, and lunch boxes off the table.
Predictability increases the likelihood of a smooth transition to the meal.
This does not necessarily mean the same time every night, if schedules don't permit. But it knowing in advance each day when you will be eating that evening. Generally, people manage to get home for high-priority family events, and if family meals are put in that category, family members will generally get home on time. Once again, Intentional Families find a balance between individual and family needs. Some families routinely start their meals on a negative note when the parents have to call repeatedly to the children to come to dinner, the last call often as a threat.